Summer Pleasures💚

Today marks the date, seven years ago, that I started this blog.  Happy Birthday, Blog🥳  And thank you!  You’ve given me, and I hope others, little reminders that life can and does provide points of joy, big and small—through precious moments, people, pets, places, creativity, beauty and food.  And thank you, readers, for coming along for the ride.

And so, this time ‘round, I offer some Sun Valley, Idaho discoveries that may spark some inspiration:

First, food 👩‍🍳 Some items from nearby restaurants that might be fun to try creating at home…

    Chilled  Strawberry Soup, garnished with mint

    Stuffed Squash Blossoms, filled with chèvre, beer battered, deep fried, and topped with aioli sauce

    Salmon and Strawberry Salad, served with candied pecans, dried cherries, and goat cheese atop of a bed of summer greens with white balsamic vinagrette

    Mocha from Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee, served with love 🩷

Next, books 📚

     Five Ingredients Mediterranean: Simple Incredible Food by Jamie Oliver.  I love the premise and format of the book.. on the left page, the recipe…on the right, a photo of the finished dish, with five mini-photos below of the five ingredients.  A great book of approachable meal ideas.   My first attempt will be Asparagus Carbonara…I’ll keep you posted!

     Ayudo by Joe Cepeda, a children’s book translated into Spanish (you can do it!).  “Ayudo,” meaning “I help,” is a sweet inspiration for how each of us can be of help in life.

     Birds: Watercolor Workbook by Emily Lex is a book for people who want to learn how to paint birds, such as a chickadee, bluebird, cardinal and more. Straight forward, clear and fun.🐦‍⬛

Finally, music 🎶 

     Time for Three, a remarkable trio of musicians: one who plays violin; another violin and mandolin, and the third the double bass.  And all three do vocals.  They play all kinds of music, from classical to Americana to contemporary compositions such as the one we heard this year “Silicon Hymnal” by Mason Bates.  Talent and exuberance all the way ‘round. One of our favorites of theirs is “Vertigo.” 

And so, dear readers, I am sending you loving summer vibes.  May this season bring sunshine, hope and joy into your lives. ☀️🤞🤗 

                             “Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.”                                                                                                               Emily Dickinson