Pizza Brainstorm #2 of 3: Black-eyed Pea-zza!

Yes, black eyed peas, but also spinach, red bell peppers, and fresh smoked mozarella. You wouldn't believe how good this pizza was!




Brainstorm #1. Brainstorm #3.

Pizza Brainstorm #3 of 3: Leeks & Potatoes!

Brainstorm #1. Brainstorm #2.

Old Award, New Seal!

The editor of PODBRAM has just begun issuing seals to go with his annual awards, and the award given to Distant Cousin in 2007 now has a spiffy seal to go with the announcement. Fancy! (And the intent of the award, pleasurability, is still true!)

By way of history, a while after that award was granted, the editor asked me to join the site as a reviewer, which I did, gladly. Today, PODBRAM is comprised of a varied and expert team of reviewers all dedicated to identifying and reviewing some of the best new independently published books. The current year's awards, based on eighty books read by the team over the year, are now posted at the site. For those looking for new and different authors, and for books which don't come out of a couple of giant book factories, PODBRAM is an excellent place to start.

Ana Finds a Poem About Air Travel

If you know anything about Ana, you know she flies a good deal--maybe not often, but from time to time. Occasionally, she charters planes, when circumstances require it--money is not a problem for her, fortunately. Most times, she flies commercial. So she immediately took to this poem, as would nearly anyone who's flown very often.

We have flown also, many times, and the thoughts of the poet instantly resonate with us as well.

Passengers, by Billy Collins

A Bibliographical Word from Ana's Editor

....We would like to use this post to announce the publication of a new work by the editor of Ana's Blog--not fiction, not non-fiction, but photography, in collaboration with author and poet Barry Yelton: On Wings of Gentle Power, published by Strider Nolan Publications, Inc.

Here's the publisher's description:
"Poet Barry D. Yelton presents a poetic exploration of the universe, life, and the human soul. Through metaphor, allegory, and black and white photography, the world around us and our place in it are uniquely illuminated. The poems within are reflective of writer Barry Yelton's rural roots. A sense of place and connection to the land, the sky, and the waters permeates the writing. The gorgeous, breathtaking photography of Dr. Al Past combines with Yelton's vivid and literate verse to create a powerful multi-layered metaphor of creation and the cosmos not soon to be forgotten."

Since many readers of this blog have enjoyed sharing some of Ana Darcy Mendez's favorite poems, there's a good chance that some would also enjoy the peaceful, evocative words and thoughts of Mr. Yelton in this lovely little volume. The photographs are not bad either!

And while we're at it, the editor has another book out, his sixth (actually his first), but this one is of music: Baroque Duets, published by Charles Colin Publications. Here's the description:
"Baroque Duets, arranged by Al Past, is a compendium of contrapuntal gems - 45 in all - drawn largely from the enduring works of the great baroque masters: Vivaldi's concertos; Handle's organ concertos, Fireworks Music, and Water Music; and J.S. Bach's partitas, orchestral suites, concerti grossi, harpsichord and violin concertos, and preludes and fugues from The Well Tempered Clavier (Books I and II). A few of the duets are within the capability of beginning students, for example, the familiar Shaker tune "Simple Gifts." Many require intermediate level proficiency, but most will challenge - and reward - the advanced player. Excellent material for those wishing to improve their technique on the high trumpets."

The duets are intended for all treble clef instruments, but we were pleased to encounter a public school band director who said he'd nearly worn out his copy playing them with his students--and he plays trombone, a bass clef instrument. Given a little transposition ability, the duets work with all instruments. The editor has played several with a cellist!

You are welcome to print out and play a sample duet: Bach's "Little Fugue in g minor," BWV 574, a two-part arrangement of that famous three part fugue. We hope you and a duet buddy enjoy it. If so, there are 44 more in the book!

While you're at it, meet Ana Darcy!

A reader comments: "The essence of Spielberg's Close Encounters or E.T. remains pervasive throughout. The characters and dialog tell the story. The whole thing is show, don't tell in a manner that any reader can appreciate. The storyline flows, the characters develop comfortably, and you feel as if you are so glad that you know these people!"

Thai-style crepes for the Holidays

Here's a holiday dish Ana put together from several recipes and a little improvisation. We could ask her for details if anyone's interested.
She started by sauteeing sweet potato chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and scallions, in a little wok oil and garlic. The crepes are standard crepes, with some scallions and cilantro added for interest. The heavenly peanut sauce includes chopped cilantro and perhaps a little wasabi, to rivet the attention. Once served, they are sprinkled with a little fresh key lime juice. Incredible!

Many great recipe ideas are in the right column under the photo of cranberry/apple pie-->

Ana's Chinese/TexMex/Italian fritattas

Ana's Korean carne al pastor

Ana's Thai-style coconut shrimp

Meet Ana Darcy!

A Poem about an Artichoke?

Ana had never tried an artichoke until she found this poem. Matt's family didn't eat them and Matt had never learned to appreciate the exotic vegetable. It does take a bit of skill, after all.

After Ana asked Matt about the images in the poem, they bought an artichoke and spent a fun evening cooking and eating it and discussing the poem. Ana loved the "bronzy, winter-kissed tips," as the poet put it. Once Matt explained the simile, they discussed Marilyn Monroe and the Buddha and looked up "Cynara" (all mentioned in the poem) as they shared their exotic appetizer.

Now, Ana likes artichokes.

Matt doesn't care for them.

"The First Artichoke," by Diane Lockward*

*Note: This page has closed, alas. To find it another way please see the workaround.
For more of Ana's favorite poems, which lots of people enjoy as well, please scroll a good way down the column on the right until you reach the photo of the LOVE sculpture. There are lots of lovely poems there!