Musing over Muesli

Morning muesli

Yesterday I found out that art helps us in our emotional growth.

I went to a pow wow of sorts at the local arts center regarding the direction of the Grand.

https://www.thegrandnewulm.com/

The future of art

I found out that some people feel that art is not for them.

Yet throughout the ages, art has been significant in every culture.

I have seen all kinds of art.

To be honest some of it has downright puzzled me. “What’s that?” I sometimes wonder.

As a singer and a songwriter, I don’t always think of music as being an art per se. I think of it as musical storytelling. It’s fun and entertaining.

My music duo, Molly and Sonny Boy

However music is a means of self-expression. It is an art.

My preference is towards the wordy arts.

I like songs and stories and film.

I like accessible art as well.

I like mainly realism and functional arts and crafts.

I like pops of color as well, for dΓ©cor and inspiration.

So now, I will continue musing about art over my muesli this morning.

Good question

A Tantalizing World

Fresh delicious Apple Pie

Everywhere we look, people look for happiness.

They seek it online and in person. They are full of dissatisfaction.

They can’t get very much done because they are distracted.

Life is meant to be fun.

Life is meant to be enjoyed.

Here is a story I never heard of before, but it is the origin of the word tantalize.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalus

If you ever feel like you are missing out on all the fun, you are not alone.

Most people feel that way and that’s why many seek temptations and escape from the drudge of work.

Nevertheless, if you want to be a better person, the key is to plan your work and work your plan. The joys are hidden behind and in between your efforts in the daily service of others.

Yet, you need to also take time for yourself and live with balance and gratitude.

Elephant ears

This pastry is called an elephant ear

Moving to the Midwest I never heard of many different kinds of pastries, in particular, this one.

This is a crispy, crunchy delight bought from our local bakery, the Backerai on Minnesota Street.

I will have it with some delicious French roast coffee.

The day is bleak and rainy, so it’s time for a little food fun.

Right now I’m fixated on going to Boston and seeing all the sights.

I found some fabulous Boston travel videos, in particular, from Expedia.

Here is the one about Boston from Expedia:

I know I probably shouldn’t watch TV and eat and drink, but who doesn’t, right?

Avian Flu Precautions

Squirrels love bird seed too

Today I do not have to go to work.

It’s my day off.

Nevertheless, a woman’s work is never done.

There are always things to do here at home.

According to the news, we are supposed to take down our bird feeders and empty the bird baths for a month.

There is an outbreak of Avian Flu in Minnesota.

So, as much as I would like to stay in bed on my day off, need to get up to safeguard the health of the wild birds , by removing the bird feeders from the backyard this morning, and emptying the bird bath.

I pray that the many variety of wild birds out there will be okay, and won’t be too disappointed with the loss of their regular refreshments.

I know that the chipmunks, rabbits, and squirrels won’t be too happy either with the absence of their free birdseed food.

They try to please

Soy bacon, eggs, pepperjack cheese, fried potatoes and green seedless grapes makes for a low-cost hot delicious breakfast! πŸ˜‹

I am a vegetarian who eats eggs.

There are people who do not understand what it means to be a vegetarian.

They think you eat seafood and chicken.

My husband and I do not eat anything with a face or with a mother.

It’s OK to be a vegetarian at home, but it’s hard if you want to eat out.

I have encountered many people who want to give me lots of meat. Have some steak. Have some chicken. Have some pork. Have some turkey.

But I’m a vegetarian I say.

OK here’s some bread and some carrots

That’s why we eat at home a lot!

Quick, happy food

There are days when you want something nutritious.

Having a rice steamer is awesome, but not necessary.

You can make a big batch of rice and save it in the fridge.

Leftover cooked rice is very versatile.

One of the best tasting meals you can make is vegetable stir fried rice. It’s quick and it’s easy to chop up some onions and zucchini and throw in that rice with some egg. Fried in canola or olive oil it only takes about 10 minutes to enjoy a hot, healthy meal fit for a movie star!

Covered with Sriracha sauce fried rice is great! πŸ‘

Cooking cooperation

Windy, wet and cold weather calls for gut-warming homemade food!

Hubby cooked a big batch of vegetarian chili with many healthy ingredients, and I used the cast iron skillet to bake a big round cornbread. Delicious! πŸ˜‹

The Joy of Snacks

A snack can be anything from meal-like to minute

In America we live in a culture of snacks.

Snacks dominate our day.  We love to eat.

These days there is a trend toward a grab at healthier snacks. Perhaps at the back of our minds we think we will be skinnier if we eat healthier. This outcome may or may not happen, but we remain hopeful.

In olden days, people would eschew snacks for three square meals a day. You wouldn’t want to ruin your appetite, right?

Our appetite is stronger than ever. There are so many tempting snacks.

Even though we strive to eat healthier, the typical snacks are still as popular as ever. French fries, potato chips, chocolate bars, ice cream, donuts, tortilla chips and salsa, soft drinks and cupcakes.

More than 50% of Americans enjoy a cup of coffee everyday instead of tea. We are a nation of coffee drinkers and we like it that way.

Of course, we shouldn’t mention obesity. But the obvious truth is most of us adults are overweight or obese. It’s not like in the movies where most of the women and men are skinny and sexy.

No doubt about it, one of the glories of life, is the often ignored, albeit often indulged in, ubiquitous snacks.

If you plan to visit with a radio DJ or want to see a friend to practice guitar, bagels and cream cheese are always popular. Bring snacks and you’ll be well-loved.

What are some of your favorite snacks? 

Here are ten of mine.

1. Cookies. 

2. Tortilla chips and dip. 

3. Chocolate, preferably Belgian with hazelnuts.

4. Tangerines. 

5. Fresh fruit salad. 

6. Tea and muffins.

7. Coffee and donuts. 

8. Pistachio ice cream. 

9. Cheesecake with Italian cherry sauce. 

10. Black licorice such as that found in a big box of Good and Plenty.

Next time you look in the mirror at your body in your swimsuit, and you bemoan your excess adipose tissue, remember a lot of it was bought and paid for in snacks!