Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Journey of A Thousand Wines and Cheeses
I have decided to embark on a mission to learn more about wine and cheese. I purchased a book entitled Cheese and Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying by Janet Fletcher (photographs by Victoria Pearson). In celebration of nothing really I went to my favourite little joint Le Petit Bar to have a glass of wine, some cheese and charcuterie.
My housemates and I shared a cheese board and a meat board. For the cheese I selected Fleuron described as organic cow's milk blue veined, semi firm, natural rind, Les Fromagiers de la Table Rone, Quebec, salty, mushroomy, grassy, slighty granular texture. My housemates opted for the Provincial Smoke - thermalized cow's milk smoked cheddar, made in Quebec, cold smoked in Ontario, Provincial Fine Foods, Toronto, smooth and creamy with a smokiness that doesn't over power the cheddar flavour.
For the meat board one housemate opted for Spicy Chorizo which is spiced Spanish style dried sausage and Pingue Prosciutto which was from Niagara Food Specialities, natural, ethically raised pork, cured and dried for a minimum of 16 months. For wine I chose a white wine - 2011 Normanno, Insolia.
I preferred the blue cheese to the cheddar, although the after taste of the cheddar was more pleasant than the blue cheese. The cheddar was a bit sharp for me, while the blue cheese was more mellow. Hands down the chorizo was more enjoyable than the prosciutto. The wine was a bit mild and fruity. Enjoyable but not greatly satisfying. I believe for white wines my preference is Pinot Gris.
Til I eat again
-V
My housemates and I shared a cheese board and a meat board. For the cheese I selected Fleuron described as organic cow's milk blue veined, semi firm, natural rind, Les Fromagiers de la Table Rone, Quebec, salty, mushroomy, grassy, slighty granular texture. My housemates opted for the Provincial Smoke - thermalized cow's milk smoked cheddar, made in Quebec, cold smoked in Ontario, Provincial Fine Foods, Toronto, smooth and creamy with a smokiness that doesn't over power the cheddar flavour.
For the meat board one housemate opted for Spicy Chorizo which is spiced Spanish style dried sausage and Pingue Prosciutto which was from Niagara Food Specialities, natural, ethically raised pork, cured and dried for a minimum of 16 months. For wine I chose a white wine - 2011 Normanno, Insolia.
I preferred the blue cheese to the cheddar, although the after taste of the cheddar was more pleasant than the blue cheese. The cheddar was a bit sharp for me, while the blue cheese was more mellow. Hands down the chorizo was more enjoyable than the prosciutto. The wine was a bit mild and fruity. Enjoyable but not greatly satisfying. I believe for white wines my preference is Pinot Gris.
Til I eat again
-V
Saturday, January 5, 2013
One Isn't A Lonely Number
I had a tough day at work today. True I've had worse, but when you have to take a 5 minute break because you're crying, it's pretty tough. I had been putting off going to my favourite little bar downtown partly because I had no one to go with and the other reason was because I was too lazy once I was done work at 8. I decided that I would go tonight. No excuses. I needed a glass of wine and just to relax...and not at home.
Once my decision was made I asked a couple of people if they would join me, hoping that one would say yes. I never got a no answer from either but decided I don't care, I'm still going to go. My work day finally ended and I got a ride to my spot. Went in, sat at a table (not at the bar - my dad taught me that ladies don't sit at the bar) and ordered my white wine. I don't normally drink white wine, but every so often I crave a semi sweet white wine. Tonight was one those nights. I ordered a cheese and meat board with chicken liver and thyme and mullet.
My meal for one was exquisite. I thoroughly enjoyed my company. I didn't take the chance to think deeply about anything that was floating on my mind. I didn't take the time to sit and plan what I would do with my life. I just sat back and relaxed, let myself unwind and let myself be at peace. The spot soon got a bit too crowded for my liking so I finished up my meal and headed home. A lovely stroll in the snow while I told myself a story built on possibilities. After all, those are the stories I believe in the most.
It truly was an enjoyable time. I'm glad I'm not afraid to spend time alone, with myself. I'm not scared or embarrassed of having a table set for one. And I know someone probably looked at me and said to themselves poor girl has no one to keep her company, which is actually the contrary to the situation. I'm sitting there going lucky me, I get to enjoy my silence.
Once my decision was made I asked a couple of people if they would join me, hoping that one would say yes. I never got a no answer from either but decided I don't care, I'm still going to go. My work day finally ended and I got a ride to my spot. Went in, sat at a table (not at the bar - my dad taught me that ladies don't sit at the bar) and ordered my white wine. I don't normally drink white wine, but every so often I crave a semi sweet white wine. Tonight was one those nights. I ordered a cheese and meat board with chicken liver and thyme and mullet.
My meal for one was exquisite. I thoroughly enjoyed my company. I didn't take the chance to think deeply about anything that was floating on my mind. I didn't take the time to sit and plan what I would do with my life. I just sat back and relaxed, let myself unwind and let myself be at peace. The spot soon got a bit too crowded for my liking so I finished up my meal and headed home. A lovely stroll in the snow while I told myself a story built on possibilities. After all, those are the stories I believe in the most.
It truly was an enjoyable time. I'm glad I'm not afraid to spend time alone, with myself. I'm not scared or embarrassed of having a table set for one. And I know someone probably looked at me and said to themselves poor girl has no one to keep her company, which is actually the contrary to the situation. I'm sitting there going lucky me, I get to enjoy my silence.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Year. New You.
It's January 1st 2013. Happy New Year.
All around the world there are people celebrating, hoping, praying and possibly dreading a new beginning, a new opportunity, a new life. I've never been big on New Years, usually hate it because I sit and think "Well Shani, what have you really done with your life? Hmmm NOTHING!" This year I was working so I guess I didn't have much time to be my usual cynical and slightly depressed self. But seeing everyone else's excitement made me think as I often do.
Each day should be a "new" for you. Why wait until January 01st to do something. Every day that you are alive and able is a day of new opportunity, a day of growth. Every day is a new day to try something new, to get better at something, to become a better person. I don't wait for January to say I'm going to stretching every morning, or I'm going stop drinking regular milk (as much as possible) and start drinking almond milk instead. No. If I feel like I'm ready for the change today or tomorrow or seven months, twenty one days, three hours and forty nine seconds from today, I'll make it on that day. There's no need to procrastinate your greatness. Make the change in the moment as you think of it.
Challenge yourself constantly to grow, to change for the better, to be stronger not just physically but mentally, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically as well. Challenge yourself to become the person you've always dreamed you could be.
Why wait for a new year when you can have a new day!
-Empress Vee.
All around the world there are people celebrating, hoping, praying and possibly dreading a new beginning, a new opportunity, a new life. I've never been big on New Years, usually hate it because I sit and think "Well Shani, what have you really done with your life? Hmmm NOTHING!" This year I was working so I guess I didn't have much time to be my usual cynical and slightly depressed self. But seeing everyone else's excitement made me think as I often do.
Each day should be a "new" for you. Why wait until January 01st to do something. Every day that you are alive and able is a day of new opportunity, a day of growth. Every day is a new day to try something new, to get better at something, to become a better person. I don't wait for January to say I'm going to stretching every morning, or I'm going stop drinking regular milk (as much as possible) and start drinking almond milk instead. No. If I feel like I'm ready for the change today or tomorrow or seven months, twenty one days, three hours and forty nine seconds from today, I'll make it on that day. There's no need to procrastinate your greatness. Make the change in the moment as you think of it.
Challenge yourself constantly to grow, to change for the better, to be stronger not just physically but mentally, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically as well. Challenge yourself to become the person you've always dreamed you could be.
Why wait for a new year when you can have a new day!
-Empress Vee.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Girl With The Tattoo
She clutches to this imagination, a belief that he is someone he is not;
that he's someone he doesn't want to be.
She clutched to the hope,
to the illusion,
to her false comforts
of Him existing.
Superimposing her wishes
from her mind's projector unto his wall
her eyes are blinded
her mind clouded
her thoughts - dreams.
She wants to wake up and see the truth
but she knows not how to let go of her fantasy.
She knows not how to see reality and not her dreams.
Life has become so dull that she can't bare to live in it without
those false comforts,
those illusions
those desires.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Inspiration To Explore
Well I've surely been MIA recently. I've just been focusing on finishing my undergraduate degree and staying out of the limelight at Trent. My days for being a socialite at the school are long gone. I'm enjoying my retirement from it, although some people expect me to still be in it. Anyways, on to better things.
On December 1st I went to Rochester, New York to participate in a North American Indigenous Culture Exhibition. The exhibition was entitled Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 3. It was my first time in Rochester and I must say from what I saw the city is beautiful. It has a rich arts culture and not just an indoor one in terms of exhibitions at the museum or art galleries but street art is alive and visible.
The exhibition was amazing. Although I did not go through every single exhibit, the ones I did stop by were very interesting. It rekindled my desire to explore not only my own art form but others as well. I felt inspired to explore my own Saint Lucia culture a bit deeper as well. Although this may not be possible any time soon, it would be interesting to host or be a part of a team of persons who can make something similar happen. It would a great opportunity to work with current and upcoming artists to hone the skills of newer ones and with time create the exhibition. My vision for it would be one that is so renowned and amazing that it would even travel the Caribbean and possibly the world! I should get started on that. Start looking at who I could collaborate with to develop the idea and then present it to the necessary bodies in Saint Lucia that can further develop and expand on it. A look at not only traditional but contemporary Saint Lucian art.
What do you think about this idea? How could I make it happen? Feel free to share a comment down below! Thanks for reading
-Shani V.
The exhibition was amazing. Although I did not go through every single exhibit, the ones I did stop by were very interesting. It rekindled my desire to explore not only my own art form but others as well. I felt inspired to explore my own Saint Lucia culture a bit deeper as well. Although this may not be possible any time soon, it would be interesting to host or be a part of a team of persons who can make something similar happen. It would a great opportunity to work with current and upcoming artists to hone the skills of newer ones and with time create the exhibition. My vision for it would be one that is so renowned and amazing that it would even travel the Caribbean and possibly the world! I should get started on that. Start looking at who I could collaborate with to develop the idea and then present it to the necessary bodies in Saint Lucia that can further develop and expand on it. A look at not only traditional but contemporary Saint Lucian art.
What do you think about this idea? How could I make it happen? Feel free to share a comment down below! Thanks for reading
-Shani V.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Show Me Your Friends...
Surround yourself with people who will
uplift you,
encourage you
and
motivate you.
It's so easy for us to get bogged down with comfortable people. I'm talking those people we've known for ages, or we've just grown accustom to having in our close proximity.
Sometimes we need to take a step back and look critically at these people - are they still (or ever did) serve their purpose in our lives? Are we holding on to relationships that hinder our progress?
Everyone comes into your life for a good reason. Not everyone deserves to stay in your life. Ultimately you make the choice as to who stays and who goes. It doesn't make sense for you to chase someone down and that person constantly hurts you. Let them go. It doesn't make sense for you to keep that person around yet still as soon as they're gone you're relieved and relaxed, able to be yourself and be happy. Get rid of them. It doesn't make sense to keep that person who you keep giving your all to but won't give you a thought. Leave them down. No space on your minivan of life for that!!
Instead find people who uplift, encourage and motivate you. I've come to learn that this does not mean surround yourself with people who enable you. Having friends that enable you are just as detrimental if not worse than those that are just dead, useless weight. Have friends that are critical, smart, and look out for your best interest. Friends who aren't afraid to tell you "hey you're forming the ass now" or "No...you're not doing that because it's a stupid idea and in the end you're gonna regret you did it." Surround yourself with people who have a great vision for themselves and want to surround themselves with equally or more greatness.
In the words of the great Tess M J. "...and with that I resign."
-V
Monday, October 22, 2012
Equity Exists
I am a bit disgruntled while typing this, nonetheless I believe that there are some valid points in this post.
I hate to tell you this but no. Don't waste your time. You seeing potential doesn't mean that the potential sees it in him/herself or in the situation. By giving your all because you see the potential only sets you up for great disappointment when the moment is not seized and milked for it's worth. And what's worse is when you try to pump more energy, more time, and more effort into making it work...let go. It's. Not. Going. To. Work.
Save yourself the headache, heartache and any other ache that may come along and be a little selfish every once in a while. Actually, a little more than once in a while. Understand that some times taking risks are great, but know that not every risk is worth taking.
-V
Don't give more than you receive.Could this be any truer? It is easy for some people to give their all in every situation. Some people see potential and believe they should help everyone develop their potential. But is this really the way to survive in this world??
I hate to tell you this but no. Don't waste your time. You seeing potential doesn't mean that the potential sees it in him/herself or in the situation. By giving your all because you see the potential only sets you up for great disappointment when the moment is not seized and milked for it's worth. And what's worse is when you try to pump more energy, more time, and more effort into making it work...let go. It's. Not. Going. To. Work.
Save yourself the headache, heartache and any other ache that may come along and be a little selfish every once in a while. Actually, a little more than once in a while. Understand that some times taking risks are great, but know that not every risk is worth taking.
-V
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Let The Reading Continue!
After much wait, or at least what seemed like FOREVER!! I finally got my Kobo Mini (e-reader). I am thoroughly impressed and excited to have it. I have purchased a few e-books and have been reading once again on the bus and even in bed. I would recommend an e-reader whether it be a Nook, Kobo, Kindle, or whatever to someone who loves reading or wants to get into reading. They are slim enough to slip into almost any bag (depending on the size) and are easy to use. The only thing is the version I have doesn't have a back light and so I would need a separate light source if I were reading in the dark or on a late night bus from Toronto or something. But apart from that, I LOVE IT!!
I posted the following question on my Facebook wall - WANTED: Suggestions for books to read. I got a few replies, some of which I don't think are along the lines of the books I want to read, others definitely captured my interest. Here is a list of some of the books suggested (including those I probably won't read):
I posted the following question on my Facebook wall - WANTED: Suggestions for books to read. I got a few replies, some of which I don't think are along the lines of the books I want to read, others definitely captured my interest. Here is a list of some of the books suggested (including those I probably won't read):
- The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
- The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan Haidt
- The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
- The Other Boleyn Girl
- The Hunger Games Series
- Earth's Children (a series of books) by Jean Auel
- Eva Luna
- A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
- So Long A Letter by Mariama Ba
- The Lion and The Jewel by Wole Soyinka
- Girl With A Pearl Earring
- Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom.
Have you read any of these books or have a suggestion for a book I should read? Let me know by leaving a comment below! Also feel free to look up and start reading any of these books yourself!
Happy Reading
-V
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