Warm Wine

Three Way Action

2009-04-06T23:32:00.002-04:00

3WA has been my home on the internet for at least 8 years. It is a place I give and get advice, share recipes, tears, laughs, and one of the truest senses of community I've ever known.

3WA is nearly ten years old, but as membership waxes and wanes, so does subscribership. Are you looking for a literature, funny, caring community to call home? Come and explore, and sign up for benefits like chat, access to the Member's Lounge, and other perks.

Please sign up, so that my community can last another decade.

Origin Poem

2009-04-06T13:30:00.002-04:00

First, the seed grew

inside the eggplant:

moist, dark, potent.

Knifed into light, dried

on the sill,

tucked away a year.

In Spring, into soil,

moist and dark and potent,

life truly began again.

From the inside out,

the seed grew

a whole new world.

(Response to Poetry prompts for April.)

Goons Ply

2009-04-06T01:53:00.002-04:00

It's 2AM. The other night I was up until 3 watching American Masters on Jonestown--fascinating, but not good to sleep after. There's nothing on tonight; I've been watching Jill Scott videos and reading about Blurb.com.

Now I'm listening to the Metatalk podcast. Matt and cortex talk over and ignore jessamyn, to my ear. She sounds exasperated & I totally relate. It aint right.

It was a pretty beautiful day, though, an afternoon of warmth in the midst of a cold, wet thud of a weather pattern.

The Musician and I woke up early enough to catch all of Wait Wait, and then we went to Sweetness7Cafe at Grant and Lafayette, my first visit, though it has been open a few months. They have food now, and a full coffee menu, wood cabinets, tin ceiling, good volume (meaning, quiet in music and vibe) and the feel of a Seattle coffee room. I liked it very much.

I started seeds: Turkish eggplant, cilantro, green onion, broccoli. Wish I had some spinach seeds! I am really looking forward to gardening this summer. My sweet potatoes are going gangbusters, too.

TM went off to see his fanily for an early Easter celebration. I took a hot bath in the hour remaining, read some of the Dylan book, packed an orange and beef stew and the last bit of brownie and some tea and went to work for 6 hours. Tears on the laptop, the girl who saved her paper on the desktop before the thing shut down. It's really not the time to learn what "deep freeze" is and why you should read the message on the screen about saving to the college server right away. (Save early and often, dear ones!)

I am finding it a sad truth that part-time work at several jobs is often more exhausting and less well-paying than one full time job. Which I have long avoided. (I have my reasons, all of them poetic and personal.) I am opening it up the Universe, though. How shall I make a living, a real living; how shall I live?

Yes, yes they do.

I got to play the word "quim" today, too. Hee!

2009-04-01T22:16:00.005-04:00

My Adventures with Book Woman

When I was in college, I bought a Book-Woman (by Kiki) t-shirt (probably at Beyond Words in Northampton--a terrible name for a book store, we all agreed). Everyone said of it: "That's you, all right. Look, the hair, and her diaries..." After some years, the shirt got ruined or old, and went on its way.

When I moved back to Buffalo in 2002, I found a woven blanket of the Book Woman image at Amvets. Book Woman, on the scene again! I loved it. I had it on my couch always until wear and tear and dog busted up enough of the threads that it was no longer suitable to be displayed.

A few days ago, I got a package from my pal in Queens. She had visited me and I think saw my destroyed blanket. She sent me one she had in her closet, in absolutely pristine condition.

***

In It Might as Well Be Spring news

I went to a gorgeous wedding, never wore my coat.

I ordered some red sandals.

Crocuses are up!

Passover, Bonita's night, the premiere of John Bacon's musical take on my poem "This is the Kali Yuga" at SUNY Buffalo, a cousin's wedding, and my 40th birthday. All of these are ahead.

I am burning three candles: yellow, red, green.

Sweet Potatoes Anna

2009-03-11T23:09:00.003-04:00

Sweet Potatoes Anna

Thinly slice 3 or so large, peeled sweet potatoes. You want little rounds. Using a vegetable peeler is not a bad idea. Submerge these in cold water if they start to go black on you too quickly. Melt butter, about half a cup. Brush a little of this on the bottom of a pie pan--springform is best if you've got it. then create a nice spiraling layer of potato on the bottom. Atop this, brush more butter, a little nutmeg, and some freshly grated parmesan. I only use parmagiano reggiano, which is exqusite in this. Salt and pepper, if you like. Then do another layer of potato, and repeat until all ingredients are utilized.

Bake, covered in foil, for 45 minutes in a 425 degree oven, then uncover and bake about a half-hour, or till crusty and delicious looking.

Names

2009-02-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

The Meme

1.YOUR REAL NAME
Celia Marie White

2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle names)
Ann Patrick

3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Amos Charles

4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Whice

5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Purple Camel

6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Marie Kenmore

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Black Cabernet

8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Cete

9.STREET NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Mint Tollhouse

10.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
Mariah Norwood

11. PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on)
Goldie Royal (I love this name)

12.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Celizzle

13.YOUR IRAQI.. NAME:(2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name then last three letters of your last name) [What is the logic of this one??]
Ceeimaiaite

14.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Mariah

15. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy)
Karma Reese

Consumption Update

2009-02-03T16:15:00.002-05:00

Eating

BLT at Ambrosia--excellent!
Cold-warding soup: fire cider, miso, lemon juice, honey, ginger
Mighty Taco chips & cheese

Reading

Son of the Circus- John Irving
The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Neffenegger
Word Comix - Charlie Smith

Watching

Oprah on frugality
Desperate Man Blues

2009-01-20T19:04:00.003-05:00

Inauguration Day

I watched the Inauguration, of course. Truly a glorious day.

Domestic-minded me wondered what they got for lunch.

Seafood stew en croute

Brace of American birds – duck and pheasants on a bed of vegetables: brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots and spinach – and a wild cherry chutney.

Corn muffins baked in a corn husk

Apple cinnamon sponge cake and sweet cream glace

And the kids had:

Hot dogs
Cheeseburgers
Macaroni and cheese
French fries
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Cheese pizza
Chocolate chip cookies
Apple and orange juices

(from here.)

***

I watched the inauguration, remembering the last time I paid attention to one (by marching in a protest against Bush, in San Francisco.)

Then I made In Honor of Obama Onion Soup. It's done with attention, good ingredients, and additions which make it thoroughly delicious and profoundly good for you. It will also warm you after a long walk in the January day.

This recipe is from The Whole Foods Market Cookbook (which is really good, by the way). It's called French Onion Soup for Everyone.

1/8 c olive oil
3 large onions, thinly sliced
1 large portabello mushroom cap, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tbsp fresh
1/4 cup tomato paste (I like less, actually)
1 cup dry red wine
4 cups vegetable stock
1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce
1/8 c dark miso dissolved in 1 cup warm water or vegetable stock
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, saute the onions for at least 3 minutes before stirring. The onions should start to brown before you move them around with a spoon. Continue to cook the onions, stirring occasionally in order for the natural sugar to brown. Cook for 20 minutes (or longer), until the onions are well browned.

Add the mushroom, garlic, thyme, and tomato paste. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, until the tomato paste turns brown.

Add the wine, and scrape the pan bottom, removing all the brown bits that are sticking to it. This is called deglazing. Reduce the wine as you simmer for another 2 minutes. Add the stock, tamari, dissolved miso, and nutritional yeast. Continue to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes longer, season with pepper.

This goes perfectly with homemade croutons.

Listen Up For the Partyin' Feet

2009-01-10T23:11:00.001-05:00

A little dance music for your Saturday night...

Intimate Faves

2009-01-05T23:59:00.001-05:00

Tell me you want to play, and:

1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you which song or movie you remind me of.
3. I'll pick a flavor of jello to eat with you.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
(if possible. If not, I'll say something that only makes sense to me.)
5. I'll tell you my first memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something I've always wondered about you.
8. I'll tell you my favorite thing about you.
9. I'll tell you my least favorite thing about you.
10. If you play, you MUST post this on yours.

Numbers from Last Year

2009-01-02T21:53:00.004-05:00

Books read: 75
Savings account interest earned: about $200
Children babysat: 5, multiple times
Children taught: approximately 841, many 3 or more times
Percent of retirement account lost: 40
Number of baths taken: at least 330
Inches cut off hair: 4
Weddings attended: 3
Friends who died: 3
Published works: 8
Babies born in my world: 4 (Audrey, Augustus, Maria, Nicholson)
Places visited: 3--North Carolina, Toronto, Michigan

2008-12-24T20:10:00.002-05:00

It was Christmas Eve, Babe...

Some friends of ours put out a Christmas CD every year. You can listen to and download the songs for free at JonahthanHughes.com. The Musician is the Elvis Costello voice on Dave Mussen's song "Reindeer Power", which offers a solution to the energy crisis. (TM is also about to finish up some of his own holiday songs, which I hope to share soon.)

Meanwhile, the weather keeps changing, from snow to blizzard to slush to rain and freezing rain with high wind. The east side of our street has never been plowed, and can't be parked upon, though I did call today to request a plow.

The wind is howling at present. I am steaming from a bath, have wine and brie and brownies. Hope you are happy and warm, too.

Herbs on Sunday

2008-12-08T00:48:00.002-05:00

I made an Etsy shop, where you can purchase my book, Letter, or my many herbal tinctures and oils. Thanks for looking.

***

The very cold, dry air made my lungs ache today--I must say, I often feel the ghost of the bronchitis I had last winter. I self-tested and then took a few (less than 3) drops each of elecampane tincture and New England aster tincture. The distress eased; I was inclined to take a few deep breaths.

All day since, my lungs have felt the need to expand--like muscles which long to be stretched. I'm doing as much deep breathing as I can, to satisfy them. It's an odd, but not unpleasant, feeling.

After getting off work at midnight, I made myself an herbal foot bath. It featured salt, chamomile flowers (which I grew myself), lavender oil. Perhaps best of all, I rubbed my warm and rested feet with ginger oil (which I made myself). Feels terribly nice, especially on this brittle cold day (-4 F windchill as I came home tonight).

***

Thinking a lot about making things. I have been cooking a lot, but I miss gathering and working with plants. I feel drawn to sewing, as I often do in winter. Is it time to get a machine, take a class? Perhaps.

Remembering my childhood dollhouse and all the ways it inspired me to create: making clothes, furniture, other things for it, and years of writing novels about the characters, years before I heard the word fanfiction.

I grew the oregano myself.

2008-12-02T20:12:00.002-05:00

Crusty Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Onions, Baked with Olive Oil and Garlic (from Jeanne Lemlin)

This gets caramelized and so good. Great cold in a tortilla with salad dressing, too. Zamfir thinks cheese should be added. Feel free! Serves 4.

6 medium (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled, halved, very thinly sliced
3 large onions, halved vertically and very thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 28 oz can plum tomatoes, drained & chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup fruity olive oil
3 Tbs water
2 tsp dried oregano
S&P

Pre-heat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients. In a small bowl, beat together the tomato paste, olive oil, water, oregano, salt & pepper. Pour over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat well. Spread the mixture in a 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish or other 2 1/2-quart ovenproof shallow dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove the foil (carefully!) and bake 45 minutes longer, or until the potatoes are tender.

***

I grew the oregano myself. I will grow more next year.

I really yearn for a garden which is permanent, which is mine, where I can have a perrennial herb patch. And maybe grow some asparagus.

It was truly wintry here today and I am full of green dreams.

Milk vs. milk

2008-11-30T19:53:00.001-05:00

I am looking forward to seeing Milk, which comes out here next Friday.

Yesterday at breakfast I said to The Musician, "I wish Milk was out." And he got the milk out of the fridge, sort of disgruntled, and said, "Your wish is granted."

We didn't understand each other for a full minute, and then we laughed and laughed.

Tinctures for sale....

2008-11-28T22:59:00.004-05:00

I have many tinctures and oils ready to sell or trade. Tinctures, $10 for 1 oz; oils 2oz for $12; $3 shipping. PayPal is okay. Email or comment with questions.

Tinctures (in vodka)

Basil
Burdock
Calendula
Chamomile
Chickweed
Cleavers
Cornsilk
Dandelion
Goldenrod
Horsetail
Knapweed
Latuca
Motherwort
Mullein
New England aster
Plantain
Rose petal
SJW
Skullcap
Violet flower
Violet Leaf
Yarrow
Yellow Dock

Oils (in olive oil)
Calendula
Comfrey
Dandelion
Ginger
Mullein
Plantain
SJW

Salves
Ginger salve (ginger-infused olive oil, beeswax)
Elyse salve (comfrey, plantain, SJW, calendula, olive oil, beeswax)

A Day With A Monster

2008-11-25T01:17:00.001-05:00

That was my 400th post!

Sometimes I remember that blogging can be fun.

For your reading pleasure, here is my book, A Day With a Monster.

2008-11-25T00:47:00.006-05:00

I learned a new word today: lagom. It's a Swedish word which encapsulates the concept "just the right amount". A precept of mine.

Life is not in balance lately, because so much energy goes to working. There's no question that I require the income, but there's also the empty feeling which comes from being on the clock so much. A lot of the time, I stay home and cook.

This past week, I did get out a bit. I caught the end of Cold Turkey, the John Lennon tribute at Nietzsche's.

Since I had to work until midnight, I did not perform, although I thoroughly enjoyed the sing-along after. I heard Brian Eno say recently that singing with other people is one of the best things you can do.

"Well, there are physiological benefits, obviously: You use your lungs in a way that you probably don't for the rest of your day, breathing deeply and openly. And there are psychological benefits, too: Singing aloud leaves you with a sense of levity and contentedness. And then there are what I would call "civilizational benefits." When you sing with a group of people, you learn how to subsume yourself into a group consciousness because a capella singing is all about the immersion of the self into the community. That's one of the great feelings — to stop being me for a little while and to become us. That way lies empathy, the great social virtue."

On Saturday, after a wild-goose chase through BECPL microfilm for a non-existent obituary,

The Musician and I went to the Grand Opening of the new Burchfield-Penney Art Center (warning: sound), a 31-hour event (PDF). I was pleased to go, happy to be part of such a sweet move up for Buffalo and art. As I felt about the new Erie Canal terminus, it was well-done, feels like something from another city. (By which I mean, I think, easy to navigate, pleasant, not worn in yet, not broken, not rusted.)

It also felt rather like Wegman's, where you see everyone you ever knew in your life, but don't really chat with them. I saw folks I knew from probably every decade of my existence. It's my town.

And then it was time to get the hell out of there and have a Manhattan at The Place.

Backward poem: Haircut at 14

2008-10-08T23:22:00.001-04:00

Tears leap from the floor
back into my eyes,
long tresses of hair
re-attach to my head
I step away from my friend
with the hair cutting shears,
I step back into my girlhood,
where I don’t have to worry
about how the world sees me. Eyes dry,
clear, full of hope.

Autumnal Equinox

2008-09-22T21:20:00.002-04:00

These first fall days are some of the best "summer" weather there is. The sky deepens its blue, the air gets nippy at night, and I love it all.

I woke up feeling groggy and crampy today, but I have to acknowledge that today was indeed a day of many blessings from the Goddess. And I honor Her.

Today I did some end of season gardening. I clipped age to make wands. I dug and tinctured yellow dock root. There's a few more peppers coming, and a little more broccoli. My second sowing of spinach is growing slowly, but it's healthy. I collected some elderberries the other day near Squaw Island, and saw that egret (heron) there.

I renewed my library card, and got a present from Smitty. I was supposed to teach 2 classes tonight, but only ended up having to teach one. I sometimes dread library instruction, because it lacks creativity and because one only meets once with a class, there's little opportunity to get to know the students. Still, tonight's class was good, and I got a rush from the connection I was able to make.

Wednesday night, I'll be hosting the Buffalo Pets in Conversation event, along with poet Douglas Manson.

With: Celia White, Michael Sikkema, Gary Earl Ross, Sherry Robbins,
Alex Mead, Douglas Manson, Jimmie Gilliam, Nava Fader, Michael
Basinski, Ansie Baird

Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 7pm.
Bon Vivant. 1862 Hertel Avenue

Doug Manson and I will foster a conversation which will explore the
following areas:

--history/memory
--literature/ambition/success
--making a living
--identity (in activity)
--favorite stories

Come if you can.

On the Back on a Szechuan Eggplant Recipe from Vegetarian Times, 1994 or so

2008-09-20T00:50:00.002-04:00

(it was not quite a poem, still is not)

I live in this city and never stop moving except to write things down. I live in tis city & it’s making my head hurt today or maybe it’s just the season. I feel stoned & anxious but I don’t miss anybody. I don’t. Separate conversations. I live in this city and the red leaves a good luck. The sirens don’t surprise me. I wanted my head to be cleaned by the wind. I want all change to be for the better. I live in this city & I feel less safe than usual, as if it were a sign of age. I live in this city and the kid at the next table is just learning what a street person is; she has never seen one before. Why doesn’t he get an apartment? Doesn’t he sometimes sleep in a store/indoors? It is time to go home. No one is (cut off) don’t say hello to the people I actually recognize. Having this choice = home.

Coin in the cup. Belly up

at the bar.

What time is it.

Conversation, Celia.

Where the Urban Dream Life Is Going Cheap

2008-08-25T18:27:00.002-04:00

If you live in Buffalo, or NYC, you maybe have seen this New York Magazine article already: "Where the Urban Dream Life Is Going Cheap: What could possibly make someone want to leave New York and move to Buffalo?"It tells some stories of New Yorkers who bought the dream of life in Buffalo, and a snippet about my neighbor, Newell, who is pure Buffalonian. It's good reading, and reflects a lot of things I've lived and seen.

I do love it here.

Staycation

2008-08-20T21:34:00.002-04:00

There was outlet mall day: I got belts and shoes, and Mighty Taco.

And there was bike ride, park, Up Series day. I made pizza with sausage, onion, mushroom.

Today was errand and chore day of staycation, and totally lovely. I did laundry, gardened, got groceries and wine, ad the car washed, and read half a book. Smitty came over and gave me a copy of her new book, which is dedicated to me, in words which...well, make me cry. It's...a testament to our friendship and mutual understanding. And I'm honored by this gesture.

Oh! And I got a lead some sweet plans/dreams I have...more later.

I made pesto, I watched the sun set, and I have a case of Checkered Cab on hand.

It truly feels like a blessed day.

***
School starts next week!

I got some Tupperware and some almonds and I'm ready for reference! I snuck into work today to check out my ILL and CNY books. Library life is sweet.

Lighter than Air

2008-08-12T22:48:00.002-04:00

I got my hair cut:

And I have things to get rid of: some calico (swaths big and small) and fabric in starry/astrological themes, bedding for a twin sized bed, some crafting supplies (fabric stiffening stuff, 60 white pipe cleaners, barrette clips, googly eyes). Do you need these? Email me.

***

Summer seems suspiciously over. The garden is raggedy, basil is bolting, and I bought an aster for fall color. I planted some spinach seeds for second crop. Fall library hours commence in two weeks. A cool tingle in the air pleases me.

Things I've Been Eating and Enjoying

2008-08-05T17:42:00.005-04:00

Last week, I made this and could not stop eating it. I will make this all year long; a new favorite.

Warm Sausage and Lentil Salad

- serves 4 -

Adapted from Pork & Sons by Stéphane Reynaud

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups green lentils, preferably Puy, the French green kind
2 links Italian sausage, about 1/2 pound
1/3 cup chopped bacon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Balsamic vinegar to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Slim bunch of chives, chopped

Procedure

1. Simmer lentils with sausage in plenty of water and a bouquet garni (French for "garnished bouquet"; optional), for 30 to 40 minutes, until the lentils are cooked through. (Other types of lentils will require less cooking time.)

2. In the meantime, saute the bacon over medium heat until browned but not crisp.

3. Combine the Dijon, olive oil, shallots, chives, and bacon with its fat in a small jar or bowl. Shake well or whisk, then add the balsamic vinegar little by little to form a vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Once cooled, slice the sausage. Toss the lentils with the vinaigrette and top with the sliced sausage. Finish with a little chopped shallot, chive, and the hazelnuts.

Right now I have this in the oven, and it smells heavenly:

Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake

To shred the zucchini use a box grater - most micro planes are too fine, you want shredded zucchini, not mush. Feel free to play around with the "add-in" ingredients - for example, use whatever chopped herbs you like. I had dill on hand, and I like how it tastes with summer squash, so dill it was. I suspect anything from chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or chives, to spices, chopped spinach, or corn could work here. Also, when I have the time and inclination I'll drain the ricotta through cheesecloth to get even more moisture out of the cake, but to be honest, most times I won't bother. Lastly, I use a springform pan here, but you could use an equivalent baking dish or deep tart pan as well.

2 cups zucchini, unpeeled & grated
1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
2 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
2 shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
zest of one lemon
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
drizzle of olive oil

Preheat oven to 325F degrees, racks the middle. Butter/oil a 7-inch springform pan.

In a strainer, toss the shredded zucchini with the salt and let sit for ten minutes. Now aggressively squeeze and press out as much moisture as you can. Set aside.

In the meantime, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, shallots, garlic, dill and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Stir in the eggs and continue mixing until well combined. Now stir in the shredded zucchini. Fill the springform pan with the ricotta mixture and place on a baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for sixty minutes. If there is any moisture left on top of the cake at this point, carefully use a bit of paper towel to dab it off. Now sprinkle with the goat cheese and return to the oven for another 20 -30 minutes or until the goat cheese is melted and the cake barely jiggles in the center (it will set up more as it cools).

At this point, if the cake is baked and set, but the top isn't quite golden, I'll zap it with the broiler (just about a minute) to get a bit more color on top. Remove from the oven and let cool five minutes, then release the cake from its pan. Cool completely, serve at room temperature drizzled with a bit of olive oil and a few sprigs of dill.

Serves 8.

***

I've also been eating homemade tollhouse cookies (I like the texture from shortening, but I do think butter's flavor more profound), zucchini muffins, purslane from the sidewalk, frozen gyoza, and halvah.

I also ate a variety of on-the-road food on my way to Michigan and back, nothing spectacular. I went to Auburn Hills/Oxford for an herb conference, where I got to hear herbalists (Althea Northage-Orr and jim mcdonald) in action, which was all I wanted. Very inspiring. I'm not sure yet where I'm going on this plant path, but I am on it for sure.