31 March 2010

un jour parfait.

this is the "lamb-iest" march 31st i can remember. it was over 70 degrees and beautifully sunny all day long. i began my summer-sprouting project [freckles, for non-german speakers!] by basking with a book on a blanket in the grass by a great big tree. we made it through the entire month of march without snow! it'll probably show up tomorrow, as a special trick for april fool's day!

i also made my most successful-looking batch of french bread to date! it was the same actual batch as last night's bread, but spent an extra night in the fridge. i made a baguette and an epi! we've been eating fresh bread each night for dinner, along with grilled chicken or salmon and a huge beautiful salad served in my mom's lovely new salad bowl! such perfect summery weather and food.


to make the epi, you form a baguette and let it rise for the allotted time [about 1.5 hours]. then, just before placing the loaves in the oven, you snip the dough with scissors every two inches or so at a 45 degree angle... then adjust the pieces to the right or left, accordingly. and...

 

voila! out comes a beautiful golden brown "wheat stalk."


post-dinner taste update: i tried baking with foil over the loaves for the last several minutes this time.
pros: beautiful golden-brown, not quite so dark as other batches // cons: denser middle, not as fluffy, lacked spectacular taste.

  ciabatta bread is to bake tomorrow!

30 March 2010

golliwog's cakewalk.

here are a few photos of recent adventures.

the crocuses [and tulips] are coming up like mad!













on friday night we attended a free concert of the SPCO at Wooddale Church. they played Schumann and Haydn, one of which had an exquisite cello solo.
i saw my friends michelle and jacque during intermission!




the next day we headed downtown Minneapolis for waffle day at the American Swedish Institute. 
it's a marvelous house. and believe it or not, a mere three people inhabited it. the woodwork inside is phenomenal. 
behind the tree to the left is the solarium - a marvelous use of sunshine - and there's also a turreted carriage house behind.



yesterday [monday] i baked another batch of bread. it was cold-fermented longer than usual; unfortunately i think it froze a little in the fridge. the results were delicious, but somewhat disheartening in looks. it was so pretty... 


..but we let it rise too long. so two mini baguettes, 8 rolls, and an epi [above] all sort of squished together. oh well. live and learn. 

today i baked a couple more baguettes from a batch i mixed up last night. it rose like something on McBroom's farm! 
[if you haven't read those books by Sid Fleischman, you really should.]


i attributed the growth to a different kneading style, and a less frigid fridge shelf. we'll see how it tastes tonight! i'll bake the second half of the dough tomorrow.. if it doesn't overtake the fridge before then!



i also mixed up a batch of ciabatta bread. i'll bake that thursday and friday, and hopefully it's as good as it sounds!






if i ferment it long enough, maybe it'll look like this...?

26 March 2010

hello, beautiful.

i've been making french bread lately from scratch. i use a cold fermentation process. this is the first loaf of my second batch. it came out of the oven about 13 minutes ago. i split this recipe in three fairly equal parts. the other two parts will remain in the fridge until as late as monday. i'm away until tomorrow night, so probably sunday and monday will be my next two attempts. this recipe, while somewhat involved, enables time flexibility for the baker. i made the dough last night, baked one part this morning, and can wait up to four days to finish baking the remaining dough.

last time i was pretty scared about burning it, by merely using the baking time the recipe required. but this time i bit the proverbial bullet, had it in the oven for a total of 27 minutes, and it appears to be light, fluffy, and with a wonderfully crunchy crust.




more pictures to follow soon. i think my next attempt will be ciabatta bread, after this batch is finished, of course!

in the meantime, want to come over for lunch?
xo.


afternote: lunch was really delicious!

25 March 2010

once again inspired.

i just saw this picture on Design*Sponge.
it's by Christina Strutt, from her book At Home With Country.

I LOVE IT.

clean white woodwork: floor, beadboard, trim, ceiling.
bright natural lighting: lots of windows and skylights.
great mixture of old and new.
the unfinished end chairs add so much character.
huge glass vases holding blossoming boughs.
beautiful RED.
an oversized table with an oversized white square plate atop it.
incredible light fixture.
and, if that's not enough, red and white textiles: lovely curtains and a striped pillow.
let's go.

24 March 2010

wish i was here!

old town stockholm
sverige

may 2009.

grey day finds.





23 March 2010

Walden.

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, 
and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. 
I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. 

I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, 
to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, 
and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; 
or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. 
For most men, it appears to me, are in a strange uncertainty about it...

-Henry David Thoreau

20 March 2010

picture study.



i love frequenting design and homemaking blogs. i have a long list in my bookmarks that i scroll through almost daily.
this image was posted on Good Measure, a favorite of mine, and the photo is credited to Anna Kern, via My Scandinavian Retreat.

let me tell you how i love this photo:
1. it's welcoming and friendly! it draws the viewer over the threshold and into a beautiful day
2. it's bright and filled with sunbeams; one can only imagine how much more sunlight is to be enjoyed outside
3. it just looks so swedish- open, airy, simple, comfortable [i love scandinavia!]
4. nothing appears to be brand-new; all is more or less aged, yet very neat and clean, functional, and dearly loved
5. the imperfect contents only serve to endear the viewer to the whole
6. the woodwork is subtle, lovely, and natural; its maker no doubt took great joy in his craft
7. the door, with its fabulous knob, is the perfect yellow, and seems to have been well-used
8. the simple rubber boots bespeak the childish air of curiosity only satisfied by a rousing hop through neighborhood puddles
9. the fresh trimmings of flowers and leaves in simple glass vases are brimming with springtime cheer
10. the long-handled butterfly net perched beside the door beckons the viewer into a grand traipse about the countryside!

what else do you see in this picture?

14 March 2010

create.

just add colour and heart!

13 March 2010

shakespeare.

Last night I finished reading Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. I so enjoyed it! His descriptions of mercy and justice [see my earlier post "Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment"], his Biblical knowledge and references, and his wonderful way with words, along with an exciting plot and interesting characters, had me hooked from the very beginning. I highly recommend it.

Several years ago, I received the complete works of Shakespeare for a Christmas present. I read and quite enjoyed The Tempest... and perhaps I read a bit of The Two Gentlemen of Verona... but soon other things in life seemed to come up, and I eventually put the books away.

Well, lately I've been challenged to take it up again. You know what? Reading Shakespeare really isn't hard. I think that's the drawback most people feel toward him. He write in English, and as an English speaker, I find that I am quite capable of understanding the vast majority of what he writes! And above and beyond that, he is a wonderful poet. I absolutely love rhythm of any kind, whether it be in music or poetry; in fact I prefer it far above mere "rhyme" - yet Shakespeare makes good use of both, of which I am most appreciative. I am curious to know why he chose ten syllables per line to be his general pattern though... anybody know?

Today my mom and I watched an old film version of his The Taming of the Shrew, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. We laughed the whole way through! What a sense of humor that guy had...

I have found, having been so advised by other Shakespeare readers, that it helps to read a summation of the story before you begin reading the original text. Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare is the book that I've been reading; it sums up the plot and characters, infuses many lines from the original text, and gives the reader a good understanding of the plot before commencing a further study of the "genuine article" - namely, Shakespeare himself!

I think I'll probably read The Taming of the Shrew next, since I've just read the Lamb's tale and seen a film adaptation. "Kiss me, Kate" [a common phrase in this story] will certainly be stuck in my head for a while! Petruchio's methods may seem harsh in dealing with his wife, but by the end dear Kate submits a thorough comprehension of a wife's due submission to her husband, in word and deed.

I'm learning from Shakespeare to learn what I can, and enjoy the great humor and artistry, and of course the use of our dear old English.

10 March 2010

forest kindergarten.



I never went to kindergarten.


But I read a really interesting article yesterday on something in Germany called Waldkindergarten. It means "Forest Kindergarten." Basically, it's parent-run, government-endorsed [and partially funded], and the kids get to spend an entire school year outside in the forest. Rain or shine, snow, sleet... like the US Postal Service.


I know a little girl in Germany who goes to one of these schools. She and her parents both love it. I thought of her school the other day, and googled it... and it turns out there are more than 700 of them in Germany, and they're all over Scandinavia and even in Austria. There are only a few in the States, and from what I've read, those sound a little "hippy" and "New Age".... but I still think the general idea is incredible.


It seems really interesting to me that it's such non-traditional education, yet the article [written by a British news source] says that the children who complete a program like this are far ahead of their peers who attend traditional kindergarten. They're also healthier from all the fresh air, know much more about nature, and are much more prepared to begin school after a year outdoors. The only problem parents are finding is that they wish their kids could have more than one year of this type of school! Doesn't this sound like a win-win situation?


I also appreciated the fact that it gets back to kindergarten's roots- a children's garden! I always wondered where that term came from. Kindergarten was spent predominantly outdoors! How fun would that be?


Lately I've been studying some educational methods and ideas called Living Education, written by a lady named Charlotte Mason, who taught poor students in 19th-century England. She used "living books" [classic literature] to teach her students, and spent much time outside doing nature study. Her pupils also spent their free time outside in the fields and forests, exploring and imagining and creating; the children were able to do whatever they liked during their free time, but a teacher was always nearby to answer questions and provide guidance and protection [Of course, during non-free time, the study was directed]. The Waldkindergarten idea sounds pretty similar to her methods of education. Kids get to explore and discover and ask questions as they enjoy the beautiful creation right outside their doorstep! Researchers don't know the long-term effects yet on these students today, but Charlotte Mason's pupils received a very rich and thorough education- it was very much successful.


So, I think I've found the right kindergarten for me! Back to school again... or maybe I'll just start my own Forest Kindergarten for my nephews!

Let me know what you think about this idea. [Especially my German readers: how are these schools received by the general population?]

café d'aprés-midi.

step one: cook delicious espresso on the stove.


step two: foam some nice warm milk.


step three: select two happy mugs [one for you and one for a friend!]


step four: dig up some delicious german chocolate.


step five: serve on a checkered tablecloth, with tulips of course!


bon appetit!


09 March 2010

brennan.

almost one!

08 March 2010

first opening.


now that's what i like to see! 
last week i had a window open on two different days. it was glorious! for a few hours of late afternoon sunlight and fresh air came streaming in, and left with it happiness, heartiness, and the sweetest smell of all: the scent of freshness, of newness, of reawakening life- a scent which we have all smelled and savoured and relished - a new breath of air reminiscent of a season long since past:
a preamble to spring.

06 March 2010

mercy triumphs over judgment.

I've been reading Shakespeare this week. Not much, mind you [although I do intend that fact to quickly change], as I have really only just this week become aware of the great ideas written by this master of the English language and of the human plight.


The portion of Shakespeare I've been thinking upon this week comes from the Merchant of Venice, Act Four, Scene One. It was given to me at a sort of educational training meeting this week; although that description hardly suffices to explain. Perhaps soon I'll divulge more of what was discussed; however for now, I'll stick to Shakespeare.


In this scene, Portia is pleading not for justice on behalf of her friend, but for what triumphs over justice: Mercy.


"...though justice be thy plea, consider this:
That in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea..."

I have heard this word "mitigate," but realized I wasn't quite sure of its entire meaning, which in this case means simply: "to lessen in force or intensity, as wrath, grief, harshness, or pain; moderate; to make less severe." [dictionary.com] 

I've spent a fair amount of time pondering over this plea for mercy, and especially this line, "to mitigate the justice of thy plea." There is of course justice; our God is a just God, as well as a holy God who cannot be in the presence of sin. Justice must be given; sin must bear its consequence. And yet His Word, which I believe to be Truth, states that "Mercy triumphs over judgment." [James 2:13] Romans 11:32, in speaking of the nation of Israel [and really referring to us all], says, "For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all."

The above verse led me to this conclusion: If we have no need of mercy, for what reason ought we receive it? Therefore, God in His knowledge has called us all sinners- it's a blanket statement that is absolute truth. There is not one who has not sinned; we have all fallen short of the glory of God. [Romans 3:23] He calls us all sinners and wants us so desperately to realize that truth; and He goes much further than that: He offers an escape. "That He might have mercy on all." Need we not simply call upon Him in truth and be saved? [Please read Psalm 143:18-19!] We recognize our sin and our need of mercy, we call upon Him, and we are saved. God Himself has made a way to lessen the consequence of our sin, and to fully remove our guilt - He has not merely mitigated His justice; the blood of Jesus bears its full weight.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4:16] Not only through His grace can we become recipients of such abundant mercy, but we can also be used as vessels of mercy unto others. For, how "blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." [Matthew 5:7]

Here is Portia's full speech; I really encourage you to read it and ponder it, and be blessed through this one man Shakespeare's understanding of mercy, which so aptly leads us to the Mercy Seat and Throne of Grace itself. Especially take notice of the "quality of mercy" [which we've received] as opposed to the attributes of justice [which we deserved]. My heart is filled with fresh and sincere gratefulness for the mercy of God through His Son Jesus Christ. May yours be blessed as well.


The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The thronéd monarch better than his crown.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptered sway.
It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings;
It is an attribute to God Himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this:
That in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea,
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

-excerpt from The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

04 March 2010

snow day.

it's been sunny and much warmer lately. the snow is melting [we had a LOT and we still have quite a bit], and the birds are back and beginning to sing again.
  

so today, my brothers and i headed down to the local state park to hike around and take photos. tyler went one direction, and trevor and i went further down the road before exploring.

we walked on a snowmobile trail over a bridge and followed a trail up a hillside. the snow had to be at least 4 feet deep under out feet, but the 'sleds' had packed it down so we could walk or even run on top without sinking in! a few times we got a little snow up our jeans, but then it was only from stepping off the trail.

Bigfoot roams these hills.


  it's almost picnic weather... probably the most sunshine this table has seen in months!

and finally, my favorite picture of the day: snow on the river.

03 March 2010

spco!

after much deliberation, anticipation, and friendly exhortation [from a beloved parent], i have just purchased two seats at the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's Friday morning performances at the Ordway Center.

i am overwhelmed with delight!

Reasons for Such a Purchase:
-i have always adored classical music
-i have seen the SPCO perform many times
-the Ordway is a beautiful venue, in historic downtown St Paul, Minnesota
-the tickets were very affordable
-the thought of being a Season Subscriber to an orchestra has been very prominent in my mind for some while
-the repertoire this season is outstanding! [aka EPIC]

here is a taste of what i have to look forward to!
-MOZART- one of my favorite composers: 2 different concerts!
-Vivaldi's FOUR SEASONS- no explanation necessary.
-guest conductor was the organist at WESTMINSTER ABBEY
-GERMAN BAROQUE!- two Bachs and Telemann!
-Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony
-Leila Josefowicz plays Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky!
-and finally, Hadyn: performed on the oboe and harp!

i'm also dearly hoping to get tickets to the Orchestra's opening night performance:
Mozart's complete opera, Don Giovanni!

i've recently been looking into the Charlotte Mason methods of education and study. before each of these performances, i'd really like to thoroughly study a large portion of the music to be played, and thereby enjoy every last drop of music to the fullest. it's amazing how much more interesting a concert becomes when the music is familiar. oh, it does such good to my soul!

my greatest hesitation in purchasing these tickets was not the price, but the fact that my life is still so transient. i don't know what the next year holds, nor on which continent[s] i'll be living it! should i happen to be away for some or most of these concerts, i'll gladly sell my tickets to interested musical enthusiasts. [if you'd like to be put on my list of potential buyers, let me know] and, should the Lord keep me here in the Midwest, then i'll most happily and heartily attend each and every one.

p.s. - speaking of the SPCO, there's a free concert on Friday, March 26th! if you leave anywhere near the Twin Cities [especially the Eden Prairie area], take advantage of this great opportunity to hear marvelous music for free on a Friday night. 
visit their website to order your tickets today. [i ought to get paid for this..] :)