Live Music, Smile Included

It is no secret that live music is my thing. Being in front of a musician doing their thing is electrifying and exciting. I have been attending concerts since before I was old enough to stand. My mother had me in the bass case of Dave Holland, named me after Thelonius Sphere Monk and dressed as purple velvet witch for the 1985 Grateful Dead Halloween show. She and many others have brought music to me. It’s my happy place.

With hundreds of shows under my belt, it seems that Michael Franti and Spearhead are the current winners in the smile department.

Pictured here with Michael at the Dave Matthews Band Caravan in Atlantic City this past weekend.

After a few, “It’s nice to see you again,” a guitar pick and numerous dancing in the front of a venue. I did it. I was in the front row for a Michael Franti performance and better yet, had a kind fellow concert goer take our picture. In case you had trouble deciphering it, that’s was pure happiness looks like. It’s embodied in a genuine smile. Not a posed smile or a fake smile or a no teeth smile. It’s just a grin. The kind of grin that arrives when you are near your musical genius crush.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ~ Billy Joel

12 Years Cancer Free (And Counting)

At 16 years old you are concerned about a lot of things – school, clubs, friends, drama, peer pressure, boys, and of course your image. If you had told me then that none of that would really matter I would not have believed you. In July of 1998 I was diagnosed with stage one ki-one non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My family became a sponge for endless recommendations, consultations, diagnoses and information. It wasn’t just me who had cancer, WE had cancer. And the next three months of treatment, hair loss and illness happened to all of us. Without my mother Devi, my father Rob and my sister Ali and the rest of my family and friends, I would not be here today to tell the story of success.

I was treated at Schneider’s Children’s Hospital at Long Island Jewish in New Hyde Park, Long Island, New York. I got “dressed up” to go to the hospital. I reported to my friends and family on how I was doing. I shaved my head as it started to fall out. I made a pledge to help others with this disease. I committed to surviving. And yes, there were dark days, but I never let the idea of beating that disease leave my heart, mind or spirit for too long.

It has been two years since I was told that I never had to go to the oncologist EVER again. It’s been seven years since I was told I was “CURED.” It has been eight years since I joined Relay for Life and the recorded breaking Team Pixie Dust. And it was only this morning, when I woke up, that I appreciated the gift of another day. I am often heard saying I wouldn’t change a thing of my past, that surviving cancer is what has helped to define me as a person and made me the individual I am today.

With hope, dedication and Relay, I am assured that we will all be in a better place on day. I Relay because I join people around the world to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember the people we’ve lost, and fight back by supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society. This is my 8th year at Relay with Team Pixie Dust, graciously lead by the Gross family in memory of our friend, mother, sister and inspiration, Diane Gross. It has been an amazing journey and we are very excited to add another Relay tomorrow at Alvin P. William Memorial Park in Woodbridge, NJ. Please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society through my Relay for Life page.

Cancer once defined me. I was the “girl who had cancer.” I was bald or had a wig. For years after, I was titled a “cancer survivor” and it was synonymous to my name and my identity. Today, twelve years later, people I know in this stage of my life may not even know that I had cancer. That I am an extreme advocate of early detection, fair treatment and continuous research. That I will always know what being different is like. That my scars are my battle wounds. That I am stronger than can ever be defined by a title or a disease.

“Don’t let nobody ever tell you that it couldn’t be done, Don’t let nobody ever tell you that we couldn’t be one, Don’t let nobody ever tell you that it shouldn’t be sung, Don’t let nobody ever tell you you’re the only one…” ~ Michael Franti

I am ready.

I am ready.

I am ready for it to stop raining. I am ready for sundresses and flip-flops.

I am ready to fall in love.

I am ready to change my hair color.

I am ready to create.

I am ready to let go.

I am ready to move on.

I am ready to forgive, but not forget.

I am ready to manifest change on a higher level and help the people around me to do the same.

I am ready to bake. And cook. And make homemade mozzarella.

I am ready for the rest of my life to get started.

I am ready to change my bedspread.

I am ready to say goodbye to my insecurities.

I am ready to accept help.

I am ready to clean out my closets, material and intangible.

I am ready to make a difference.

I am ready to dance.

I am ready.

“It just goes to show you that you don’t really know how impactful you are on someone’s life.  It’s really important to be the best person you can be because you don’t know what kind of an impact your actions are having on the other person. ” ~ Thea Linscott on July 1, 2009

Ali Blue Graduates!

Dear Baby Sister,

As you graduate from one of the most amazing places in the entire world, the level of pride and excitement I have for you is exploding from my every being. It is such an incredible moment in time that we are celebrating tomorrow. You are graduating from New York University with a bachelor of arts in communication and a minor in production. You kicked some major internship butt at a number of amazing places and flawlessly aced tests, papers and presentations with what could be interpreted with your eyes closed. I envy every test you barely studied for, your memory surpassed mine years ago. I envy the opportunities at your doorstep. I envy the summer you will stay in the city. I envy the deep breath you will take when walking in a student and leaving a graduate.

I remember projects completed on our dining room table. There would be papers, notes, markers, glue and pencils scattered about. I remember notes and books left at the computer after a writing session. I remember deadlines and television watching being a constant battle. I remember the piano singing beautiful music as it was a more desired friend than a textbook or paper.

I wish nothing but the absolute best for you as your graduate from college and start your career. My best advice is not necessarily how to get through your first job, but things that I have learned from the city and the country, who knew I would have some of both:

• keep an extra pair of tights in your bag
• laugh at yourself
• write letters and thank you notes
• call your sister
• drink lots of water
• fold a twenty and store it in your wallet
• tip well
• call your sister
• always say please and thank you
• remember who  your biggest fan is
• don’t forget that Mommy and Daddy will always be there, no matter what you do or don’t do
• call your sister
• have an alternate mode of transportation
• never say never
• trust the people who love you
• call your sister

And here are a few other pieces of advice when / if needed:

Peter Shankman’s “An open letter to the two kinds on the M-11 bus this morning”
The Washington Post’s “Advice for the Class of 2011”
Some cool famous people, “Inspirational Advice for College Graduates”

The fact is that advice isn’t necessarily going to have all the answers. You will make things happen. You will make good decisions. You will continue to be the rockstar that I know you are. You will rule the world, as we all know you will. Congratulations on your graduation, my baby sister.

I love you, I love you, I love,
Thea

“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!”
~ Dr. Seuss in Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

Gettin’ Stoked

1. I recently made this cake for a dear friend. It was 6 layers, one for every rainbow color, and was adorned with a rainbow lotus flower and rainbows with clouds.

In the next couple of weeks I have some confections on my plate and since the kitchen is the ONLY place where my month-long stress eye twitch goes away, I’m all for spending some time there. I am gearing up for an ice cream cake for my brother-from-another-mother, baby boy cupcakes for my absolute best friend’s little sister, a dear friend’s wedding shower cupcakes, a birthday cake for my mother, a graduation cake for my nearest and dearest massage therapist and nurse grads and something extravagant for my little sister’s graduation from NYU. OMG. WTF. When did my little sister become legal to drink, get a job and rule the world. I must have blinked.

2. I am desperately awaiting the arrival of ramps.

Last year’s ramp selection, at $11.99 a pound, I used them wisely. Bacon ramp pizza, buttermilk ramp biscuits and ramp alfredo.

Perhaps what is more exciting than waiting for them to hit my local store is the 2011 Ramp Fest. The anticipation is unmanageable. Anyone else want to join me on the 30th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. I will be the girl in all my ramp glory. Smiling and taking pictures and undoubtedly getting inspired by some amazing chefs in the Hudson Valley.

3. The sun.

I know it is hiding out there somewhere and it teases me just enough to let me know it’s coming. The grey needs to go away. And the sun needs to stay longer than a day. I have faith, it will stick around eventually.

4.  Over the next couple of  months our lives have been and continue to be filled with music… “everyone deserves music, sweet music.” ~ Michael Franti

We recently checked out Rachel Yamagata at the Bearsville Theatre in Woodstock, the Wood Brothers at Club Helsinki in Hudson, Bob Marley Tribute at the Bearsville Theatre and Badfish at The Chance in Poughkeepsie.

And on our plates is Mountain Jam at Hunter Mountain, Mendelson Men Choir at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, Shemekia Copeland at Club Helsinki, Festival for Humanity in Vernon,  and the Dave Matthews Caravan in Atlantic City.

5. It’s hard to imagine BBQs and patio time when it is so grey out, but I am sure we will get there soon. Right?

Awake, thou wintry earth
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~ Thomas Blackburn from “An Easter Hymn”

Kookin’ in the Kitchen

Théa and Noel have been kookin’.

As a stellar foodie duo, we create healthful Sunday Night Dinners, holiday celebrations and food on-the-fly for our  friends in the Hudson Valley. City Mouse – Thea – brings presentation, creativity and tradition and Country Mouse – Noel – brings style, expertise and vitality to the table every time. It is important that we utilize our resources responsibly to sustain local merchants, farmers and artisinal crafters.

Théa – The City Mouse

Day job: Online brand manager for an international handbag company
For fun: cooking, entertaining, writing, travel
Favorite food: Pizza
Sign: Aquarius
Nicknames: Thay, Theloniuos, Thyza Louise, Thalya
Favorite dish to make: cake (cupcake, cheesecake, ice cream cake, chocolate beet cake, etc.)
Most prized kitchen tool: Kitchenaid Stand Mixer

Why am I a foodie?

When my grandfather, known by all as Pipop, passed away two years ago we taught my Nana a valuable lesson in today’s lingo. We discussed, “We’re out,” “whatup,” and even “redic.” I think one of the only things that stuck that week was, “foodie.” Defined by many as one who enjoys, makes, creates, appreciates, loves and does food.

At some point that week, after many homemade dinners, and even more deli platters and desserts, I said, “Nana, we’re foodies.” All in agreement, my entire immediate family nodded as it made perfect sense to us. I couldn’t tell you when that actually happened though. It could be the hundreds of family dinners, the dozens of holidays, countless BBQs, endless Sunday brunches or the meal that happens when there are a group of people at my parents house and there is a sudden combustion of plates, garlic and hungry mouths.

Being a child of a foodie is a big responsibility. You have to entertain like your parents do. You have to cook with your heart and not just your head. You have to do it just like them, but still in your own style. You have to know how much pasta is for 2, 4, or even 12 people. And perhaps, most importantly, you always have to be able to get back to where it all started. That table where the foodies once ate altogether.

Now that I live two hours away from my parents, I make sure to give notice and let the head-foodie-in-charge know when I will be back, for how long and if I will be there for dinner. That answer is always “yes” and “what do you want for dinner?”

What I think of my relationship with Noel!

Everything happens for a reason. Noel and I ended up at the same table in Uptown Kingston about a year ago. We shared lamb sliders, blood sausage and chocolate cristinis, huge roasted asparagus and sangria. We talked food. And not just what do you do for a living / for fun food. Real food conversations. About the earth, traditions and technique. Not being classically trained myself, I learned a lot about Noel’s culinary experience and trade. And most importantly her love for life. It matched mine.

Common ground found, friendship began and then we entered the kitchen together.  Game changer. Comfort meeting healthy, local meeting mass distribution, dessert meeting vegetables and most importantly, nutrients for the soul created provided and shared.

Noel is the brightness in a dull day, the reminder of the earth we are from and the laughter that makes me spit my wine out, give a ‘lil snort and hide behind my apron.

Noel – The Country Mouse

Day job: Personal chef, community activist and childcare provider
For fun: cook with friends, read, hang with kids, garden and enjoy music
Favorite food: All dark leafy greens
Sign: Sagittarius
Nicknames:  Noey, Curly Pumklin, Queen of Kale
Favorite dish(es) to make: Sauteed Greens, turkey burgers, gourmet pizza, tarts, veggie burgers, fish cakes, roasted veggies and roasted lemon chicken
Most prized kitchen tool: Personalized knife from Japan and onion goggles

Why am I a foodie?

I consider myself a foodie for a number of reasons all of which revolve around my love for people.  I like to work creatively in the kitchen  to share with others, what I call, “premium fuel” for the body.  A good quality life containing  healthful varieties of foods  able to sustain, nourish and enliven others is just so awesome.  Growing up with grandparents who grew and cooked most of their own food and  a father who was adamant about providing well balanced  meals has had an everlasting impact on how I utilize and value food.  I have surrounded myself with friends who are passionate and active about  the quality, health, sustainability and  education of our food system.  The Hudson Valley is booming with hand crafted sustainable farm to table connoisseurs and entrepreneurs, myself aiming to be an active participant.

What I think of my relationship with Théa!

Well…where to begin?  When I think of Théa I always think of good times with good people, food and music. There is never a dull moment with and life is always lived to the fullest, if she has anything to do with it.  I love this about Thea and I love how infectious it is on my life. Since we met,  I have found my life to be more full with friends who enthusiastically sharing their passions and goals.  This is important to me, because I am one who wanders through life exploring the endless possibilities to embrace. It seems there is always a door of opportunity awaiting around the corner  and having  encouragement and excitement from Théa is priceless . I would have to say that I think my relationship with her has been a gift so special that I shall never forget. And I endlessly thank her.

Happy First Day of Winter

Winter is here! And baby, it’s cold outside.

The holidays tend to bring some level of randomness, excitement and dysfunction. This post will probably follow suit, as I have a few things to share.

Love love love Pacing The Panic Room’s post of the lunar eclipse.

I’ve been wanting to finish the popcorn cranberry garland for our tree. And much like le sauce, I am not that far along in the project.

Elf Yourself and the Jib Jab team is really a good idea, especially when it’s your own family.

My sister continues to be a rockstar.

Tonight is going to be a special Kundalini yoga class at Sacred Space.

I wish a smooth holiday season a happy New Year for us all.

“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaking suspicion… love actually is all around.” ~ Love Actually, 2003

It’s still 2010

My life seems to be on ff (fast forward). I would like to slow it down. I am going to work on that for the month of December.

And remembering that the last 11 months were full. Really full. And fast. Too fast.

I went to yoga for New Year’s Eve and brought 2011 in peacefully, quietly and wonderfully.

There was skiing, three 30^th birthdays, gym, yoga and football.

I turned 28 in February and became a redhead.

I made homemade fortune cookies.

We saw Michael Franti and Spearhead and John Mayer at Madison Square Garden.

We celebrated Kim’s 30^th in March. In Europe. With Dave. Nothing and everything was the same after that trip.

We saw Billy Joel and Elton John in Albany.

I ran the Shamrock Run. First and last race of the year.

There was yoga, birthdays, Artisnal cocktails and blind dates.

There was Team Pixie Dust dinner dance and Passover. For 20.

April brought bonfires, yoga, ACS gala, tres leche.

I took a Photoshop course, through a surprise party for my brother at Mercato and went to LA.

In May we went and met the Mendelsen men. It’s a choir. And we love them.

I got new couches, went to meditation, heard Nacirema, drank Grey Dog raspberry ice tea.

I signed a lease.

I cooked ramps.

Went on a booze cruise which lead to changing roles, rules and expectations. Thank you Universe for teaching without hurting too much.

And then I moved. In. With. A. Boy. Roommate.

Had my first and only deer encounter. “Welcome to the country,” I was told.

Went to Dave.

And Mountain Jam.

Baby showers, Relay for Life, babies, Band of Horses and painted the rest of June.

The 4^th / housewarming extravaganza.

Then the summer went so fast all of our heads spun. There were concerts.

And backyard BBQs, bonfires, butterflies and sunsets.

My ridiculously fabulous sister turned 21. I remember the day she came home from the hospital. She was very little. She had a curly ‘do. She smelled new. She smirked before she smiled, screamed before she coohed and had me in the palm of her hand before she opened her big brown eyes. Apparently praying for a baby sister every night for nine months worked. Years have passed and there have been ups and downs, but she still made it with grace to the legal age. May she have 100 more birthdays just as great as this one. I will make cake for every single one.

One day two crazy gals ripped out a hot tub from the ground. And then the following weekend built a stone patio. Talk about surprising yourself.

We threw a “Hello Fall BBQ.” This was to subsidize the lack of an end of Summer BBQ. This is also when I learned that everyone doesn’t love parties as much as I do. And I also learned that the same people love me enough to have them anyway.

There was FOOTBALL. Every time we played football in the park I wanted to watch the Daria episode where she yells, “FOOTBALL.” It was my closest connection to my gut reaction in playing the sport. I just wrote playing a sport and me in the same sentence. I think we should call someone about this.

In October I sent off a dear friend to California, my wingwoman. It was sad. I made cake. And that’s all I’m gunna say about that.

There were trips to walking towns, Sunday night dinners and the change of the seasons.

We celebrated Halloween (my most favorite holiday) with a house party. There was decorations, shenanigans and lots of laughter. Please note “Party’s Here” carving stage right.

We went to Philly to cheer on my brother-from-another-mother in his second marathon.

The gaping hole in this 2010 recap will be from mid-November to mid-December. That’s when everyday seemed to be, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Throw in a 10 year high school reunion, a few mind games and a dash of depression and we’ve covered that chunk of time just fine.

On to the end of December. We bought a Christmas tree. It was a humorous experience and worth every second guess of the “perfect” tree.

Holiday cheer and snow arrived around the same time.

Here we are. Prepping for New Year’s Eve again. How did that happen?

Wishing you all the best for 2011. Thank you for being here and allowing my creative outlet to invade your screen. I have a lot of faith that the best is yet to come. A lot.

Having The Tools

There seems to be a lot of insanity going on in my life right now. I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do where I live, but this city mouse is freaking out in the country.

As my mother would say, “You have the tools to get through this.” Well, I am digging DEEP into the toolbox this week. The simple things are painful, the complex things unbearable, the surprise things are startling. One of my best pieces of advice that I dole out regularly to friends and loved ones is a gratitude journal. You spend a full month writing down three things you are thankful for each day. It changes your perspective, maybe even your life. It creates appreciation when there seems to be none. It makes you be positive in a world of negativity.

In starting my gratitude journal, I realized this was going to be manageable for me. Despite the miserableness that I have been walking around with the moments come quick when I have my pen out. I thought I would share my first few days and encourage you, yes you out there, to do the same.

December 1st
1. phone call with Nana, “Love you my darling.”
2. roommate to light the first night of candles with
3. phone call with Kim, seeing her comes soon

December 2nd
1. cleaning ladies
2. shopping with Toddly and Roomie for sheets, gosh they are funny
3. payday being tomorrow

Dcember 3rd
1. TGIF
2. lobster malabar
3. knowing that home is safe and your sweatpants live there

December 4th
1. Toni wanting to see me even when she has to study
2. Winning the door prize at the Creekside Adorning‘s Holiday Showcase
3. Koz

December 5th
1. gathering around the table

2. the ability to cook deliciousness

3. the smell of Noel’s tree

May you all find joy in the “little things.” Like chopping onions, silk scarves, cooking like a farm wife, and breathing.

“A natural expression of a loving heart,
The power of gratitude recharges our souls,
In giving thanks we help heal the world
And increase our abundance of blessings unknown.”
~ Katherine Scherer

Thank you.

My department at work hosts themed lunches. We have tackled comfort food (mac n’ cheese, pork and potato casserole, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, Mexican chicken soup, veggie chili with cornbread bake), Mexican food (Mexican pot pie, veggie chimichangas, fresh salsa and chips, lemon tart and Tequila ice box pie), Irish food for St. Patty’s (corn beef, rye bread, cabbage, spicy mustard, Irish soda bread (with and without raisins), potatoes, cupcakes, cakeballs and broccoli casserole) and Spanish food (homemade pastelitos, arroz con pollo, tres leche cake and arroz con frijoles).  These lunches are manageable and special since it is the five of us. And it just shows you that a graphic designer, the head of sales, a sales assistant, a marketing specialist and the online communicator can make delicious meals together. Food really is the universal language.

Tomorrow we are celebrating Thanksgiving. Our own little Thanksgiving dinner for lunch. I knew that we would all be celebrating with our families soon enough, but I wanted to make sure we did it as a department. Having a workday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and spending more time there than in our “other” lives, makes you appreciate the people who get the work done. Ultimately, appreciating your coworkers makes your day better and allows you to leave each day with comfort and returning in the morning with relief.

The other thing preparing for the Thanksgiving lunch did was push me to start my “what I am thankful for” list. We are currently promoting the very concept through our Facebook and Twitter sites at work. We asked our customers, “What are you thankful for?” The post qualifies them for the chance to win a Healthy Back Bag and Baglett. Reading the entries has reminded me of the amazing people who are out there. These are people I don’t know personally, but believe in the same product I do. The common tie is allowing us to share thanks.

I hope each and every person I know, will know one day or is connected to me in some way, shape or form is preparing to give thanks this holiday season. As a community we have a responsibility to be appreciative of what we have. There are so many with out.

I am thankful for the ability to give thanks, the people who have shaped me to who I am today, the quality that magnetizes people to me, the love I feel everyday, potential and strength. And that’s on the short list.

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson