Super color burst times twenty and why I am thankful for it…

“If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that would be sufficient.” 
~ Meister Johann Eckhardt

 
In the general scheme of things I have so many things to be thankful for…but sometimes (oftentimes) with the business of life and distractions it is difficult to remember this. This week, for example, has been trying. Like much of the country we have been gripped with an intense heatwave. I do not have air conditioning in my house nor do I at work…the kitchen has been incredibly hot. At times I found myself speaking in single syllables to conserve energy (no joke). But still–when I consciously think about it–I am thankful for the job that I have…that I am good at what I do and still find it interesting and engaging. Another example (of how everything is really awesome but sometimes I don’t really see it) is represented in these photos. I’ve been having issues with my camera lens this past week and it’s likely I need to purchase another when I am already strapped for cash (if anyone has had this problem with their lens I would love to hear your comments), so I brought the camera to work with me as I often do with the intention of taking some test-shots on my lunch break. The garden where I work is incredible, it really is, and that alone is something to be thankful for. And as I took these photos sometimes the lens operated correctly and sometimes it didn’t. I was frustrated and really hot–sweat dripping from me in the noonday sun–as I stalked the garden in my chef’s uniform. But because of the malfunctioning lens it forced me to concentrate on what I saw through it. And what I saw was nothing short of pure unadulterated beauty. And for that I am truly thankful. As for the lens…it does seem to be on it’s way out (these were the better photos, many were blurry). I’ll get a new one eventually, somehow. But as I walked back to the sweltering kitchen I had the sense–as I do now typing these words–that everything will be fine, that I have much to be thankful for. And that feeling alone is enough to give thanks.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (ta-da…#500 & #501)…and a brief comment.

 #500 (top photo)…A case of wine, a gym bag containing wet clothes, and a camera and acamera bag with an extra lens.
#501 (bottom photo)…A large box of food on its way to a local food pantry.
So as the big demi-mille approached I thought that I would wait and post something really substantial, something “really important.” I of course–like most cargo cyclists–have carried really substantial things…that is the really fun part; it’s not always the destination but the journey itself. And as I thought about this I also realized that while I was about to post #500 (and yes, I’ve been using the numeric symbol # for this series long before it was known as a hashtag), I also thought about the countless things I carry on these bikes everyday that do not get posted…things that I carry with me throughout my daily life, things that I would likely carry in a car (if I had one) but carry on bikes instead. These two bikes, have in fact, enabled me to go car-free. Anyhow, these two photos were taken 12 hours apart; the above one in the evening and the below one the following morning. It’s just another way a person can get around, transport themselves, and carry whatever they need. And I am really thankful that I have this option.
 
To see more in this series, click here.

Urban Simplicity.

The real heros in the world…

In the midst of the chaos, violence, self-indulgence, and celebrity-ism in which we sometimes find ourselves today, this man–Narayanan Krishnan–is really inspiring. In a way, he makes me think of a modern day Good Samaritan but on a larger scale (though he did start this journey by helping just one single man). He is a chef who not only came from privilege but was also on a promising career track, but he gave it up to feed and care for the homeless and less fortunate (much less fortunate). Watch all the nonsensical “celebrity chef” shows you want but this man is a real hero. I can only hope and pray to someday have even a fraction of his courage to do what he is doing. The above clip is a mere 2 minutes and 20 seconds long; it is a snapshot of his journey. I really hope you watch it. For a longer version watch the below clip which is about 14 minutes. Inspiring…really, really moving and inspiring. Click here to visit his organization, Akshaya.


Urban Simplicity.

The Sun Also Sets…

It has been so hot and humid these past few days. Last evening I rode down to the waterfront with hopes of some relief (some, but not much), but the sunset I encountered was nothing short of stunning. I took dozens of photos and thought I’d share a couple. The top is of Buffalo Harbor looking southeast over Lake Erie, and the bottom is looking northwest over the Niagara River with Canada in the background. Click either for a slightly larger image.

Urban Simplicity.

Ice Ice Baby

 

“Ice is back with my brand new invention.”
Vanilla Ice
So I’m not sure what part of the world you are viewing this from, or what your local weather is, but the forecast for Western New York is–as it has been and will continue to be for some time–is hot and humid. Thus, these recipes seem appropriate. They are of course really delicious, but they are also exceedingly easy to make…just a few ingredients, minimal steps, and you can make them in your own home freezer. These recipes are part of an article I recently wrote for Artvoice. To view the entire article, with additional recipes and info and lore, click here. I hope you try these because they are so good and so easy to prepare. In the meantime…stay cool.

Sangria Granita
Makes about 5 cups
3 cups water
2 cups red wine
1 cup sugar
2 slices lemon
2 slices orange
2 slices lime
1 cinnamon stick
Combine all of the ingredients in a small sauce pot and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook for a minute or two. Remove the pot from the heat and let stand at room temperature for about five minutes. Strain into a a shallow pan and freeze, stirring as necessary. If it freezes too solid, remove it from the freezer and allow it to warm for a few minutes at room temperature. Then break it into pieces and spin if in a food processor for a few seconds and re-freeze it.
 
Orange-Rosemary Sorbet
Makes about 6 cups
3 cups water
1 cup sugar
3 cups orange juice
t tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
Combine the water and sugar in a small sauce pot and bring to a boil; simmer for a minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, orange rind, and rosemary. Allow to stand at room temperature for about five or ten minutes. Transfer to a shallow pan and freeze, stirring as necessary. If it freezes too solid, remove it from the freezer and allow it to warm for a few minutes at room temperature. Then break it into pieces and spin if in a food processor for a few seconds and re-freeze it.

Chasing light…a few things I saw while riding my bike this evening

I can’t remember which book it was by Ernest Hemingway–either The Sun also Rises or A Moveable Feast–where he was sitting in a cafe enjoying the evening, then looked at a companion for a few minutes, and when he looked up again he said everything had changed (I’m totally paraphrasing, of course), that the light had changed and that he had “missed it.” That magical moment when the light changes from day to night but there is still light in the sky just after the sun sets. The Blue Hour, that’s what it is called, and rightly so. There is about a 20 minute window in which to capture this natural light, and depending on the time of the year it of course changes. There are times–like tonight, for example–when I find myself pedaling like a madman trying to get to my destination for this light. I had stopped for a couple beers on this lovely evening and had a camera with me. And as I sat there at the bar sipping my beer the light shifted and rested on the buildings across the street. It looked beautiful, I thought to myself..and if I wanted to capture it I had to do so now. So that’s what I did. I drank the remaining beer in my glass in one quick chug and headed off. And it’s interesting–being on a bike and taking photos–because the entire thing just seems so fluid to me…sort of an extension of myself. Organic in the true sense of the word. I had a rather stressful day facing the stove today but doing this relaxes me; it’s almost meditative. Anyhow, if you are from Western New York you’ll likely recognize these locations, but if not they are from top to bottom…Albright Knox Art Gallery, Hoyt Lake at Delaware Park, Karpeles Manuscript Museum, and the Richardson Towers. All of these were shot within a half-hour time frame; click for a larger view. To see others similar to this click here or here.

Urban Simplicity.

And now for something a little different…

Okay. So you know by now that I like bicycles. A lot. I believe they are one of our most efficient machines, if not the most efficient. But, well..I don’t think I really want to leave the ground on one. Interestingly, the original plane at Kitty Hawk took flight using bicycle parts, and the Wright brothers were bicycle mechanics prior to building their plane. Anyhow, I recently came across this on Treehugger and thought it was interesting enough to share. Their actual site is located here, and their kickstarter page is located here. Take a look at the short video below. I’d be interested in hearing what others thought…could you take off on this thing?

Urban Simplicity.

Rice-and-beans (#1); a few thoughts on a very humble dish…

Rice-and-beans (yum!)…what is not to like about this dish. It’s simple to make, it is made using one single pot, it is really inexpensive to produce even large quantities, variations are seemingly endless, and it is really good for you…some say it carries complete nutrition (this is an interesting but brief article at NPR). For many peoples around the globe this is a mainstay in their diet. Indeed, for a brief period way back in the mid-1980’s I pretty much survived on a 99¢ red beans-and-rice lunch special while living a vagabond life in New Orleans. Rice and beans also fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet, which I love and have pretty much eaten for years without trying. Rice dishes and pasta dishes are the two main dishes that I eat at home. And over the years I’ve slowly migrated to using whole wheat pasta and brown rice in the recipes, which of course tastes just as good but are so much better for you. Anyhow, because I eat this dish so often–or variations of it–I thought I’d start recording some of the recipes and sharing them. The recipe below is the basic formula for this recipe and the one on which most of my rice pilafs are based. I used canned beans in this particular recipe–which I sometimes do–but to use dried beans simply soak, then cook and drain, a little more than 1/2 cup dried beans, which will yield about the same as a 15 ounce can. The difference between the recipe below and the one pictured is subtle. I added a half teaspoon of turmeric to the recipe (as I do with most my rice recipes because I like the yellow hue and also because turmeric is so good for you). I also added a diced jalapeno, and a handful of chopped parsley and basil that I had growing in my garden. With meat or without (or even with seafood) this recipe is delicious and really good for you. And leftovers taste really good, too…

Brown Rice-and-Beans
Serves four
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup brown rice
2 ½ cups broth
½ teaspoon salt
1 (15 oz.) can beans, rinsed
Heat the oil in a small sauce pot. Add the onion and sauté for a few minutes, then add the garlic and cook it for another minute or two. Stir in the rice, then the broth and salt. Bring to a boil then lower to a slow simmer. Cover the pot and simmer simmer the rice for about 30 minutes. Add the beans (just lay them on top of the rice; do not stir at this point). If it looks as if too much liquid has evaporated add more. Cover the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat—leaving it covered—and allow it to rest for another 5 minutes or so. Remove the lid and gently fold in the beans.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#499)

A cardboard box (wrapped in in plastic because of the rain) containing two extra large loaves of freshly baked 100% whole wheat bread (click here for recipes). An empty dough rising bucket, and a canvas bags containing–among other things–a few books and a journal.

Urban Simplicity.

Pug Pic!

Okay. So first I have to apologize if you are not a dog lover. I hope these photos don’t bore you. But sometimes–every so often–I can’t help myself. These little guys not only keep me company but also amuse me. I’ve posted pics of them before but not in a while. That’s Maxwell above (who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders) and Franklin below (happy-go-lucky). And no, the two bottom photos are not one-in-the-same…I was playing with depth of field. They are focused differently (again, for my own amusement…and isn’t that what one’s personal blog is really about). Anyhow, click any image for a larger view.

Urban Simplicity.

A Few Things I Saw While Riding My Bike Today…

I of course do not know what part of the globe you are viewing this page from, but locally today (and yesterday and tomorrow) it was and will be hot and humid…really humid. Even the simplest actions caused incredible perspiration. The reason I mention this is that as the sun began to set I went for a ride to the waterfront with a camera and it felt so good to feel the breeze from first the motion of the bike and then that off the water (I also had a cold beer which wasn’t too bad either). Anyhow, these are all from Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront. I was standing at an interesting point where the Niagara River, Lake Erie, the Buffalo River, and the Erie Canal all meet. In the two sunset photos (above and second from the bottom) Canada in the distance.

Urban Simplicity.

The Art of Carrying Things by Bike…

Well, if you’ve been to this blog before then you know that I really enjoy carrying things by bike. And I realize that I am one of multitudes…the usefulness of bikes seems to finally be catching on (in the States). Anyhow, here’s a brief but incredibly inspiring video.

A few of the things that I’ve carried by bike.

Urban Simplicity.

Onion, Pepper, and Garlic Confit

This is really a play on the classic confit d’ail, or preserved garlic (find that recipe here). It’s a simple recipe that–especially in the case of these peppers–really packs a punch. What it boils down to (yes, the pun was intended) is that you slowly poach the vegetables in olive oil until soft as butter and lightly browned. You can store them in the oil (as was originally intended) as a for of preservation, or you can eat them straight away (as is often the case). You can also incorporate them and the oil into another recipe for a flavor boost. Anyhow, this is really easy to make. For a full description read this post.

Urban Simplicity.

Chicken and Vegetable Ragout with Lebanese Seven (or Eight) Spice Seasoning

Okay, so this is good. Really good. Delicious (if I do say so my self). It’s easy to make (about 30 minutes once the vegetables are cut) and it’s likely pretty healthy, too. It’s a basic braised chicken and vegetable dish with Middle Eastern seasoning. This, like most of the recipes on this blog, is just a suggestion and not carved in stone. I used the ingredients I happened to have at hand; if you have or like other vegetables or meats use them. As far as the seasonings go I love this combination…sweet spices mingling with seared vegetables and meat and then simmered together. Your house will smell amazing while it cooks (if you live in an apartment building neighbors may stop by). I didn’t have any lemon on hand, if I did I may have finished it with that and a bit of parsley. And if for some odd reason it doesn’t all get eaten…leftovers will taste even better.

Chicken and Vegetable Ragout with Lebanese Seven (or Eight) Spice Seasoning


Serves four


4 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 medium potato, washed and diced

1 small onion, diced

1 small carrot, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 tablespoons seven spice mix

1 teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon salt

1 medium eggplant, diced

2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 ½ cups chicken broth


Heat the olive oil in a very large skillet or a medium kettle over high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on both sides, the remove it to a plate. Add the potato and brown it slightly, then remove it to a plate or bowl. Add the onion, carrot, and green pepper. Cook these vegetables for a few minutes—until they begin to brown—stirring and scraping up any bits of crispy chicken that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic first, then the seven spice mix, the turmeric, and finally the salt; cook for just a minute or two. Then stir in the eggplant, tomatoes, and broth. Add the seared chicken and potatoes back to the pan, bring it to a boil then lower it to a low simmer. Cover the pan and simmer the ragout for 20-30 minutes.

 

Lebanese Seven Spice Mix

Makes about ¼ cup


1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon ground allspice

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger


Mix the spices together and store in an airtight container, or use as needed.

Urban Simplicity.

Thoughts on the Perfect Pear, and another quick note

I had this with dinner  this evening. Perfect. Just right. But I’m also fully aware that it is likely from last fall, seeing it is not in season at present. I ate it with a large chopped salad dressed simply with virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and course sea salt. It was truly delicious. Why, I sometimes wonder, do we (I) make such a fuss over food when it’s nearly perfect already. Okay, I’ll stop with the mushy stuff.

But anyhow, I just wanted to mention that I’ll be away from my computer for a few days. I’ll likely post again on the 7th or 8th. Until then…peace.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#498)

$230 (US) in groceries on a rainy rainy day.

Urban Simplicity

Green Green Garden…

So it’s still early in the season but with the humidity and wet spring things are really flourishing. Because of various reasons I’ve cut way back on the amount I’m growing this year, but all of these items are growing in my teeny front yard right next to the sidewalk (pavements to my brothers and sisters across the pond). Growing vegetables is, to me, way  more interesting than growing and cutting grass. The plant above I just put in the ground yesterday; it’s a cousa plant, or white Lebanese zucchini, which was gifted to me by my cousin Joe. It should only be a few weeks (maybe a couple) until I bit into that first tomato in the spot that it grew (I love tomatoes). Anyhow, being the proud gardener I thought I’d share a few photos.

Urban Simplicity.

Five (or seven) Quotes from Ellen DeGeneres

“Who’s to even say what’s normal or average? We’re all different people and we’re allowed to be different from on another. If someone ever says you’re weird, say thank you. And then curtsy. No, don’t curtsy. That might be too weird. Bow. And tip your imaginary hat. That’ll show them.”

“Life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The thing everyone should realize is that the key to happiness is being happy by yourself and for yourself. Happiness comes from within. You have the power to change your own mindset so that all the negative, horrible thoughts that try to invade your psyche are replaced with happy, positive, wonderful thoughts.”

“So be who you really are. Embrace who you are. Literally. Hug yourself. Accept who you are. Unless you’re a serial killer.”

“I was raised very, very strictly with Christian Science. I didn’t have a shot or an aspirin or anything until I was 13 years old. We had to go to church, do testimonies every Wednesday night. I think all religion is based on what happens after this life. You live a certain way so that when you die, things can be good. But why can’t things be good now? Why can’t you understand that you’re in heaven now? That’s how I live. I believe in God. I think that God is everywhere. Every morning I look outside, and I say, “Hi, God.” Because I think that the trees are God. I think that our whole experience is God.”

“Contribute to the world. Help people. Help one person. Help someone cross the street today. Help someone with directions unless you have a terrible sense of direction. Help someone who is trying to help you. Just help. Make an impact. Show someone you care. Say yes instead of no. Say something nice. Smile. Make eye contact. Hug. Kiss. Get naked.”

“I personally like being unique. I like being my own person with my own style and my own opinions and my own toothbrush.”

“Be kind to one another. Bye, bye.”

More Five Quotes.
Urban Simplicity.