The One Room of Possibility

Here at my writing teachers’ retreat, one never knows what the next assignment will be. We share teaching ideas with one another, we teach to one another, and we learn from one another. Last night we were given the assignment to write a sonnet. The title was “The One Room of Possibility.” That’s not a lot to go on, but what an interesting idea. The responses this morning were varied and vivid and I’m continually impressed by the talent of my fellow teachers.
Sonnets have a strict form, but there is freedom within that form. Sounds like life doesn’t it? Like any writing assignment, I started with invention (coming up with something to say), arrangement (putting my thoughts in order), and elocution (adjusting the rhyme and meter.) In case you’re curious, I’m happy to share my feeble efforts. I don’t think the subject matter will surprise you.

The One Room of Possibility

A pantry shelf of flour, white and wheat

Cold butter, eggs their treasures to uncrack;

Cream and milk and sugar, fine and sweet

Vanilla, cocoa -richest, darkest, black.

Those mentors teach and guide from pages worn

(I hear the voice of Julia chirping “shoulds”)

A recipe, a note, a clipping torn

My cookbooks overflow with unbaked goods

But spatulas and whisks transform the base

Convecting heat and oven’s fire to bake

As magic elevates raw matter’s place

The grocery list becomes a birthday cake.

What joy to see the hungry soul restored-

To taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

-Renee Mathis 2/25/11

Purple Pantry Puzzle

It’s 5:00, I had no idea what to fix for dinner, and Ijust came home from an impromptu trip to Whole Foods. (I know, I know…shopping without a list is dangerous, especially there!) What I thought was in the freezer…wasn’t, so I faced this assortment of ingredients:

Here we have a red onion, red pepper, lemon infused olive oil, jalapeno-cilantro pesto, shrimp, zucchini, and purple potatoes! That’s right, purple as in “this is a lovely match to my cardigan” purple. How did it all come together?

I sauteed the shrimp with the bell pepper, zucchini, and onion. At the end I added the cilantro pesto for a little kick. On the side we have the lovely purple potatoes, sprinkled with lemon olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I added the cilantro because, well, it needed something green on top.
The verdict? The family, bless their adventurous souls, liked it! We all agreed that the potatoes wouldn’t have worked with the standard butter and milk treatment (Play-doh anyone?) but the snazzy lemon oil was just the right touch.
Who says grownups can’t play with their food?

Why You Don’t Want to Read This Blog

Dear Loyal Readers,
Hi Mom!
Yes, you’re right. My little corner of the blogosphere has been sorely neglected. November? I haven’t posted since November? 
Here’s the thing. Every time I think about posting something, I talk myself out of it because there are already others out there who do it better. Then when I go off in search of help for how to do it better myself, I just get discouraged. I’m not seeking to make a million, make a name for myself, or make life better for thousands on the planet. Really, I just like to have a place to journal and share. Ok, “journal” seems a bit pretentious. Remember xanga? (Does anyone still remember xanga?) I went hunting through my archives the other day in search of a recipe and had fun digging through accounts of our past few years. Weddings…graduations…surgeries….Jeopardy! 
In the interest of full disclosure….
*You won’t find me giving away a Kitchenaid mixer every Friday.
*I take terrible pictures. The only camera I have is on the back of my iPhone.
*I’m in favor of faith, family, and friends, but I don’t do politics.
*I’d love to visit with you in the comments, but I can’t promise I’ll follow your blog, link to your cause, or play the game of the week.
*I post sporadically (hello! November?) but without apology.
So that about sums it up. What you see is what you get: a 40-something mom & grandmom, teacher, cook, writer, daughter, and friend with a few things to say and a place to say them.
Love,
Renee

Airborne!

I love writing from pictures. If I need a little inspiration, it's as close as my nearest .jpg. What does this picture tell us?
-Cheerleading matters. I've spent the last 2 months watching a lot of volleyball. (Sports Moms Unite. You know what it's like.) Imagine what life would be like if there were someone cheering us on every time things got tough. Be that person.
-Coaching matters. What a great feeling to see those you love master a skill or achieve a goal. Who and where do you coach? I'll bet you know how to do something that someone else doesn't. Show them!
-Attitude matters. I see this picture and think "I could never do that." There are some things my 47 year old body just can. Not. Do.  Guess what? The Lord has a path marked out for this 16 year old and He has one for you and me as well. Follow Him and find it. Rejoice in the journey!

Hugs,
Renee

Hook ‘Em Horns

You’ve all seen the bumper sticker right? “My Money & My (Son/Daughter) Go to The University of Texas” Although the burnt orange blood skipped my generation, my mom is thrilled to see her grandson carrying on the family tradition. Since I’m a native Texan without an official college affiliation (long story), I’m having fun being a fan.
“Big State U” is a new experience for our family, so far having only experience with kids in Christian liberal arts universities. Kevin has more kids in his dorm than our older 2 had on their entire campus!
I’m happy to report that he is settling in well, keeping his room neat, and studying in the library. He has joined the student organization associated with our church (Reformed University Fellowship or “RUF”) and is going to church. What more could a mom ask for?
Yesterday we paid a visit and got the whole "Horns House” experience in the gym when the women’s volleyball team beat Baylor. I’m not sure when we’ll make a football game, but this game had cheerleaders, the band, and a whole lot of student rowdies! Kevin even gave up his seat in the SOB section (that’s Student Orange Bloods) to sit with the family.
School’s off to a great start, we’re in the midst of volleyball season, and Kristin is about to become our newest driver. That’s what the M’s are up to these days!

Give a Listen: Landfill

My musical horizons can use a little expanding. If you find yourself, as I did, shopping and singing along to the piped in 70’s bubblegum and realizing “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head? Really? Get a life, Renee!” Where to go for help? Kids of course. Actually in this case not only did I get a bona fide musical treat from my kids’ library, but made a new friend in the process. Maryanna Cannon Sokol used to live in Houston and used to go to church with my oldest and his wife. Our paths kept crossing until our whole family – those launched and those still at home – found ourselves attending shows, watching the progress of her first CD, and saying goodbye as she left for New York City. In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that we M’s acknowledged in her liner notes. How cool is that? I always read the notes to see if I know anyone and if you peruse “Landfill”, well there we are!
Thanks to the magic that is the internet, I don’t have to describe each song. You can go here and have a listen. Some general impressions?
“Two” is ripply and skippy….reminds me of sprinklers and popsicles. Many of the songs just have this happy vibe. I can understand them, hum with them, stay happy in Houston traffic with them.
“Pentameter” -  I teach English. How can I not love a song with lyrics like this? “In my head I play around with words and try to rhyme them in some clever phrase. If I spoke in iambic pentameter would you begin to hear me then?”
Maryanna wrote all the words and music. In “real life” she’s a music therapist, musically trained, and the daughter of musical parents. Is this a case of art imitating life? You decide. Her lyrics speak to regret, loss, love, and friendship.
Of course she’s in a class by her musical self, but if you enjoy Ingrid Michaelson, Jenny Owen Youngs, & Regina Spektor, you’ll feel right at home. These are folksy ballads, not whiny protests but thoughtful observations. She knows how to turn a phrase but don’t let the delicate vocals lull you into complacency. Her moons-and-junes-and-ferris wheels come with a double shot of caffeinated commentary.   Listen to how the simple guitar beginning on “Home” gives way to soaring strings and the reminder that change might be hard, but home can be found in the midst of it. 
While Maryanna’s sweet clear soprano doesn’t get tripped up over the high pretty notes, she can also be a little scary-edgy. Life’s not all sprinklers and popsicles you know.

10 Reasons Why Nashvillage Is My Favorite

(No, I am not going to post 10 pictures of the world's cutest grandbaby. But I could...)
Spending last week in TN gave us more opportunities for exploring. Although we didn't see evidence of the flooding, the spirit of the city is cheerful and the people as friendly as ever. I'll post links so you can see for yourself.
1. Chihuly at the Frist. If you think art museums aren't "your thing", then give Mr. C a try. If you hear "glass blowing" and think of unicorns and carousels, then prepare yourself for "mind blowing."

2. Couture at The Frist. (Yes, we had a wonderful day at the museum!) Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga...beautiful clothes and beautiful designs.

3. The Firefly Grille: In Green Hills, near the mall, this is one of those fun and funky places where the chef does a seasonal menu. Out of this world! I had blue corn crusted fried shrimp with a tasso beurre blanc, served over creme fraiche mashed potatoes. The salad featured a basil orange vinaigrette. (I'm headed for the kitchen to see if I can recreate.) Our waiter was a drummer, in town to make it big. How local color is that?

4. Monell's: Ever heard of a "meat and 3"? Monell's is a 3, and 4, and 5, and....  The meals are served family style. You get in, get seated, and the bowls and platters start appearing. No menu and no wait. This is a hungry person's southern food dream!

5. Cupcake Collection. Although Monell's desserts are nothing to complain about, we couldn't pass up this little gem just 2 doors down. Wedding Cake, Sweet Potato, Lemon, Cookies and Cream...these folks know their stuff! The Community Coffee was a nice surprise. Guess where the owners are from?  

6. Local Taco. Sylvan Park is another neighborhood worth exploring! Best Tex-Mex we've found in Nashville. Red AND green salsas, fish tacos, cozy outdoor setting. Great place to relax and enjoy lunch. Recommended: green chile mac and cheese, BBQ tacos with chipotle slaw, fish tacos. The Cuban corn was sold out and I want to go back to try it! 

7. The Willow Tree. Next door to The Local Taco on Murphy Rd. When is the last time a store owner introduced herself, gave you a warm welcome, and made you feel right at home? If I hadn't already exhausted my shopping budget, I would have been in serious trouble with these unique gifts and decor items! Only open for 1 week, Lisa Quinn had to find a new location as a result of the flooding at Opry Mills. If you're in town, pay her a visit! There are items here for all ages: babies -to- grandmas. Katie told Josh "You could buy me anything in this store and I'd be happy." Jewelry, florals, frames, art, you name it... I can't wait to go back! 615-383-5639.

8. The Produce Place. Whether you are in the mood to cook (gorgeous fruits and veggies!) or pack for a picnic (smoked chicken salad...pimiento cheese), this little neighborhood market has something for everyone. From ready-made to raw ingredients, you'll find it tucked away. The fresh samples were a nice touch too! Ever had apple pie flavored popcorn? This place is locavore heaven!

9. Sweet Ce-Ce's Frozen Yogurt. The Franklin location is the girliest, cutest, pinkest and greenest shop I've ever been to. Didn't seem to scare the guys off. What's not to love about a self-serve, self-topped dessert extravaganza? Grab a dish, choose a flavor, and go topping wild!

10. Fido  Um...is it any secret that we love our coffee around here? Yes, I'm a proud gold-card-carrying member of a certain worldwide coffee chain, but sometimes local is better. Way better. Coffee plus dessert (we had a raspberry cayenne layer cake. To die for!) plus lunch (fig-feta-shrimp-bacon pizza. Wow.) plus a fun, hip, college crowd. When it comes to Fido... Sit. Stay.


How did I get to 10 already? I may have to do Nashville - part 2!