Difference

Tell me what’s the difference
between hope and waiting
because my heart doesn’t know
It constantly cuts itself on the glass of waiting
It constantly gets lost in the fog of hope

- by Anna Kamienska

Translated by Grazyna Drabik and David Curzon

Army of Me

It's a bit daunting.

I have proofreading to do. That's what I do for money. I have classes to teach. I do that for money, too, but also to share my knowledge, because I believe it's important to share.

There's all my workout time that needs to be logged. I begin weight-training today. That's what I do for my health.

There's the housework, which ensures that f00dave and I don't live in filth and have plenty to eat and clean clothes to wear.

But I also have creating to do. That's for my brain. There's my painting homework, which is due this week. There's the novel, which I haven't touched in too long. I have dreams about it, from time to time, reminding me that it's being neglected. There are the scores of projects that swirl in my mind, begging to be released. Beadwork, prop creation, and costuming. Oh yes, the costuming. I have a few items I want to complete for this weekend. I've been itching to create a new dance performance piece. And as for weaving, I haven't done that in a while, either. And as of today, I have a serger at my disposal. I don't dare use it until my painting homework is finished for sumi-e class.

And then, for fun, I LARP, read books and poetry, go to museums, and catch a movie or a show from time to time. At least with audio books, I can double things up, from time to time. I can listen to a book while I paint or travel.

I need clones to get everything done I want to get done. How the hell will I fit a university course or two into this equation? It is a mystery!

Fresh Carrot and Tomato Soup

I rarely go to grocery stores. I do most of my grocery shopping at the farmers' market and the local organic food shop. I also grow as much as I can on my patio, but that's not terribly much. At least I have my own herbs, and a few tomatoes and peppers....

Speaking of tomatoes, I bought a whole wack of over-ripe tomatoes. Not rotten, but needs-to-be-cooked-NOW tomatoes. They were super cheap, and I did what I always do when I see squishy ripe tomatoes: I made soup with them.

The carrots I used are locally-grown heirloom carrots in a variety of colours: white, orange, purple, and purple and orange! Although they may look peculiar to those used to supermarket varieties, they do not taste peculiar. The purple ones don't taste like grape or beets. They taste like carrots, and tasty ones at that.

Here are a few photos of my soup-making adventure today. ( The recipe follows.... )