tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50475600415372787282024-03-13T07:39:43.607-07:00peach plum pear
touch, taste, create, know, worship.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-35339855754632069312014-03-25T09:39:00.001-07:002014-03-25T09:40:05.843-07:00A Response to Cultivating FriendshipsInspired by the blog article this morning on the Art of Simple about cultivating friendships and the perfect timing of the need in my own life, I thought about this example:
I want to take the time to cultivate a garden.
But the thing about gardens is that they are not self seeding, self weeding or even self harvesting.
The work has to be done every season and sometimes weekly & Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-34721360959851598172014-03-20T12:05:00.003-07:002014-03-20T18:08:26.856-07:00"something is not right"
Sometimes the mind is so foggy. The brain so dense. All that matters is the immediate.
the dishes. the pleas. the schoolwork. the laundry. the bills. dear neighbor knocking at the door.
When all that matters is the immediate, the future becomes a mere response to the present. Sound too philosophical? Let me explain.
I thought this season with my husband home would be easier, lighter. In Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-89417957609272365002013-10-27T16:15:00.002-07:002013-10-27T16:16:07.597-07:00a perfect fall day
Our fall welcome home party went off without a hitch, (despite the fact we were probably over capacity in every room of the house!) and we were blessed with joyful fellowship and laughter. Some of the images from the event follow. The menu turned out to be perfect for an oversized crowd... We didn't get an official head count but are thinking at lease seventy people came and went over Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-23251456505008360322013-09-05T15:37:00.002-07:002013-09-05T16:46:14.392-07:00eucharisteo in MolassesSlow like molasses...
Time moves slow like molasses. Or should I say I feel like I am moving in
molasses amidst a spinning whirlwind. I am not sure exactly why this is
happening. All right, maybe I can give one reason time seems like a fickle
mistress. My husband of ten years will return to our home and our little lives
after being gone for almost 2 ½ long
years.
I Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-20279510992879546412013-08-16T13:10:00.001-07:002013-08-16T13:10:26.986-07:00weep with those who weep
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
-Romans 12:15-18 ESV
For some reason I can't explain, my heart is palpably pierced by the situation in Egypt. Of course one should be moved and saddened by the news, I am not questioning my emotions to that degree. But why the passion rises up like violent wave inside, leaving me breathless, brimming over with a Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-62032012848184523062013-07-23T08:49:00.000-07:002013-07-23T08:49:04.021-07:00This ain't no drive-thru religion
Feast: A four-course succulent meal. Complete with: a fork(salad and dinner), spoon, knife, napkin, bread plate, water glass, wine glass, dinner plate and of course- an appetite.
Snack: A nibble here or there of granola bar, bites of this or that, enough to eat and run.
Dear Jesus,Do I feast on you like a satisfying meal giving me strength and satiety?orDo I take nibbles of your Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-4025923376256974122013-07-18T10:46:00.003-07:002013-07-18T10:47:31.910-07:00But we have hope.
But
we have hope.
All
throughout God’s Word, we hear the resonant sound of hope being rung. Overall,
this Hope that much of the New Testament (namely Paul’s writings) refers to is
something that we will see not here on Earth, but once we are resurrected with
Christ.
“the faith and love that spring from the
hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-19203421636099679922013-05-01T10:14:00.000-07:002013-05-01T10:17:49.914-07:00Happy Muffins<!--[if gte mso 9]>
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-84765251271055981442013-04-14T08:21:00.002-07:002013-04-14T08:21:52.663-07:00Atlantic Beach Pie
Saw this posted on NPR's Found Recipes this morning and my mouth is watering. Will make this for our next community group dinner. YUM. (wonder what would happen if I added a small amount of cream cheese to the filling? hmmm...)
Recipe: Bill Smith's Atlantic Beach Pie
This is a newer version of a pie that is commonly served at seafood restaurants on the North Carolina coast. Chef Bill Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-87179726692292453912013-03-20T09:52:00.000-07:002013-03-20T09:52:13.926-07:00rivers and roads till i reach youWARNING:
entirely melancholy indulgent and sad. do not read if you want lighthearted. you were warned.
excerpt from this morning's journal:
time is a rambling vicious beast. i collect little vessels of time passage. there are tupperwares, vases, milk jugs and ziploc baggies with masking tape dates marked on them in my mind. for example, in the dairy case at the store, i make a mental note that Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-65006949222335482982013-03-05T15:40:00.001-08:002013-03-05T15:40:51.588-08:00mamma said there'd be days like thesehave you ever watched someone else's kids and found yourself to be on your best behavior with them AND your own? suddenly you are creative, patient and even cut up carrot sticks just so. If not, this post might still make sense... even though i didn't tell the whole facebook world today what a good mom i am (just telling the whole blogosphere) i did have the urge to update my status during each Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-42818754497258809372013-02-23T09:41:00.001-08:002013-02-23T10:04:05.578-08:00Power Nachoshey sorry about the lack of post over the winter! (was catching up on important things like my twitter feeds and facebook statuses) but i am back baby!
had to make dinner last night with what was on hand, refusing to thaw anything from the freezer, I utilized fridge components:
baby kale, Mozzarella & Colby cheese, pico de gallo, and (frozen) corn.
Then leaned on the pantry for GF Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-85082881275659070822012-10-27T14:00:00.001-07:002012-10-27T14:00:17.204-07:00Brie & Baked Eggs
if baked in individual ramekins, these could officially be called 'Oeufs en Coccotte'.
this time, i prefered the rustic effect and ease of using a skillet.
baking the eggs gives a ridiculously creamy center yolk while still yielding a crunchy white and perfectly melted Brie.
Heat olive oil in large skillet over med-high heat, crack into hot oil 5-6 farm fresh, organic eggs. When Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-7693000256901766232012-10-22T13:30:00.000-07:002012-10-27T13:32:54.573-07:00Autumne Vert i imagine this in the hand of Zelda Fitzgerald in a Parisian bar...
1 part Pear Brandy muddled with herb(rosemary or chocolate mint)
1 part Sparkling Wine
garnish with rosemary sprig or mint leaf
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-83978392444766221722012-10-08T13:24:00.000-07:002012-10-27T13:25:12.202-07:00
capture that mint (this one is chocolate), basil, cilantro, in jars to use fresh and have at hand
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-41290446908621168402012-10-03T18:00:00.000-07:002012-10-27T13:23:11.037-07:00when in doubt, roast!
this fall, wow 'em with the simple and extraordinary tastes of the unadulturated process of roasting roots. it brings out the sweetness and texture that even little mouths with adore.
what i did:
pressure cooked beets, parsnips, and carrots until fork tender (follow cooking time according to pressure directions) you will have to take out carrots & parsnips before beets.
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-20301148394371188972012-09-25T13:14:00.000-07:002012-10-27T13:14:52.486-07:00veggie tales
what to do with those excessively large zucchinis and bulbous carrots from your garden? sure you could make bread or cakes, but you could also make.... PUPPETS!
Pirate Captian and his creator
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-39797661208524931472012-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:002012-10-27T13:10:51.943-07:00bounty
ok, i know your kitchen counters probably looked like this too, but i couldn't resist capturing their beauty. with the late dry sun, for once, our normally wet climate allowed the tomatoes to ripen. favorite tomato varieties? Black Krim (a gift from my dad), Cherokee Purple and Sweet 100. Yours?
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-35138967036401099462012-09-05T12:52:00.000-07:002012-10-27T14:04:42.201-07:00it's only temporary
This weekend I had the privilege of stumbling upon the temporary installation of Bob Seng and Lisa Hein's colorful piece in the shadow of the Space Needle. Upon further inspection you see that the translucent "glass" is actually household Jello. The plaster/concrete framework is built, then pre-formed "bricks" of fragrant blueberry, raspberry, grape, orange and other flavors are inserted Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-86305680850636289172012-08-31T12:22:00.000-07:002013-03-20T10:28:02.385-07:00dressing a field grouse
it is a special thing you can teach your kids: to live off the land. not only is it a survival skill to be able to fend for one's self, it more importantly (and probably more realistically) teaches children the respect for the life they are about to consume. while I am not all obsessed and eccentric when it comes to "respecting" the food, I do believe there is a serious epidemic of ignorance Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-8769514151841359512012-08-21T16:00:00.000-07:002012-10-27T12:56:30.317-07:00better butter
i challenge you:
trying "churning" your own butter at least once. rewards for your hard work?
stronger forearms. rich golden, creamy butter. buttermilk! and the street cred for having made your own.
it's easiest to simply place cream in lidded jar and... shake! after a few minutes, you will start to hear a thunk against the sides as the buttermilk separates from the butter. give a Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-83557360627918773732012-08-09T13:00:00.000-07:002012-10-27T12:57:21.222-07:00it's all you, grill
On one of the rare hot days in the Pacific Northwest, it's a welcome relief to not have to turn on any heating elements in the kitchen. So we take our food (and our piña coladas) outdoors.
The Menu?
salt & pepper potato 'chips'
Cilantro Lime Halibut
grilled Romaine Heart with pecans, cranberries and creamy balsamic
pineapple skewers
Directions:
take a few potatoes, Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-24836881994414143512012-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:002012-10-27T12:57:42.784-07:00Berry Rhubarb Hand Pies
Make Pate Brisee and add fresh rosemary
Mix strawberries & raspberries with 1/4c cornstarch&flour mixture, 1tsp salt, 5tbsp sugar. Roll out dough. Cut into squares with pastry cutter, fill center with mixture, fold over and crimp with fork. Brush with egg wash and sanding sugar. Bake @ 375 until golden.
Enjoy summer's goodness!
( I actually made these to sell at our family's Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-30932022274907530282012-06-10T11:03:00.000-07:002012-10-27T12:58:42.149-07:00bakery noveau in west seattle
Bakery Noveau
While their acclaim is widely known via Sunset Magazine, Seattle Magazine, and many more, their delicacies still wow me every time I enter through their narrow doors. There is such an offering of goodies for your eyes to feast on; from pastel colored Macarons, an array of savory & succulent sandwiches, little cakes and tarts fit for a queen or Alice in WonderlandAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0bakery noveau, seattle, wa47.569113758667143 -122.3410034179687547.397733258667145 -122.65686041796874 47.740494258667141 -122.02514641796876tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047560041537278728.post-48118912517839885432012-05-14T11:22:00.000-07:002012-10-27T12:59:22.393-07:00new flock
after losing the last flock of chickens to raccoons (those fat, greedy & murderous thieves) we have purchased some heritage breeds including Lavender Orpingtons, White Jersey Giants, Wyandotte, Sussex and Lakenvelder. I love them!
Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669299322676402857noreply@blogger.com0