sparkler's notes

It smells like fire outside. It's not the comforting smell of campfire or the tummy rumbling smell of neighbors grilling; but the smell of late September and October in Southern California. The scent of sadness, lost homes, and misplaced animals.

Humans have created so much tragedy of our own accord that we are shocked by the ones caused by nature.

Sending my prayers out tonight to all those who have been effected by nature's power and devastion.

I write this here enjoying my Fage Total 2% Authentic Greek yogurt and delightful peach from the farmers market; because this is a pseudo food blog. Hell, if I am going to blog its definitely will involve a lot of food, cooking, drinking, and gardening for said food.

I love blogs. They have made me laugh, cry, think, procrastinate, learn and once again laugh. I read blogs of people I know and love, and I know a lot about people I have never met before. I have been reading blogs for years now. I am card carrying member of Blog-Lurker America. One of my all time favorite blogs that I read regularly just published her first book: Julie & Julia . I plan on hearing her read and signing my copy on her book tour stop at Vromans in Pasadena. I even made sure my book club wasn't scheduled on this night. Yes, writers are my rocks stars.

Now that I have entered this cyber-world of bloggers I have shouldered this sense of burden and responsibility. Where did this come from? Why can’t I rid myself of it? Blogging is supposed to be fun, a hobby, not something to stress over!! Something tells me it’s me. Why can’t I just get over myself and start writing about the fact that part of work day is spent listening to the women at my work complain about their misbehaving teenagers. Or the last time I was at Costco getting gas (an infrequent activity since I drive a Prius) a woman yelled at me?

Promise this gets better. M is going to make me delete this blog if it doesn’t.

I don't make hollandaise sauce at home. It would be dangerous to create such a fattening breakfast at whim. M and I ventured to Basix in West Hollywood for our morning treat. Who knew one could make Eggs Benedict into more lemon-buttery sinfulness than the original? Basix serves it on a homemade croissant. M enjoyed their specialty the Grilled Polenta Florentine with Canadian bacon. Strolling along in our satisfied state we heard "What fun to see a straight couple holding hands" commented in our direction from an older woman. We could only assume she was a local and this was as rare as spotting a parking space in front of Urth cafe.

I think that I am going to use pomegranates as my rebound fruit until I can get over summer tomatoes. Perfect since they are red and sweet; taste and texture won't remind me of tomatoes (this will make the separation easier), yet like tomatoes they can be used in one of my favorites dishes salad.

Must go to farmers market this weekend. Never too soon to start making room in my heart.