tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-221085652024-02-19T17:26:16.421-08:00The Bedlam of BeefyUncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-56338916598183438722020-01-22T09:15:00.000-08:002020-01-23T08:07:14.597-08:00The Art of Life: Recognizing The Gifts of Grief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><img height="581" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DcUGaqqoJxtu9w7efPFCjT4GK0XT0aHLavvzghCQilG2j8Uc-P7D-3I7nCQvlhcD2-SX3cVpuvFwPyX1DYIlo0mKsYh2axOHZQOcTqSQJLt6AZRVIY7z9nuiCs0GEAuO4QXT/s1600/bedlam+of+beefy+ashley+longshore+sketchbook+project+chocolate+cake.jpg" width="760" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><i>Above: Artistic inspiration from the <b>amazing</b> <a href="http://bit.ly/2vdJAgS" target="_blank">Ashley Longshore</a> (thanks a million times over to my talented friend <a href="http://bit.ly/2v8FSox" target="_blank">Danielle Krysa</a> for having introduced me to her and to my hubs for the <b>perfect</b>
Christmas gift), a pending art endeavor for the oh-so-cool <a href="http://bit.ly/2Rihd9W" target="_blank">Sketchbook Project</a> (an
incredible gift from my friend Elizabeth), champagne, and cake. Always
cake!</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">So, yeah, my last post was a heavy one. Heavy but absolutely essential. Essential for me, sure, but everyone else, too, because we're all going to be here/there eventually. Now, while grief is utterly soul-shattering and hard, messy business, part of the journey in carrying grief is to start recognizing what it gifts you in the process. Lord knows, it can be hard to acknowledge and accept those gifts in some respects because it feels a little like diminishing the loss or, more important, the value of the love/s you've lost. But it also seems pretty reasonable that we wouldn't expect someone to wander endlessly through a desert and then deny themselves the comfort of an oasis if they were to come upon it, am I right? And I fear what would become of life to stay mired perpetually in the pain without trying to find the route back to joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">In taking care of my parents, I was somehow graced with the ability to recognize the moments along the way where the good happened and I will forever be grateful to the universe for such benevolence. Those moments of gratitude managed to co-exist with the sobbing, the fear, and the pain without one negating the other and that gratitude certainly buoyed me from one agonizing moment to the next. If I could find the gifts granted in the midst of that maelstrom, I know it's possible – and imperative – to find that same offering for happiness in my life after loss.<br />
<br />
I've always been something of a people-pleaser. I was an early adopter as a means of survival through school and having watched my mother continuously saddle herself with the "noble" burden of self-sacrifice. Even in the moments where I've known it hasn't served my best interests, kicking the habit of being the proverbial "nice guy" proved largely unshakable. I've oftentimes been the one that most people like... a lot. Funny, nice, creative, talented, <i>such</i> a great hugger... I've gotten more than my fair share of praise from folks throughout the years. What has been infinitely more scarce in my life? Respect. That is a lesson I have failed to learn over and over again despite its detriments. Need 300 cupcakes baked for your fundraiser? Sure! In exchange for "exposure"? You bet! Happy to be of help! Here are your cupcakes! "Thank you! [Gasp! Swoon!] They're gorgeous! Oh, by the way, we forgot to put your information in the event program... sorry!" Or any number of variations of that type of scenario. And I've rarely stood up for myself so as to maintain that stellar reputation for being so fucking nice. Yep. Lather, rinse, repeat. Again. And again. And again. (It's no wonder I'm bald!)<br />
<br />
After we had our mom placed in a memory care facility, my sister and I began the process of sifting through her things in preparation for moving my dad out of the family home. We uncovered a lot and threw or gave away a bevy of belongings. In the process, I found old manuscripts for a book my mom wrote when I was back in high school. It was a project we had worked on together but it never went anywhere. Then, as I continued with sorting one day, I came upon a manila envelope in a stack of paper paraphernalia headed for the trash. I opened said envelope and died... <i>DIED</i>. In this package there appeared before me a letter from a well-regarded publishing company in New York. The letter outlined that they had wanted to publish my mom's book, to offer her a sizable advance, and discuss further details with her about marketing and a book tour...!?! She had been offered a publishing deal! And she never told anyone. <i>Anyone!</i> Not me, not her sister, none of us. Here she'd had the brass ring offered to her and she didn't grab it!?! I was dumbstruck then and holding back tears now. I don't know what held her back from following through whether it was fear of failure, fear of success, or what. But, ultimately, she shrank away from a monumental recognition of her own brilliance. And it hurts my heart, not just for her, but because I recognize that same kind of denial in myself. That letter has become a beacon in the night for me <i>not</i> to follow suit and, <i>god dammit</i>, make my life my own. Seize. The. Fucking. Ring! Now, is that easier said than done? Damn right, it is. But what's easier? Living a life serving everyone's needs in exchange for temporary approval and a few pats on the back? Helping to build other's dreams while yours sit on the back burner? Yeah... no.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">
Here's the thing, being with someone you love as they draw their last breath puts things into sharp motherfucking focus, friends. Lemme tell ya. It slices through the bullshit with the precision of a freshly sharpened machete. When you're in the throes of grief, one's ability to suffer fools diminishes enormously. Doing things you don't want to do? No, thanks. Relationships not serving you? Bye, girl, bye. Life is short, people. And that sounds cliché up until it slaps you squarely across the face. Repeatedly. <br />
<br />
Where does this have me at this moment in time? Well, if you've ever watched "<a href="http://bit.ly/2Gc40c7" target="_blank">Mommie Dearest</a>", one might say I'm in a bit of the "<a href="http://bit.ly/3aDV4ur" target="_blank"><i>Don't fuck with me fellas!</i></a>" phase, at present. I mean, maybe not <i>quite</i> that vitriolic but, man, I kinda wish I'd known what this felt like sooner. Because being freed of a lot of the weight of needed acceptance doesn't feel too shabby and it's amazing what one can realize for themselves when their focus shifts back from others and their expectations. And I've come to profoundly realize the extent to which I've been living a life that has been guided by everyone's compass but my own. That's not to put a victim's spin on things – this is no time for useless self pity – as it was my choice to abandon my own sense of navigation. I, finally, can accept that... lesson learned. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">As a first step, I finished off 2019 by leaving my job. While I worked for and with really wonderful people and dealt with some lovely clients along the way, taking care of others and their needs had simply become an impossibility. I'd taken care of enough over the last several years. Papa needed a break that extended well beyond a KitKat bar. It was time to step back and deeply consider what I was doing with my life and, moving forward, what I want to do is live a more deeply personal and artistic life. Grief gifted me with that clarity and, more important, the courage to start doing just that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">For the next year or so, I am taking time to focus solely on rebuilding a life in my own vision. I'm working on a number of areas in an effort to lay the foundation but this period will primarily be concentrated on submerging myself into my art practice. In making this move, it's been shocking how many people whom I've known for years have no idea that I'm an artist. Creative? Sure. But, despite having studied art and receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking, many haven't a clue about my art. But that's what happens when you subjugate who you are for the sake of others and their opinions of you. Again, that's on me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">God love my mom and dad. They were always so, so supportive of me and my myriad creative and entrepreneurial musings. They always praised and encouraged my artistic abilities. However, what they also did was unwittingly reinforce that my success would ultimately need to come through the hands of someone else and not of my own volition. They consistently encouraged me to give my talents to those whom I worked for and, with any luck, my talents would get justly rewarded and they'd deliver unto me the success I sought. I think of when I was a little kid and people would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up and I would say an artist to which family would say, "Well, you could be an architect!" Our culture consistently perpetuates and reinforces the concept of "the starving artist". When I was in art school, the idea of being a successful artist was cut off at the legs with declarations of becoming a sell out. It's pretty easy to lose sight of yourself when you're consistently dissuaded and you give those who discourage you more value than you give your own heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">But grief has stripped so many obstacles out of the way: a healthy portion of self-doubt, lack of clarity, overthinking, fear, nonreciprocal and unsupportive relationships, etc. And, really, what amazing gifts to have bestowed upon a broken heart. A break in the clouds to offer hope for sunnier days ahead. Yeah, the clouds are still heavy and there will be rainy days yet to come but to be reminded and reassured that spring will follow even the longest winter is a gift I will accept with deep appreciation. Now, it's not exactly a magic pill for the aforementioned afflictions, and I even recently had a moment of shrinking into myself and feeling small when asked, "So, what are you doing?" But, now, I don't admonish myself for it. Now, I simply recognize it and cheer myself on to do better next time. And, lemme tell ya, <i>that</i> is a refreshing change of pace. </span><br />
<br />
<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-70716457830324554302020-01-08T14:45:00.000-08:002020-01-23T08:07:31.654-08:00Overboard & Adrift: On Life & Navigating Grief<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Yeah, I'm here again. I know. It's been a <i>long</i> time, hasn't it? Let me tell you, it's felt even longer. But, at the same time, I also cannot believe how quickly that time seems to have flown? If you're here reading this... wow! Thank you. Thank you for hanging in there. If patience is a virtue, then sainthood may be awaiting you at this juncture. You've obviously stopped polishing your halo long enough to check in and I'm both amazed and profoundly appreciative. I'm feeling more than a little rusty at all of this, now, so we'll see how well I do. And I'll thank you in advance if this post darts and rambles. But, be prepared. A long absence has generated quite a <b><i>long</i></b> post in order to catch y'all up to speed. Buckle up.<br />
<br />
Looking at my last post back in March of 2015, I was moving toward what would have been the one-year mark of my mother having to be placed in a memory care facility after her Alzheimer's diagnosis. It felt so surreal at that time. And that overall feeling hasn't stopped.<br />
</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">Since then, much has changed. My sister and I, after our dad announced he'd listed our family home with a real estate agent, packed up and sold the place we'd grown up in and moved him into a new home. Within a few months, he became increasingly dissatisfied with his new living situation and we became increasingly aware that he was having his own problems with dementia. So, I listed that place with a real estate agent, packed up once again, and moved him to be closer to me so I could both take care of him and find better, less apathetic, medical providers to assess and diagnose the situation. He was eventually diagnosed with mixed Alzheimer's with vascular dementia. So, now, we had <i><b>both</b></i> parents in the throes of Alzheimer's at the same time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">I spent just shy of a year being his daily caregiver while also maintaining a full-time job and handling a hefty load of legal paperwork for my mom. His decline was much quicker than our mom's and I experienced the pain of my dad forgetting that I was his son. (Miraculously, my mom always seemed to know who I was.) The point came where we finally had to have him admitted into a facility, as well. Then, I had to get to work finding a new home for his dog, Lily, sorting and dispensing the last vestiges of my parents' belongings, and selling <i>that</i> house. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">The first facility my sister found for our dad was good but did little to relieve us from feeling the burden of constant care. God love my sister who dealt with <i>constant </i>messages from the staff about how to do things they were getting paid, in theory, to take off of our shoulders. This, ultimately, led us to moving both of our parents into one facility where they could at least be together. (Somehow they both remembered each other!?!) And, thank God, that place provided us all with a pretty soft place to land under such painful circumstances. Then, in June of 2018, we lost our dad which was devastating. Followed by our uncle, my dad's brother, a couple of months later. I fell down several stairs and sprained my ankle just a couple days before we found ourselves having to say goodbye to our sweet pup, Fergus, at the beginning of that December. Followed by our mom passing away just this past May. Followed, yet again, by our cat, Winston, in July. As you can see, it's been a lot. <b><i>A. LOT.</i></b> And, truth be told, I am exhausted. <i>Profoundly</i> exhausted. Like, get me to a cabin in the woods where no one can find me for the next ten years exhausted.<br />
<br />
I still can scarcely
believe that my sister and I are now living life without our parents. I
dream about them, I talk to them, and I still have moments of planning
my drive to go down to visit them only to have reality come into
immediate, sharp, and painful focus. I'm walking in a mental fog the
vast majority of days and engaging in exhausting rounds of "fake it to
make it" to try and get by wherever it feels necessary – even where it
probably isn't necessary. I'll leave interactions and conversations
where I didn't even realize I was flying on autopilot until everyone has
already deplaned. <br />
<br />
These years have put us through the wringer. But I would be remiss not to mention the extraordinary moments of grace that have lined this enormously punishing path that fell before us. Honestly, I feel I've witnessed a multitude of miracles along the way. I still don't know how everything fell into place that needed to but I am <i>deeply</i> grateful that they did somehow. That said, it has also been an incredibly isolating experience. Of course, if you haven't been through similar circumstances it's difficult to <i>really</i> understand but there have been so many instances that have left me, well, gobsmacked with people.<br />
<br />
I see our culture as <i>woefully</i> inept at handling truly
life-challenging difficulties, death, and grief. And, because of this,
in the midst of heartbreaking struggle I have found myself largely <span class="vg-ins"><span class="if">volleyed</span><span class="sep-semicolon">
between peoples' avoidance or apathy over these past years. I get it,
when shit really hits the fan, we get flummoxed by what to say or scared
of saying the wrong thing. But when those moments have come up and people around me opted for silence instead, it left me feeling utterly
alone in the company of others. People either wouldn't give me the
space or opportunity to talk about my grief or they'd treat excruciating
experiences with a checked "to do" list box, moving on, it's all behind
you now kind of attitude. Neither of which offered any kind of solace
or comfort.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="vg-ins"><span class="sep-semicolon">For many of those witnessing
grief, they set about hoping they’ll find the perfect thing to say
(highly unlikely – and that’s okay), hope that someone else will step in
to help ease (and, thus, allow them to avoid) the discomforting
presence of grief, or work to get the grieving back to their “old self”
(not possible) and do what they can to make us “happy” again. </span></span><span class="vg-ins"><span class="sep-semicolon"><span class="vg-ins"><span class="sep-semicolon">While I know people mean well, the
efforts to get me to be "happy" or "like [my] old self again" weigh
down on me with such a hefty possibility of disappointment. </span></span>People
want to fix the grieving because we tend to see grief as a problem
requiring a solution. Grief is not a problem, it’s a process. But,
problematically, it’s not expedient and pretty like the things to which
we give utmost reverence in our society these days. And it’s far more
likely to be a process of years not days, weeks, or months. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="vg-ins"><span class="sep-semicolon">Culturally, we’ve bought into and
perpetuate the expectation that grief should be done quickly,
systematically, and largely in private. We qualify, quantify and compare
grief all in an effort to both diminish and distance ourselves from it.
We calculate the
grieving period by the “5 stages of grief” which, by the way, are total
and utter bullshit. Seriously, throw that useless measuring stick in the
trash. It’s complete garbage. Grief is a long and arduous road. One
with some amazing new vistas found along the way, to be sure, but also
riddled with washouts and potholes and the GPS range for navigation
assistance is limited at best. </span></span> <br />
<br />
<span class="vg-ins"><span class="sep-semicolon">As I stated to a friend
once, it's like being surrounded by a thick-walled glass box – you can
see me but there is a barrier separating me from others. And,
man, do I feel it. Even now, I feel removed and living life as if
breathing through a wet blanket sometimes. My perspectives on things have drastically shifted,
changed, and solidified into such a new framework that I almost feel
like I don't understand the world anymore. We sail such familiar seas that we can scarcely imagine the thought of falling overboard, adrift on waters we've never known. It's as if I'd gone to sleep in the
familiar and woke up in a new country with no knowledge of the customs
or language. And it is incredibly disorienting, to say the least.</span></span><br />
<br />
Seem
complicated? It is. Grief is complicated. People think it’s sad. It
isn’t. It’s so much more. Frankly, grief is also really fucking angry.
And sad. And sometimes funny. Fine this week/month/year, devastated the
next. And sometimes it’s so painful and deeply irritating that it seems
almost reasonable to start tearing away at your own flesh in hopes you
might actually be able to just crawl your way right out of it. And, to
top it off, it’s different for every individual learning how to carry
the weight of grief for the rest of their lives. I know, fun times. Is
it any wonder, then, that grief is also enormously lonely. <br />
<br />
God, to say I feel lonely
sometimes doesn't begin to touch upon it. But I'm not lonely for social engagement
or polite company. It's something much more than that as spending time
alone can be enormously relieving. But it's as if I no longer speak the
same language as everyone else around me. They talk and I can't really
take it in. I talk and no one knows what the hell I'm saying. And, really, I suppose there is no language to convey any type of
understanding until such time as the Grim Reaper places his first stamp
in your passport.<br />
<br />
For those of us grieving, we try to
figure out how to get about the business of living “normally” again,
“moving on”, “getting over it”, and back to savoring a riveting
conversation about what we’re all watching on television or how
incredibly sad it was that the tile wanted for a backsplash has been
discontinued (all while trying to avoid bursting out with a riotous “Who
fucking cares?!”). There is the navigation through conversations which
will exclaim dismay that you’re <i><b>still</b></i> grieving or, one of my
favorites, “I just don’t understand!?!” And not expressed in such a way
as to be taking stock of one’s own lack of knowledge or experience but,
rather, in a way that you’re not making yourself understood. As if the
onus should be on the grieving to now take up the arduous task of
instructing someone who doesn’t get it into full comprehension of the
nebulous mass that is grief. I mean, Jesus Christ. Tone deaf, much? (We
have a lot of empathy and/or emotional intelligence work to do out
there, people. Lemme tell ya.)<br />
<br />
In
the same way people want to avoid grief and, by association, the
grieving, the grief-stricken – myself, at any rate – can be perfectly
content to also avoid people who want to fix it, distract from it, or
wish it away. Which, for the record, feels like damn near everybody. While few
people have allowed or offered me the space to talk about or be in my
grief, at least I get an hour every week or so with my <i>godsend</i> of a therapist and
then go back to trying to suck it all up on the surface and keeping people
comfortable. It sucks. I get it, it’s hard and uncomfortable. And it’s
that way for everyone on all sides, I know. It all just fucking sucks.<br />
<br />
As the holidays approached, I could feel the gloom of grief circling with
the raw poignancy that is so common during that time of year for those
who have experienced immense loss. Invitations to this or that gathering
begin to come in which, on the surface, sound appealing but, in
reality, are anything but. It’s all weighty and requires so much
consideration. Will I really be up for it? Can I fake it for a few hours
if I’m not? Who will be there? How many? I wonder if I shouldn’t drink?
Will I feel pressured to drink? Will I bum people out by being the
party pooper? What if I drink too much? God, what if I lose it and
start crying? Or worse?! As one might imagine, saying “no, thank you”
feels infinitely easier and quite possibly better for all concerned.
But, one has to wonder, how long can one say “no, thank you” to friends
before the invitations stop altogether? How long can a spouse or partner
be expected to attend yet another social engagement alone before losing
patience and understanding? How long before a period of loneliness
becomes a situation of actual isolation? And, thus, the slide down the
other side of Mt. St. Grief proceeds.<br />
<br />
Here’s the thing, for the
grieving all we can ask for is your patience. Sometimes we may need
distance – without requiring an explanation or justification. Other times, we may need the support of your company in a way that
allows us to be quiet or talkative or raw or whatever but, always,
wholly unfixable. Feel free to ask questions – please ask questions. You don’t need to say or
do the perfect thing. Really. But don’t try and fix us either. Really.
And, I'm telling you, don't find yourself dismissing our grief or pushing it aside for us to prop you up. <i><b>Really.</b></i> Just let us exist in the pure openness of where we happen to be. We are
exhausted, sad, angry, hopeless, hopeful, fragile, and fierce. Be
gentle. Check in, touch base, and reach out but without any expectation
other than to clearly convey, “I’m here. I’m still here.” We haven’t
forgotten you, we still love you, but we need to focus on righting our
own ship now and learning to find our way by navigating the stars in
this newly unfolded night sky. Not just finding our way back to you but
to ourselves – our new selves that have washed up on completely
different shores with new territory to explore and to which we’ll need
to learn to adapt. We’ll get there. I’ll get there. Eventually.
Hopefully. And, with any luck, we hope you might meet us there, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>** If you or someone you know is dealing with grief – and you, too,
will be one or both at some point in your life – I sincerely recommend
the book "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Its-That-Youre-Not-Understand/dp/1622039076" target="_blank">It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand</a>” by Megan Devine. It is the best I’ve
encountered so far. And it’s good for those on both sides of the grief
spectrum as she also has chapters devoted to those trying to care for
grieving people. I happened to listen to the audio version read by the
author who, fortunately, has a wonderfully soothing and reassuring
voice. I'd also suggest checking out <a href="https://www.francisweller.net/" target="_blank">Francis Weller</a> whom I found incredibly helpful with his insights on grief and mourning. I also recently learned about a website called <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.modernloss.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1Bka7gCSDhQ-5uZN8WGodHhSFsb98xXmmuf4peYMP_FttQrwAsLSx0hBw&h=AT3lMyLxeBSoGTD9NAS5JEIcXVdLWk_plyUYliaDgfOVQ0qB-tQ00PjgU7mJ8atNVUTmCR2WAphjvrNTGQysHzOg8Hq_j2EkroPtSsJXBrwLP-v70Vv81xw-r03XeuJ3vVrZtKdlkiVRUaLTutwvmtXQe4MSxDHKCJ9beDbiqCGUC4Xxuw" href="http://www.modernloss.com/?fbclid=IwAR1Bka7gCSDhQ-5uZN8WGodHhSFsb98xXmmuf4peYMP_FttQrwAsLSx0hBw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.modernloss.com</a>
that is said to be taking a stab at redefining mourning. Cool. I’ve not
really had a chance to review it but am optimistic and most curious. **</i><br />
<br />
(Note: None of those links above are affiliate links. They are offered purely as helpful recommendations.)</span><br />
<br />
<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-51524307498943303012015-03-29T14:43:00.001-07:002016-01-31T10:02:51.474-08:00Comparison is the thief of joy? Yeah, but whose is getting stolen?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Oh! Hello there! What? You weren't expecting me? Well, what a nice surprise then, eh?<br /><br />
To say I’ve been stretched in a multitude of directions in the last several months is an understatement. We got married in October and our wedding came rushing upon us and papa was knee-deep in DIY. And when you’re in the midst of wedding projects and final details you need something to do with all of that "free time" you find yourself with, right? So, why not add a new full-time job to the list? Along with all of the legal matters concerning my mom. And, y’know, blogging. (Okay, maybe "blogging" is more accurate at the moment.) Oy. Veh. But somehow the balls still stayed in rotation [more or less] despite my inexperience at juggling on a professional circus level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Honestly, though, how do we do it? Really? I know I’m not the only one. I know that the vast majority of us are balancing an inordinate number of things in our lives. Well, it seems that the vast majority of us are. Are we? Are you? And, if so, how are you with all of it? Are you amazed at your own skills? Exhausted? Ready to go off the grid and live in a cabin in the woods? All of the above?<br /><br />
There is no denying that 2014 was a <i>rough</i> year for me. 2013 wasn’t a great dance partner either. And, like many others I’m sure, I’m praying (i.e., <i>PRAYING</i>) that 2015 will be the turnaround year. I’ve experienced a lot in the last couple of years and I’ve learned a lot, too. I’m also pretty sure that there are more lessons percolating in the recesses of my being that have yet to reveal themselves.<br /><br />
Other things that have been happening... in the blogosphere and social media universe, it seems that a long-trending topic over the last many months has been that of comparing ourselves to others. (Well, that and pineapples sure had their year. I mean, what the...?!?) I’ve seen plenty of posts affirming, in one form or another, the fact that we’re all good enough and that we rob ourselves of our own happiness when we compare ourselves to others. True. But one aspect of the comparison game that I haven't seen discussed can be the tendency to feel that whatever we’re going through is infinitely worse than what others could possibly be dealing with in their lives. They have it the best of all while we're left with the worst of nothing. Seems par for the comparison course, yes? But there’s also a potential two-way rub that can emerge on that slippery slope.<br /><br />
It amazes me the extent to which some can make extraordinary assumptions about your life and assume the best in yours versus the worst in theirs. On one hand, I get it. On the other, I envision pulling a Cher in “Moonstruck” and smacking some people - “Snap out of it!” For example, I was fortunate enough to obtain some part-time employment after a <i>looooong</i> dry spell in the job hunt department after getting laid off in March 2013. I was grateful, to be sure, and it served me especially well when things went downhill with my mom. But it astonished me how some would selectively highlight the ease of my job and all the free time available in my work week - saying how I was “so lucky” (while implying they were not, of course) - yet completely disregard the fact that I was struggling to keep the bills paid, feeling increasingly dejected in my hunt for full-time work, along with handling the emotional turmoil of my mother’s illness. Lucky? Suddenly, “lucky” me found myself on the other side of the comparison game getting judged for having/getting “more” in light of their perceived “less.” “Comparison is the thief of joy,” they say? Yeah, but whose is getting stolen?<br /><br />
We all have areas in our lives where we experience feelings of lack. And, yes, comparing yourself to others can be treacherous territory to your well being and easily sap your strength. But I believe it also bears mentioning that it does no earthly good to judge or guilt-trip those you’re comparing yourself to - either in the privacy of your own head or, god forbid, to their face. If someone has something you wish you had then judging them in any capacity for having that something is really just tantamount to judging yourself and that’s not going to inspire you toward positive change. And in the process you stand to rob someone else of joy they have in their life that, by all accounts, you desire in your own. And what kind of sense does that make? That person who makes more money than you do? Maybe they've worked their asses off to put themselves in a position to be financially successful in a way you haven’t yet. The friend who always looks great in their oh-so-slim fitted clothes? Maybe they’re willing to make certain sacrifices in their life that you’re not willing to right now. You get my point. The thing is, our lives are deeply complex, multi-layered, and completely personal and reducing yourself and anyone else to a simplistic lucky vs. unlucky, rich vs. not so rich, thin vs. fat, etc. denies all of us our true depth of being. And it’s in the consideration of those depths and intricacies of our lives where the possibility lies to truly be able to learn what we can do for ourselves while simultaneously celebrating the joys and successes of others.</span><br />
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-13733508864400055842014-09-04T09:56:00.000-07:002015-03-28T18:01:38.352-07:00Amaretto & Red Currant Cake<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565"><img alt="Amaretto and Red Currant Cake from The Bedlam of Beefy http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2014/09/amaretto-red-currant-cake.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsrIXVJHzRejowcozb-IU4DxeUvqU2pEav4nB_Z3P_zsHaYmhvqlxk5OzPemPPOmMRND0mOlNDAqIyBJBcsb6xXRdryFZCSS1BG6tm103vYZAnbEJaHfpSNPPixwRB9mUdwyG/s1600/Amaretto+and+Red+Currant+Cake+%7C+The+Bedlam+of+Beefy.jpg" title="Amaretto and Red Currant Cake from The Bedlam of Beefy http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2014/09/amaretto-red-currant-cake.html" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">For not really being a "food blog" I've certainly come to be known for my offerings of sweet treats. I think it's fair to say that I have a big love of baking and that love is something I got from both of my parents. My mom made some killer banana bread in her day and her cheesecakes were did-you-really-make-that perfection. My dad, while having his hands in every sort of cookery, will probably go down most notably for his dutch babies, cinnamon rolls, pies, and holiday fruitcakes (hey, don't knock 'em 'til you try 'em). God, I have such fond memories of the smells that emanated from that kitchen and all the love that went into those efforts. And that's why baking brings me so much joy. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">Let no baker kid themselves, there's plenty of ego gratification when you walk in the room with some baked goods. I relish every "ooh" and "ahh" and why wouldn't I? Plus, I'm also an aesthetically motivated and artistic person so working to create a beautiful cake or tower of cupcakes feeds that side of myself, as well. But, at the heart of it, is the love. Truly. I can feel the emotions swell from both sides as I think about the earnest feelings of offering up something beautiful and, hopefully, tasty that says, "Look what I made for you," as well as the heartstrings that get plucked when given the chance to say, "You made that for ME?!" It's ultimately a symbol, for me anyway, that denotes special times and special people and the heartfelt appreciation for both.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">So, it seems rather fitting after the last <a href="http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2014/08/its-end-of-world-as-we-know-it-and-i.html" target="_blank">post about my mom</a> that I should do a baking recipe. One, as a tribute to all the joy and love she's given me over the years and, two, to show my love and appreciation to you, my readers, for sticking it out with me over the last several months. Thank you so much. Now, who wants cake?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">I've never cooked with currants before but have always wanted to try something with the jeweled beauties. I mean, come on! Look at 'em! Pure gorgeousness! I snapped some up when I saw them at the grocery store and put my thinking cap on. The best place to start, of course, was by tasting them. Lord have mercy! Hello, sour! But one dance with some sugar around a saucepan and their luscious tartness was both mellowed and brought to life. I figured their piquant flavor would be well matched with the earthiness of almond and rounded up some Amaretto because, y'know, cake and booze? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">If you <a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a>, you'll know that the first round of recipe testing <a href="http://instagram.com/p/rub6I6n2hK/?modal=true" target="_blank">had its challenges</a>. But a little tweaking and we're good to go. It's fairly mellow on the almond despite the amount of Amaretto (and almond extract) so feel free to play with the flavor profile and add more almond extract if you want it more pronounced. (But be careful as almond extract is mighty potent - so best to start small.) Also, next time around I'll double the red currant filling as I wanted a little more tartness to balance out against the cake and frosting. Lastly, papa got pretty heavy handed in the frosting department so don't feel you need to use all the frosting if that's not your thing. (<i>Tip: You can freeze buttercream for up to 3 months. Just thaw and rewhip and you're good to go, again!</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">AMARETTO & RED CURRANT CAKE</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">makes one 2-layer cake</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Amaretto Cake</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">adapted from The Silver Palate, Chestnut Cake</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">2 cups granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">4 extra large eggs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">1 cup vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3/4 cup Amaretto</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">1/4 cup cream</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">1 teaspoon almond extract</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Butter and line* two 9-inch cake pans and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Combine the oil, Amaretto, and cream in a large measuring cup. Set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Combine the sugar and eggs in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat them at medium high speed until the mixture is light colored and at <a href="http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/32071630/beating-eggs-until-ribbons.htm" target="_blank">the ribbon stage</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with adding the wet ingredients in 2 parts. Keep the mixer at the lowest speed and mix each time just until the ingredients are <i>just</i> combined. Once everything is incorporated, scrape the bowl and paddle, and give the batter a final stir. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake until they are firm and a cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes comes out with just a few crumbs, about 28-30 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Let the cakes cool for 5 minutes in the pans before removing to a rack to cool completely.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">* <i>Tip: I completely butter my cake pans, then place <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/round-parchment-paper-9-inch" target="_blank">a parchment round</a> on the bottom, then butter the parchment and place the pans in the refrigerator to set up before adding batter and baking. If you don't have parchment rounds, you can cut out your own using sheet parchment. Here's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxB7VRdnK5o" target="_blank">a handy tutorial</a>.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565"><img alt="Amaretto and Red Currant Cake from The Bedlam of Beefy http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2014/09/amaretto-red-currant-cake.html" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgGEBxjTtL9vEM8AgOOgBvEKvqH5tpfzolfF7uclqYriHRFtlVUy2GF2ExyXM3lUxpC5MbpUqMf4OVjL8PZTtoOWjjx6bSFRE9grexPn7N_GTB9Nvv4KtCjfgb7jCQd2tFPwA/s1600/Amaretto+and+Red+Currant+Cake.jpg" title="Amaretto and Red Currant Cake from The Bedlam of Beefy http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2014/09/amaretto-red-currant-cake.html" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Red Currant Filling</span></i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">4 pints of red currants</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">1 cup granulated sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">1/2 cup water</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Place all ingredients (add currants, stems and all) in a saucepan over medium high heat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Cook until mixture comes to a slow boil and currants begin to soften and break down. Use a potato masher to help break down all of the currants.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard remnants. Rinse saucepan clean, place strained currant mixture back in saucepan, and continue to cook over medium high heat stirring often.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Continue to cook until mixture has reduced to about 1 cup of liquid. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap making sure that plastic wrap is touching entire surface of red currant filling to avoid the forming of a skin. Set in refrigerator to cool.</span></li>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Amaretto Buttercream</span></i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3 cups (6 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted*</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">1/2 cup Amaretto</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">1 teaspoon almond extract</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter (softened to room temperature). Start the mixer at the lowest speed, then gradually increase the speed, using a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl as needed, until the butter is light and fluffy. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Add the confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix at the lowest speed until it's fully incorporated before adding the next cup. When all the sugar has been added, scrape the paddle and the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the Amaretto, almond extract, and salt and beat at low speed for 30 seconds. And the remaining 1/4 of Amaretto and beat at low speed until mostly incorporated. Gradually increase the speed and whip the buttercream until the mixutre is perfectly smooth, creamy, and light, about 5 minutes. Stop the mixer once or twice to scrape the bowl and paddle, then continue beating.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Use right away, or store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, let the buttercream come to room temperature, then put it back in the stand mixer and use the paddle attachment to beat it until it's creamy and fluffy again.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">TO ASSEMBLE THE CAKE</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ateco-612-Revolving-Cake-Stand/dp/B000BVFYUO" target="_blank">rotating cake stand</a> is incredibly helpful in these steps.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Trim the tops of each cake layer off to flatten the surfaces. (<a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?sku=pg_bakeevenstrips" target="_blank">These bake even strips</a> also work really well to form flat/ter cakes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">On top of the bottom layer, place the red currant filling and spread evenly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Place next cake layer on top.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">With a generous amount of the buttercream (1 1/2 to 2 cups), frost cake completely with a thin layer to create a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCEV5bCJBEU" target="_blank">crumb coat</a>. Then refrigerate cake for approximately 15 minutes to set.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Finish frosting* the cake with remaining frosting using as much or as little as you like.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px;">Garnish with a mound of fresh red currants for a showstopper effect.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">* <i>Tip: I use a <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/?i=1;q1=Shop;q2=Cake+Decorating+Shop;q3=Spatulas;x1=tab.cat1;x2=tab.cat2;x3=tab.cat3" target="_blank">large offset spatula</a> when frosting my cakes. Also, to achieve the smooth finish on the sides of the cake, I continually dip the spatula in very warm water and quickly rotate the cake (on a rotating cake stand) while holding the spatula at a 90º angle.</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3772px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3772px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-17301969489891495092014-08-28T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-28T07:29:32.640-07:00It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)<br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Yes. I’m back. Yes. Again. I know, you may be wondering, “Doesn’t a blogger have to blog to be a blogger?” I would tend to agree. Have I really felt like blogging since my last post? Not especially. Have I wanted to let ‘The Bedlam’ go altogether? No. Not for a second. But in May the bottom dropped out of my life and I was rendered useless in the face of what I was confronting. I did my best to keep my other social media outlets going but blogging just became an impossible priority.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Some of you may recall that my mom had been dealing with, what we believed to be, Alzheimer’s symptoms for a while now. But try as we might to get her to seek medical attention, for any reason, she steadfastly refused. We watched as it slowly crept in here and there. It was enough to cause us concern and worry but not so much that we couldn’t deceive ourselves into believing that we had more time. Whatever that meant, anyway? And in May things went from blips on the radar to full blown alarm bells. We were confronted with the absolute reality that the force to be reckoned with that has been my mom, our own little Titanic, had indeed started sinking.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">After an episode where my mom had wandered off to the neighbors’ house and refused to go back home, my dad felt helpless and called the police for assistance. They sent the sheriff out and after a long conversation made the determination that my mom had to go to the hospital. While she resisted getting into the ambulance that had been called, the neighbors, who had since returned home, helped reassure her that they were just there to help her. Several hours later after assessments from medical doctors and a social worker I received the news that my mom would never be able to go home again. Ever. She would need to be placed in a secure memory care facility permanently. Just writing that puts a pit in my stomach and tears in my eyes. Life as I’d known it was over and I’d been tasked with, during what has already been a pretty miserable year, adapting to and accepting a new normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">I have learned an enormous amount in the last four months. Tear ducts are remarkably resilient and can handle vast amounts of usage. How mine aren’t broken or dried up at this point is completely beyond me. With no prior knowledge or experience, and in the wake of my greatest life turmoil, I traversed through medical and legal territory that should earn me some kind of serious merit badge or résumé fodder. You can function on an unbelievable lack of sleep. Not necessarily well or comfortably but still functioning. (Parents of newborns? Though for different reasons, I feel ya.) People can be incredibly kind. Incredibly. Kind. Sadly, people can also be astonishingly insensitive, dismissive, and self-serving. Fortunately, and thankfully, they represent a very small percentage overall. The <i>smallest</i> words of support mean <i>so</i> much. Never have I experienced the depths of meaning that simple words can possess. I now know the vast and varied ways that people grieve and process deep emotional pain. I’ve seen the dark fury of my own emotional depths and been graced with the forgiveness to see me through to the other side. When people talk about being stronger than you think, believe them. It’s truer than I would ever have considered. I am capable of much more than I’d ever given myself credit for. I’ve learned that no one in this world will ever hold my heart the way my mom does. And I’ve learned, despite my doubts in the past, that I will be able to survive without her when that unfathomable day should arrive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">The other thing one learns? Life goes on. You may not want it to and desperately want to pull the emergency break just long enough to pretend that none of this is happening. You can fight the locomotive force of the future's pull and try to stay at the station of what used to be. But it’s no use since forward is our only choice, really. And so here I am. Again. Different than I used to be as I know I’m not the same person as I was before. There’s no sense in trying to describe the difference, the feeling, as words would simply fail with the subtle complexities of transformation that have come about. But their palpable presence is strong and certain. And I know there is more self-discovery to come. Just as there is still more to come here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Thank you, dear readers, for your patience and continued support. It means the world to me. Truly.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-5510356848989651222014-04-25T10:55:00.002-07:002014-04-26T08:41:09.866-07:00Friday Favorites<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivufHsuiTI-lHMc4msXALgC9uBGwMHiSCOCOi_kLK9DccGd-xCWckzBzUQ-QBrYw5qAj0y8NmYnZx_-3BINplwREyHoXRZnxdIZNWsxR8JvU-NfxWYGu_nIzr2OJm21I0RhX2R/s1600/Rainbow-by-Uncle-Beefy-%C2%A92014.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a> PHOTO BY UNCLE BEEFY </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Happy Friday, kids! How was your week? Hope it's been a good one! That rainbow up there happened last week and if you <a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a> or any other Seattle-area blogger you'll know we went bananas with endless shots of this incredible beauty (it was actually a double rainbow!). I figure it's a great image to start the weekend with, n'est-ce pas? Here are a few other favorites to fritter through:</span><br /><br />
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">I so need to do <a href="http://www.oldbrandnewblog.com/2014/04/spring-clean-your-iphone.html" target="_blank">this</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Can't wait to get my eyes <a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/book-of-creative-homes-nickey-ficaro/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0" target="_blank">on this book</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;"><a href="http://blogdelanine.blogspot.com/2014/04/shop-update.html" target="_blank">Geninne's work</a> always makes me happy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;"><a href="http://witandvinegar.com/" target="_blank">Billy</a> is some serious kind of sass-o-FRASS and I can always count on him to make me laugh.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Sometimes I imagine <a href="http://witandvinegar.com/" target="_blank">Billy</a>, <a href="http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/" target="_blank">Gabriel</a>, and I hanging out together. Drinking these <a href="http://www.freutcake.com/in-the-kitchen/drinks-anyone/strawberry-rhubarb-margarita/" target="_blank">margaritas!</a> We'd probably end up getting arrested.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Oh well, a good time for us to <a href="http://lisacongdon.com/blog/2014/04/embrace-the-abyss-talk-now-online/" target="_blank">listen to Lisa school us in 'embracing the abyss'</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Maybe one of y'all would be willing to <a href="http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/food/maypole-layer-cake-by-amanda-rettke-of-i-am-baker" target="_blank">bring us this pretty little cake</a> to cheer us up? File entirely optional.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">And while we wait for you, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U" target="_blank">we'll just be practicing our lip sync routine</a> in the yard.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Woah. That got a little tangential, didn't it? Leave it to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Happy weekending and I'll see you next week! </span><br />
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-4965304758475488372014-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:002014-04-15T06:00:06.677-07:00Spring Awakening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4THct2za_5DZe80VU17pXYeAVzs_lPRZo-eX22fWtVM6gYv8MaLA-WoNTKEEeKS2B-XzydP4MBs3Qlv9l1hmKid-PAX7cVTSmOyRRHhhoo2fYdXGhxIffw3OjyS5_DnHxzuW/s1600/spring+blossom+uncle+beefy.png" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">PHOTO BY <a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank">UNCLE BEEFY</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Oh, for heaven's sake. Let's just get this done. I have been mulling and mulling and mulling over what to say and where to start that, I mean, I have to start somewhere. Since my current mantra is "start where you are" then here and now seems a logical conclusion. So, here I am. Ta da! (Suddenly, I envision myself in a sidestep tap routine wearing a tutu? Same for you? Anyway...)<br />
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I've been away from 'The Bedlam' for the longest period of time since I first started blogging in 2007. But, despite appearances, I hadn't given up. The thing is, 2013 threw me for a serious loop - laid off from my job, a depressing and shockingly competitive job market, my mom's declining health, etc., etc.. It sucked. <i>Sucked</i>. And, being the Cancerian that I am, I suppose I needed to retreat into my shell in an attempt to regroup. That's not to say that I'm back and better than ever with all my ducks in a row and a strategic plan in place. But, with my flaws and imperfections, I am here. And, dammit, that's saying something.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">There's nothing like a series of [what feels like] never-ending setbacks and disappointments to start whittling things down; first at your self-ascribed stories and perceptions, then what feels like your foundations, and, at some point, to the bare essentials. I'll try and spare you the gory details but I'm definitely forging a new perspective on things. No, I don't have any broad-sweeping, prophetic insights on things and I wouldn't expect to see me perched on a mountaintop dispensing Zen bits of wisdom any time soon. But I've begun to see the cracks that recent months have inflicted as insightful openings rather than evidence of being inherently broken.<br />
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Who knows why things happen when they do? I'm sure most of us have some framework or belief system to account for the purposes behind the ebbs and flows of life. I've been making valiant efforts over recent months in the figuring out of things by moving away from the "why me" to the "what is the lesson" phase. Don't worry, I'm not going to go all woo-woo on you. But what I will do is tell you that it has helped ease the weighty burden of the difficulties I've been facing by taking a more objective viewpoint. I found myself being able to create enough conscious distance that I could conjecture about the possible reasons a difficult moment could be serving me as opposed to merely causing great discomfort. And, admittedly, in other moments, I've slipped right back into the deep muck of processing through self-pity. A slip like that might ordinarily just add to the frustration of the circumstances and I'd likely feel as though I was doing something "wrong". But this time that said slip provided the perfect contrast and allowed me to <i>feel</i> the difference in the two approaches.<br />
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Once I'd been able to step back enough times and seek the possible lessons in a situation I was able to really see or, more accurate, feel how heavy and defeating the "why me" moments were. Additionally, I began to see that another glaring difference between the two vantage points was acceptance versus control. (Not that I have any, eh hem, issues with control. Yeah, right.) Just reading those two words, doesn't "acceptance" feel more open and "control" feel more constricted? And who wants to feel constricted in times of trouble? Not me. Despite my best efforts to the contrary. So, now I'm trying to be more mindful of how I'm feeling (i.e., getting out of my head and into my heart) and taking note of how a little surrendering can yield a lot of relief. Such sweet relief. <br />
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Now, I'm not merely sharing where I've been and am at the moment just to make excuses for my absence or to solicit sympathy. Really. On the one hand, it only makes sense as a starting point. But, on the other hand, I like the idea that it might also serve as a reminder in our "put your best face forward" world of social media that things aren't always pretty and perfect. This brings a few moments to mind.<br />
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First, while I was away, I received a kind and lovely email from one of my readers wondering where I was. Along with her supportive wishes that I might return to 'The Bedlam', she also shared her assumptions of what my life was probably looking like off the blogosphere including travel, parties, and making "fistfuls of money". (Um, not even close.) Secondly, a friend made the decision to shut her own blog down because of both wanting to spend more time with her family as well as feeling exhausted in keeping up with the 'Jonses', i.e., other bloggers. Some might say "super bloggers"? "How do they consistently make it look so easy?! And pretty?!!" (Um, editing?) And, lastly, a friend who became rather upset with me based upon her perceptions of what I was doing, where, with whom, and how often (and not with her) as deduced from postings on Facebook and Instagram. (Um, exsqueeze me?) Comparison is the thief of joy? You bet it is. It's also fertile fodder for wild assumptions that typically only function as a disservice to ourselves.<br />
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I get it. I mean, <i>I get it</i>. I have my own moments. I know you probably have yours. But those moments of "they have it so much better than me" are utterly futile if we only use them to flog ourselves into submission. We can whip ourselves into a frenzy over all the things we believe we lack in the face of what we <i>assume</i> another person doesn't. But the vast majority of the time it's an incomplete picture. Here's the thing, it doesn't matter what the other person has that I/you don't. Assumed or otherwise. I mean, sure you're lacking. Duh. We all lack something. But we all <i>have</i> things, too. Things that others lack. Not that it's about competition, it's about perspective. And, oftentimes, we skew the view.<br />
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Before you think I'm using this post as potential to get a column in "O Magazine" or something, let me wrap things up. It's been a rough year and I feel like parts of my soul have been heavy grit sandpapered. But I've started to see how much that could be a good thing. The rough stuff isn't all over but I'm on a much better bridge for traversing over troubled waters. I'm good. The key to this, as I mentioned before, has been learning to accept things as they are. And, in light of the conversation about comparison, I would encourage you, should you have any doubts, to accept yourself as you are. You just do you. Cheesy? Maybe. But that's just me.</span>
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-46864922488138177642013-09-24T10:38:00.003-07:002014-09-04T07:46:51.556-07:00Pink Champagne Cupcakes Recipe from "Trophy Cupcakes & Party!"<br />
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<img alt="Trophy Cupcakes and Party - Pink Champagne Cupcakes Recipe" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvb_eQqq3j0CHCM93OZNydLEMhv4ul22StEnU0YetUWXAolwGS_898Hvfh4kPj8PZkHa3Hhut-RoWyiq4JR8cVirfsUdR-ceO8ShLwJNHdqat8PsB7ephleHBz9cMACxvM2NN/s1600/trophy-cupcakes-party-book-champagne-cupcakes-recipe-uncle-beefy.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Well, kids, today's the day! The official launch date of <i><a href="https://trophycupcakes.com/book">Trophy Cupcakes & Party! </a></i>by <a href="https://trophycupcakes.com/trophy-life">Jennifer Shea</a>! It seems oh-so-fitting to celebrate the day with Pink Champagne Cupcakes and so, <a href="http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2013/09/trophy-cupcakes-parties.html">as promised</a>, here is the recipe to Jennifer's scrumptiously celebratory cupcakes! Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"> </span>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">TROPHY'S PINK CHAMPAGNE CUPCAKES</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">makes 2 dozen</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 115%;">Pink Champagne Cupcakes</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">2/3 cup champagne</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">2/3 cup half-and-half</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1/4 teaspoon red food coloring</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">2 1/2 cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">3 eggs</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Combine the champagne, half-and-half, and food coloring in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside.</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat them at low speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute if the butter is soft. If the butter is cool, it will take longer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping the bowl after each addition, and waiting until all traces of each egg have disappeared before adding next one.</span> </li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with adding the wet ingredients in 2 parts. Keep the mixer at the lowest speed and mix each time just until the ingredients are combined. When everything has been added, scrape the bowl and paddle one more time, and stir the batter just until it's smooth. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes and stir gently before using.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full and bake until the tops of the cupcakes are firm and a cake tester inserted into the center of a middle cupcake comes our with just a few crumbs, about 20 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool for 5 minutes in the pans before removing to a rack to cool completely.</span></li>
</ul>
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<img alt="Trophy Cupcakes and Party - Pink Champagne Cupcakes Recipe" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASUWPRpIv0HDlMveQX5o44LtlJN-95FWnpBV0ca3lEt-6WFYXXxXTE6v7_c1-Rlx8TxzcuOj1FUWEEJhgoe0l_ZojG8tGkW3DHmzybWHzJdOndbSUUKY9GQttyIohzNTlFMVM/s1600/trophy-cupcakes-party-book-champagne-cupcakes-recipe-uncle-beefy-01.jpg" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 115%;">Pink Champagne Buttercream</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">3 cups (6 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">6 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon champagne</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Red food coloring</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter. Start with the mixer at the lowest speed, then gradually increase the speed, using a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl as needed, until the butter is light in color, perfectly smooth, and makes a slapping sound as it hits the sides of the bowl. If the butter is soft, this should only take 30 seconds, but if the butter is cool, it can take a couple of minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Add the sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix at the lowest speed until it's fully incorporated before adding the next cup. When all the sugar has been added, scrape the paddle and the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the champagne, vanilla, salt, and a drop or two of food coloring (or add more for a darker, deeper pink shade), and beat them at low speed for 15 seconds. Increase the speed to as high as you can without making a mess and whip the buttercream until the mixutre is perfectly smooth, creamy, and light, about 5 minutes. Stop the mixer once or twice to scrape the bowl and paddle, then continue beating. At first the buttercream will appear to soften, then it will stiffen and increase in volume.</span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Use right away, or store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, let the buttercream come to room temperature, then put it back in the stand mixer and use the paddle attachment to beat it until it's creamy and stiff again. </span></li>
</ul>
<i><span style="font-size: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">* I tend to like my frosting on the less sweet side so I added the confectioners' sugar to taste (about 3 cups).</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A big "Thank you!" to Jennifer for graciously allowing me to reproduce this recipe here!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">PHOTOGRAPHS, CRAFTING AND STYLING BY UNCLE BEEFY</span></div>
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-72558352450144434252013-09-21T11:24:00.000-07:002014-09-04T07:47:37.229-07:00Trophy Cupcakes & Parties! <br />
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<img alt="Trophy Cupcakes and Party! Book" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOZBqD_YqtlOxioL196NWwcdtFMc0M8JWDNmIHnrsR5PYhULYOSCHAslRBRM2BEYsJL6-_Z1qejF-BmDSnAuKiHZG-KLTE6ug3y94d5ywSyEWzMuE0sk1kNOGbv29t95HgIQ7/s1600/trophy-cupcakes-party-book-uncle-beefy.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">I love cookbooks. LOVE cookbooks. But adding one more to an already bursting-at-the-seams assortment hardly seems necessary in my case. That said, when invited to be a part of the virtual book tour with the chance to get a pre-launch sneak peek at the new book <a href="https://trophycupcakes.com/book" target="_blank"><i>Trophy Cupcakes & Parties!</i></a> by Jennifer Shea of famed Seattle cupcakery <a href="https://trophycupcakes.com/" target="_blank">Trophy</a>, I mean, I had to at least look! Right? (Um, yeah!) Well, this freshman entry into my cookbook collection catapulted straight toward the top of the senior class, kids. Lemme tell ya. And that is because it is <i>so much more</i> than just a cookbook.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">They always say that the best tools in the kitchen are typically the ones that perform beyond one function and that's precisely why that little beauty of a book up there will remain a keeper. Aside from the fact that it's a visual treat to peruse through, and that there are cupcake recipes aplenty (and you know papa knows his way 'round a cupcake), it has inspiration galore for throwing a fantastic fête. There are lots of wonderful party theme offerings but Jennifer also gives you the tools to generate your own celebratory ideas with her "Truly Terrific Theme Generator" worksheet. And I love that she is encouraging her readers to not simply do as she does but do as you would do - with some Trophy-style flair! (With the idea of initially just testing a recipe, I got all sorts of inspired to get my party craft on, too! Keep reading!)</span><br />
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<img alt="Trophy Cupcakes and Party! Pink Champagne Cupcakes" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxMltuBnr30Y_qTTpGh3ltMGHXSTc9Q4Vy45VneYPNZjpTaKoNcq7ar-t3HMx7SpUGUWG_KiZXpqt790mkd7k62xKjopF_DW_6zv51yysVw_jWWji5kIsPNhqimnXtIQaaZd0/s1600/trophy-cupcakes-party-book-pink-champagne-uncle-beefy.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Now, y'all know that your uncle loves to get his bake on and I'm no stranger to gittin' cupcakey wid it. So, the first thing I had to test out was a cupcake recipe and I immediately went for the Pink Champagne Cupcakes. Pink? Champagne? Cupcakes? DUH! Bubbles and baking are <i>so</i> up my alley! Following the recipe was easy-breezy and, no lie, the final results were damn tasty (to celebrate the official day of the book launch, I'll be posting the recipe on Tuesday, September 24th). Plus, I also gave a go at trying out one of the piping techniques outlined in the book - the "Vintage Ruffle" - and I'd say the results are pretty pleasing, don't you think? (Is it wrong for me to be winking and making a kiss face at myself in the mirror right now? Okay. Let's forget I mentioned that and keep reading.)</span><br />
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<img alt="Trophy Cupcakes and Party! Book" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMz1JEty8gWLcZwOKlbgi36T0MKtiVDgRHhLrL1h9BSTtpjXdhbwGuq5ed6WMNhHD2JAtfnGmqM5eJ4RRECF5M_iKGoqx7ee2giqK4gyS63MPySmEGvJrIDuLkKoT1VVoJhCE/s1600/trophy-cupcakes-party-book-sneak-peek-ribbons.jpg" />
<img alt="Trophy Cupcakes and Party! DIY Cupcake Liner Award Ribbons" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccc8BofHKhg_VkB9zjOsM1wUwsAZbX_ObaWYLpHD4c5HEvD1BA1C_NP41x6RsmU-E24LFYhWxeni5DIS_YELGM3DEb-xanKfK2DUVU3o6fPgQYsTrvSbxHKeaN5llqXT-V6Ym/s1600/trophy-cupcakes-party-award-ribbons-uncle-beefy.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Just looking at the pages of the book and I totally busted out my party crafty! With cupcakes baking in the oven, I was digging through my stash of crafting supplies - papers, ribbons, circular paper punches, and, yes, the glue gun - to set the stage for my party. (A pretend party, admittedly, but the cats seemed to have a good time.) In a surprisingly short amount of time, I had created my own color-coordinated confetti and garlands along with the cupcake liner award ribbons (up above) that are featured in the book. Super cute, eh?! And <i>so</i> simple for such spectacular results! Part of Jennifer's philosophy is "make every day a party" and putting her book to the test proved how easy it is to make that possible. Cheers to that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">You can <a href="https://trophycupcakes.com/book-order" target="_blank">pre-order a signed copy of <i>Trophy Cupcakes & Parties!</i> here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">And, if you're in Seattle you can also <a href="http://trophybookparty.brownpapertickets.com/" target="_blank">buy tickets to the launch celebration soirée</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">And make sure to check out the rest of the <i>Trophy Cupcakes & Parties!</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Book Tour for more fun stuff and sneak peeks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><a href="http://theeffortlesschic.com/2013/the-table/strawberry-cupcakes-from-trophy-cupcakes-parties/" target="_blank">The Effortless Chic</a> •<a href="http://apartment34.com/2013/09/girl-crush-jennifer-shea/" target="_blank"> Apartment 34</a> • <a href="http://lalalovelythings.com/2013/09/trophy-cupcakes-parties/" target="_blank">La La Lovely Things</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><a href="http://shopsweetthings.com/5-no-fail-tips-on-how-to-be-the-trophy-hostess-trophy-cupcakes-and-parties" target="_blank">Shop Sweet Things</a> • <a href="http://www.sacramentostreet.com/2013/09/on-the-menu-espresso-bean-cupcakes-from-trophy-cupcakes/">Sacramento Street</a> •<a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/2013/09/trophy-cupcakes-and-party-the-casablanca-cupcake/" target="_blank"> Coco+Kelley</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">PHOTOGRAPHS, CRAFTING AND STYLING BY UNCLE BEEFY</span></div>
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-4155895018003588132013-09-17T15:24:00.000-07:002013-09-18T08:46:01.609-07:00Inspiration Rx | Tranquility<br />
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<img alt="Inspiration Rx | Tranquility | Water | The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pvibhqqhQig8vl1K-7o1RobpocIcKlUPFTwiCj8PZndmIqquWlesX47O6Zpz73eUnQdyVU10cLCfTzKWWPvEbCO19g16yk0Pfl21Zpmnw74BDy_BMvawM1-vnfFgPc1DsybA/s1600/inspiration-rx-tranquility-uncle-beefy-sea-water.jpg" title="Inspiration Rx | Tranquility | Water | The Bedlam of Beefy" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Recently, the lovely <a href="http://besottedblog.com/" target="_blank">Miss Tristan B.</a> and <a href="http://vicinitystudio.com/" target="_blank">Miss Michelle P.</a> started a creative series entitled "<a href="http://besottedblog.com/category/inspiration-rx" target="_blank">Inspiration Rx</a>" to provide enticements to those needing an extra spark or a means to break free from a creative rut. With the simple prompt of one thoughtfully chosen word, they invite us to give ourselves pause and lift. This week's prompt, "tranquility" was less read or contemplated by me than it was felt. Deeply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">On a personal level, these are some tumultuous times for me. But even during "normal" times I think the vast majority of us function in a quieted state of frenzy these days.We eat while we're watching television while we're texting a friend while we're glancing at Pinterest. (<i>Commas?! Who has time for commas?!!</i>) The cultural state du jour is "busy". "<i>We'd love to come but we're busy that night."</i> "<i>I meant to call you sooner but I've been so busy.</i>" "<i>Thank you for calling. Your call is very important to us. All of our operators are busy taking care of other customers...</i>" And so on, and so on. It's at least partially self-inflicted, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/25755029089861487/" target="_blank">largely glorified</a>, and decidedly, sadly, true a great deal of the time. And, if you worry like I can, you might even feel a twinge of guilt to indulge in a quiet moment lest something more important occupy that mental vacancy. Multitasking has run amok.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Just to see the word "tranquility" made my eyelids a little heavy, my breath softer, and my heart slow its pace. And in times when I'm willing to seek out tranquility I almost always seek it out by the water or in the woods. Just to hear <a href="https://vine.co/v/huWnx1qWbpd" target="_blank">the soft lapping of the water</a> or <a href="https://vine.co/v/h7ImpOllWO9" target="_blank">to sit quietly among moss-laden trees</a>? Heaven! I may even fall asleep before I finish this post the thought itself is so soothing. I'm guessing I don't do it often enough. Same for you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Where do you seek tranquility? Do you even make the effort to find it? Is it a daily practice? Weekly? Do you incorporate it into your life simply as a means to feel lighter, more expansive, or do you only try to eek it out during times of trouble or distress? I'd love to know your thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">At the very least, I hope you found even a little of it here.</span><br />
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<img alt="Inspiration Rx | Tranquility | Woods | The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_vrERbzL0AqWHp6Y-I5R3FafnqkU6xW9YaIfIk0EQS9g6iUx2bMXcKZwVXltLZgkbV4Bg3TvoCOyMeO6eFaDfE_RPNUphyceJjO__ecZGnOZwd9U02f92zs-KDh5MDMafpSP/s1600/inspiration-rx-tranquility-uncle-beefy-woods-forest.jpg" title="Inspiration Rx | Tranquility | Woods | The Bedlam of Beefy" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ALL IMAGES BY UNCLE BEEFY.</span></span></div>
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-61449983445939766812013-08-16T10:43:00.002-07:002014-09-04T10:07:20.818-07:00Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles<br />
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<img alt="Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles • The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgATtn9BOCTl2zTvNaUAmZkBwxRgtgVWaG6xUKJm2l8Gv7dXyHTC8LWRb15gtTHpzYxqxzR6okXohj7f2kcTXwx9ztYxxEVONgXyljNqtwjzzrTh_tUzKjgc8FO2hgKOJLSeh/s1600/popsicle-week-buttermilk-blackberry-crumble-01.jpg" title="Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles • The Bedlam of Beefy" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Today I'm joining a slew of fine bloggers in capping off <a href="http://witandvinegar.com/popsicleweek" target="_blank">POPSICLE WEEK</a>! That's right, y'all! Billy of the oh-so-delightful <a href="http://witandvinegar.com/" target="_blank">Wit & Vinegar</a> rounded up a posse of 26 bloggers from around the blogosphere to get their popsicle on. Y'know, 'cause it's August and we're trying to squeak in as much summer celebration as we can and, I mean, who doesn't like a popsicle? Genius idea, Billy.</span></div>
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<img alt="Popsicle Week • Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles • The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwT5JRMoUzAmHZFQRwOwFX8S2CKJgAGMdWR_R7NsQ5yNwNYoGZ5YRCKzHVB7ZLO8BMTjdyt7W4B1co98wBP-ry4SEthlr92GsZ1zgmn4jCna9Sx5yjz7nToEsJbOG-1QqsjYA0/s1600/popsicle-week-buttermilk-blackberry.jpg" title="Popsicle Week • Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles • The Bedlam of Beefy" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">As your uncle hails from the Pacific Northwest, it seemed only fitting that I should go with something blackberry. This time of year it is not at all uncommon to see people in questionable casual sportswear picking blackberries on the roadside like vagrants or people who just emerged after being lost in the woods in a vain attempt to find Bigfoot. In any event, if you happen to witness this spectacle just go with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">So, yeah, I rounded up a bushel o' blackberries a la roadside and got to creating my POPSICLE WEEK offering - Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles. Y'know, something light and healthy to go with my active Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Or not. These beauties are layers of tangy, creamy buttermilk ice cream studded with fresh, wild blackberries, graham cracker crumble, and a moody ribbon of blackberry ice. Rowr! Rowr? Okay, probably more homey than sexy but let's just go with it.</span><br />
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<img alt="Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles • The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU7wp21nmoVsrUNN5zdNME14XCfw4F97gbdMKOfRSApFmXjdnwu1ZXLDL1ajik3mhCZMsCqeozXXXmpgUogYG0dLpJqV0tnrqupwmLp_FQZaQL11sIajhPb11M3wcSXt58CcA/s1600/popsicle-week-buttermilk-blackberry-crumble-02.jpg" title="Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles • The Bedlam of Beefy" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">BUTTERMILK BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE POPSICLES</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">makes 10 (11ish) popsicles</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 115%;">Buttermilk Ice Cream</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">adapted from <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Cream-Sugar-Cones-Creamery/dp/1607741849" target="_blank">Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones</a></i> (A cookbook I <i>highly</i> recommend!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">5 large egg yolks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">3/4 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: l115%;">2 cups heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 cup buttermilk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 teaspoon vanilla</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">In a heatproof bowl whisk together the egg yolks and half of the sugar (6 tablespoons) and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Combine cream and the remaining half of the sugar in a nonreactive saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Allow to heat to barely a simmer, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat to medium.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Carefully remove a small amount (ladle full) of the cream mixture and add to the egg yolks while whisking continuously. Continue this step a few times to bring the yolks to temperature and then add remaining cream mixture and whisk to combine.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Return this base mixture to the pan and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened and can hold a clear line when you run your finger through it on the back of a wooden spoon or spatula. (For a temperature you can bring it to about 160ºF on an instant-read thermometer.)</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Remove from heat and run through a fine-mesh strainer (to remove any egg bits) into a clean container. Place the container into an ice-water bath and allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. (If the custard base is not completely chilled it can cause the ice cream mixture to break when adding the buttermilk. So don't get hasty!)</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Once fully chilled, add the cup of buttermilk and vanilla to the custard base and mix until completely combined.</span></li>
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<i><span style="font-size: 115%;">Blackberry Ice</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 1/2 cups blackberries</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1/4 cup water </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">2 tablespoons light corn syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">3 tablespoons sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Juice of 1/2 a lemon </span><br />
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<li>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">In a small nonreactive saucepan, combine all the ingredients and cook over medium-high heat until the fruit has broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly (10-15 minutes). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a small heatproof container, cover, and chill completely.</span></li>
</ul>
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<i><span style="font-size: 115%;">Graham Cracker Crumble</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1/4 graham cracker crumbs</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">2 tablespoons unsalted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 teaspoon sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Dash of salt</span><br />
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<li>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a small bowl. Salt to taste. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Completely chill graham cracker mixture in the refrigerator.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Okay, ready to make popsicles? You know you are!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">To assemble Buttermilk Blackberry Crumble Popsicles:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Buttermilk Ice Cream Base</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Blackberry Ice Base</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Fresh Blackberries (approximately 1/2 cup or more)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Graham Cracker Crumble </span><br />
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<li>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">In a popsicle mold, place a small amount of the buttermilk ice cream base in the bottom of each mold. Add two or three fresh blackberries. Sprinkle with some of the graham cracker crumble and top with a little more of the buttermilk ice cream base. Freeze.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Once that layer is frozen, add a layer of the blackberry ice mixture, a few more blackberries, and freeze completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Finally, add a little more of the crumble and top off each mold until full with the buttermilk ice cream base and freeze.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Once your popsicles are fully frozen, to remove, simply dunk your mold/s into a hot water bath a few times until you can pull the popsicle out by the stick. Voila! </span><br />
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-61765956386781658152013-07-29T15:10:00.000-07:002013-07-29T16:27:08.732-07:00Furniture Makeovers: We Have a Winner!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQJDtNUZ79TQMGORxBF90Qy7o58zDYVUxVmfmdUOza-0d_J7Qv8DDpsBnNEc9k7fbsyXuSru_vXIhidH0BicYfYdUUqdghD10TtFoh_tAewNnhyphenhyphenbHGjxCsBLCxRIDN3Qcmu3U/s1600/furniture-makeovers-photo-by-carlton-riffel.jpg" /><a href="http://whitetapestry.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvrGcPMwJxyWohIYJ62cR7_x63N6qDEaO_xlCsFC4UZEQovSPfUqKY3BCR67EfSA3-_jrX_n6YZ56vmN0YjgrIHbRn8dPWeYM2OfA4d1Zd9544hVmPYTGrZLRXJsEtTpO3GLN/s1600/furniture-makeovers-winner-julie-white-tapestry-blog.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">PHOTO BY <a href="http://www.criffelphotos.com/" target="_blank">CARLTON RIFFEL</a></span></span><br />
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-9513498091213373442013-07-24T11:33:00.001-07:002013-07-25T08:01:19.290-07:00Furniture Makeovers + A Giveaway<br />
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<img alt="Furniture Makeovers by Barb Blair" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggO7pxNlaRnI9-c4WY-fUCDWBLxWJRJ5EjmQZ7WksUcX7DlPJcv-p8Z8H5KQ5b7yOb3oYZKzhCn3Kz5OxjOK_0vpM-9iv-TUnlZvDYeEggjuXZo2Cx2PXmoHX_mlhI1cPmoD6x/s1600/chronicle-books-furniture-makeovers-knack-studios-book.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">There is a reason that my <i><a href="http://pinterest.com/unclebeefy/gittin-crafty-wid-it/" target="_blank">Gittin' Crafty Wid It</a></i> board on Pinterest is my most popular. I love a good craft project! Okay, more accurately, I probably love the <i>idea</i> of a good craft project. But Barb Blair is getting me off my crafting keister with her newly released <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/life-style/lifestyle-home/furniture-makeovers.html" target="_blank"><i>Furniture Makeovers</i></a> from <a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/" target="_blank">Chronicle Books</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Having started the illustrious <a href="http://knackstudios.com/" target="_blank">Knack Studios</a>, Barb has a long-standing reputation of being a creative genius in the furniture refinishing arena. <i>Furniture Makeovers</i> does not disappoint with a slew of ideas for turning trash into treasure. With 26 featured techniques, from using decals and découpage to getting the 'dip-dyed' look, my head was swirling with possibilities. I've been inspired to tackle creating a faux inlay look to a couple of dated chairs I have that have been dying for, well, a makeover. I have my supplies lined up and will be kickin' it crafty style this weekend!</span><br />
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<img alt="Uncle Beefy's Furniture Makeover Inspiration" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpwicG39zo53-OkoClw14kIFRRMGsKtM_IG0ENgxsIGvLR0f4G_xuyX0CiORGw_CqVXifaphQYZHfokURgPb6X5OmkeOf8sWdkhDTeMx2vXxg2Ix1P_f6cph9gAwWhcW4KmwL/s1600/chronicle-books-furniture-makeover-knack-studios.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">If you'd like to get your craft on with <a href="http://knackstudios.com/furniture-makeovers-blog-tour/" target="_blank">the rest of us on the blog tour</a> and get your own signed copy of <i>Furniture Makeovers</i> (along with one of Barb's super cute totes below) just leave a comment here letting me know that you've liked '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank">The Bedlam</a>' and '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/knackstudio" target="_blank">Knack</a>' on Facebook. I'll announce the winner on Monday (July 29th)!</span><br />
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<img alt="Knack Studios Tote Bag" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e41EHgMgIPXaa3sSgb4JhBgeMyCqTOZW9voPZQdP5f-ZBg-Z-nZo5Vs-CRL4XR4a0G_zlCSiBgqCKSq6h7DZRjtdvKAp5qB9gW8JsgxT-4MwquUfIldtaGIYD2-CN-0lY4FK/s1600/chronicle-books-furniture-makeovers-knack-studios-tote.jpg" />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">TOTE PHOTO BY <a href="http://www.criffelphotos.com/" target="_blank">CARLTON RIFFEL</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>Furniture Makeovers</i> is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Furniture-Makeovers-Techniques-Transforming-Stencils/dp/1452104158/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373656897&sr=8-1&keywords=furniture+makeovers" target="_blank">
Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/furniture-makeovers-barbara-blair/1114034105?ean=9781452124193" target="_blank">
Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781452104157" target="_blank">IndieBound</a>, or
<a href="http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/life-style/lifestyle-home/furniture-makeovers.html" target="_blank">
Chronicle Books</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Blog Tour Lineup:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Monday, July 15 – <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/" target="_blank">
A Beautiful Mess</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Tuesday, July 16 – <a href="http://www.annesage.com/" target="_blank">
The City Sage</a> and <a href="http://www.crannyandme.com/" target="_blank">Cranny + Me</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Wednesday, July 17 – <a href="http://www.urbancomfort.typepad.com/" target="_blank">
Urban Comfort</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Thursday, July 18 – <a href="http://indiecraftparade.com/" target="_blank">Indie Craft Parade</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Friday, July 19 – <a href="http://www.simplygrove.com/" target="_blank">
Simply Grove</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Monday, July 22 – <a href="http://www.poppytalk.com/" target="_blank">
Poppytalk</a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Tuesday, July 23 – <a href="http://www.thecuratedhouse.com/" target="_blank">
The Curated House</a> and <a href="http://www.ambrosiagirl.com/blog/" target="_blank">Ambrosia Creative</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Wednesday, July 24 - <a href="http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">
The Bedlam of Beefy</a></span></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1000579962" style="font-size: 115%;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday, July 25</span></span><span style="font-size: 115%;"> – <a href="http://decorology.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">
Decorology</a></span> </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1000579963" style="font-size: 115%;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday, July 26</span></span><span style="font-size: 115%;"> – <a href="http://bloesem.blogs.com/" target="_blank">
Bloesem</a></span></div>
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-52485569945080698002013-07-09T18:13:00.000-07:002014-04-15T00:57:47.743-07:00I'm strange. And I like it.<br />
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<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank"><img alt="Uncle Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev9sS_MB1MjFNJkZolKFmWCmpFOLnlBlJvNSz3Dvj-3YgtXFfSnoqjpyfsf7t_t1-EO7BXAGqjNRrIrq7A76An-ABoQBneHc1ruT-4_3vsQf3vv6s-y8M0vJL90y8_udJybDZ/s1600/uncle_beefy_brian_lane.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">PHOTO BY <a href="http://www.printzerostudios.com/" target="_blank">BRIAN LANE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">I have been called a lot of things in my life. Some good, some not so good. But if there has been one adjective that has dutifully followed me around it's "weird". "Strange" comes in at a very close second and makes for a slightly catchier title based upon <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUgsmsvSYow" target="_blank">the song by Cameo</a> (which, as it turns out, isn't really all that great despite my fond recollection). Hey, I get it. I mean, I <i>totally</i> get it. I <i>am</i> weird. And, at this point, you've probably gotten that, as well. Yes? Thought so. (God love your heart for still being here.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Sometimes my weirdness has been my nemesis. Kids at school teased and shunned me because their poor wee brains just couldn't wrap their heads around all o' that business. And I drive myself bananas - buh-NANAS! - with the weirdness of my late bloomer ways. On the other hand, that same bizarre synapse explosion that had kids laughing <i>at</i> me when I was little has turned out to be the same silly freak show that has had people laughing <i>with</i> me and connected me with so many as an adult. Here's the one consistent thing, that little inside place that has continually gotten pegged as weird, be it good weird or bad weird, is the same place that always radiates with joy for me. I don't mean joy. I mean <i><b>JOY</b></i>. That utter abandonment of all cares or concerns, the I-could-give-a-rip relishing that only comes in moments where we feel completely, deeply, authentically ourselves. Why then are so many of us quick to squelch that expressiveness and abandon that feeling of freedom? Abandon ourselves?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">A casual armchair psychology session would talk about our innate biological and social desires to belong and, thus, conform to a standard set by a societal majority, blah, blah, blah. So why do we also applaud and admire those who defy those set standards? Raise them up as idols of individuality? Why? Because we so desperately want to do the exact same thing. They represent outwardly the caged wonder that resides inside all of us. But as much as we may long for the radiance of those who
have the courage to be themselves, most of us become inextricably torn between the
contradiction of wanting to be accepted by the group as they want us to be and risking being ourselves as we were meant to be.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">To make matters worse, those who have followed the tragic trajectory of falling in line with outside expectations typically reinforce a mentality of "that's just what you
do" to younger generations in order that the sacrifice of their
own precious life doesn't feel like it was all in vain. So, many of
us spend our lives walking through fires that were
set long before us, becoming comfortable breathing through the smoke, seeing
through the blurred vision of stinging eyes because we've been
conditioned to never really know what it is to breathe deeply or see
clearly for ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Then, there is the
navigation of the calm seas promised by those who love us and
want the very best for us. Those whom, with the best of intentions, will
lovingly encourage us off course. This is usually framed through looking back upon one's own regrets and wanting to help others avoid those same missteps. Seems reasonable, more or less, right? Well, sure! If we all lived the exact same lives with the exact same desires and goals, anyway. But we don't. And still we see the father who desperately wanted to be an actor, who settled for becoming a lawyer because it was a 'good and steady' job, who will then persuade his daughter to go to law school when she really longs to be an artist. That or any myriad combination one might conceive of are simply more painful examples of becoming less of ourselves. Wash, rinse, repeat, etc. Because of those "loving" influences we set adrift with false confidence into
open oceans that might well drown out the life we're in hopeful pursuit of discovering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Yes, this whole debacle is one sticky wicket. And we're all guilty of both perpetuating and consuming this maddening conundrum. We fear the judgement we may face in being ourselves freely and yet, despite understanding that fear intimately, we'll turn around and judge another for expressing their unique selves. I've done it. You've done it. <i>And</i> when we make those judgements against others we only serve to reinforce our own fears of being judged all over again and just keep digging our hole deeper, and deeper, and deeper. As a result, we also distance ourselves further from really knowing who we are in the first place which makes us decidedly more susceptible to following someone else's rules and navigations. [I know. Insert head spinning here.] </span><br />
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<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank"><img alt="Assorted images of Uncle Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvL3P1WtkcPXlKVuSlYC2uBiIuqzUEWvc1Cipx03QvTdQ9o2L2br8f1TcSpxxXezJvT3Fsxgr3R7WQkgkqofZg-jbEPJJHd5_lvuDQh2ScHruKW9UsnBp3gwrW80lSCfvWmskk/s1600/uncle_beefy_acting_crazy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">MY WEIRDNESS THROUGH THE AGES.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Years ago, I was a barista working at a coffee stand in a neighborhood of Seattle. During the weekday mornings, kids would stop by to get a little something on their way to school. (Let the record show that fulfilling coffee orders for 10 year olds always felt weird and borderline illegal to me.) There was one girl, I'd say around 7 or 8 years old, who came by almost every morning to get a small hot chocolate with whipped cream and colored sprinkles. Unlike other kids who came in barreling bunches, she was always alone. Seeming slightly small for her age, she had this spherical crown of black, kinky, curly hair, bright blue eyes, and a perfect smattering of freckles. In conjunction with her striking features came a bevy of very creative outfits, oftentimes with mismatched shoes, and, my favorite accessory, a tiny plastic hot dog that she dragged behind her on a string. Her raging individuality makes me want to cry for her courage even now because I can't imagine she always had an easy go of it with other kids. Or, I don't know, maybe she did since there was nothing retreating or second-guessing about this girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">One morning a woman appeared at the window to order a coffee. Her hair was pulled back and in a professionally conservative bun. The suit she was wearing was pristine and well-pressed and her shoes and briefcase would indicate a woman both serious and successful. She also ordered a small hot chocolate. "With whip and sprinkles," she said, "please." Suddenly, those icy blue eyes and that wild halo of hair popped up right next her distinct opposite, next to, as it turns out, her mother. Her <i>mother</i>!? To say there was a glaring contrast would be an understatement if ever there was one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">My shock and awe clearly caused my mouth to take the lead from my better sense as I burst out with the declaration that I <i>never</i> would have thought that <i>she</i> would be <i>this child's</i> mother. Oops! Fortunately, she looked at me with a been-here-a-million-times-before expression and, with a smile in her voice, said, "I know, but I figure if I let her learn who she is now she won't have to deal with others telling her who she's <i>supposed</i> to be later." (You want me to give you a second to let that sink in? Powerful stuff, huh?) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">The reality is someone is always going to think about or, worse, tell you who you ought to be. Those people may also be the same people who quietly cry themselves to sleep from staying in a relationship they don't love, in a house they don't like, paid for by a job they despise. And, let's face it, there are people who are going to tell you who you should be simply because they don't like you. They may not like you because, well, they just don't or it may simply be a reflection of not liking themselves. In either case, their opinion of you is none of your business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Sure, it's great to be considered the
coolest/hippest/hottest/bestest whatever. But at what point do we strive
for all of that external validation and acceptance to the detriment of our truest selves? And who's to say
that our truest self isn't all of those aforementioned adjectives in the first place? When we are at our truest we probably don't care anyway. As one of my favorite quotes from <a href="http://www.thework.com/index.php" target="_blank">Byron Katie</a> reminds us, “It’s not your job to like me – it’s mine.”</span><br />
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-62071855159808457912013-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-09T12:16:14.318-07:00Strawberry Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote<br />
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<img alt="Strawberry Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote | The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXvW3IOMt5WhR-T2WPKJteYB5mX_4Ln_SInR1aGcB0QCYv0tZWoGa-3VlPABRlJ8QYEu5VIiDODVgLOmWRa-lBSgAAUTpCPMkSTxLjEkrrc2JTGTC_xOvWw9uTcVgo4uw75WP/s1600/strawberry_panna_cotta_rhubarb_lead.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">As much as I love rhubarb I still hang on to the false idea that it is associated it with summertime rather than spring. I suppose it's the classic pairing with strawberries that makes me hold on to that misinformed thought since strawberries are a quintessential summer fruit. Or it could be that once the grey skies of a Northwest winter roll back I just get greedy for the arrival of summer and skip past thoughts of spring altogether. In any case, when I see those rose-colored stalks of rhubarb appear at the market I experience a simultaneous seasonal sigh of relief along with a little mouthwatering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">I love that special piquant zing of rhubarb that pairs so well with any number of sweet flavors. And I love that it's so easy to work with to add its distinctive touch to even the simplest dessert. A quick rhubarb compote is amazing when barely folded into sweetened whipped cream for a 'Rhubarb Fool' or just slathered warm on top of good vanilla ice cream. But given that its culinary bestie is the strawberry and with Mother's Day coming up I thought I'd combine the best of all worlds - easy <i>and</i> elegant - in a strawberry panna cotta with rhubarb compote. </span></div>
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<img alt="Strawberry Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote | The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJAArvNHOcM-XIKfEItmfI7eNwQMF8gUPgpV5vGZ1tKQ8ynwDwUvDHcGQmidXcnnYZYNZ0DYkJ_EdtYetgQ0PohH5b2G58UBoATEXc3PPkDHhIoREzH52lUG-Y-xh1-tt4UCo/s1600/strawberry_panna_cotta_rhubarb_oh.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Recipe after the jump...</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 115%;">This recipe comes together with fairly minimal effort and, when presented in something like these vintage champagne coupes, makes for a spectacular showing. This is an easy make-ahead dessert that will do your mom proud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTA with RHUBARB COMPOTE</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>Panna Cotta</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 envelope unflavored gelatin </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">2 tablespoons cold water</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 cup heavy cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 cup half and half</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 cup strawberry juice* </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1/3 cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>*Strawberry Juice</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1lb fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 cup water</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 tbsp fresh lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">3 tbsp sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>Rhubarb Compote</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">3 large stalks rhubarb, trimmed and cut into pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">3/4 cup water</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">1/4 cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>For the strawberry juice</i>: Place strawberries, water, lemon juice, and sugar in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a low boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until strawberries have softened and broken down - about 25 minutes. (Watch pot to prevent boiling over.) Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the strawberry mixture over a bowl pressing the fruit with a spoon or spatula until juice is extracted. You should have at least 1 cup of juice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>For the panna cotta</i>: In a small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over water and let stand about 1 minute to soften. Heat gelatin mixture over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Remove saucepan from heat and set aside.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">In a large saucepan bring cream, half and half, strawberry juice and sugar just to a low boil over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Add a small amount of the hot strawberry cream mixture to the saucepan containing gelatin and stir gelatin mixture until fully incorporated and add it to the remaining strawberry cream mixture. Add vanilla. Divide cream mixture among 6 to 8 small ramekins (or other containers). Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>For the rhubarb compote</i>: In a medium saucepan bring rhubarb, water, and sugar to a low boil over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb softens completely and mixture thickens - about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Top each panna cotta with desired amount of compote and enjoy!</span></div>
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<img alt="Strawberry Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote | The Bedlam of Beefy" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR6Avp5AxPV7iG5xU6aH9PzpjD0pxZ5d19Y4ZGOL6-_JWMleGcRJhlYaOfIu5Sw25VQV9ecHBm2m5N-7BJWUL5kCgnFBMRcwA9hhWjK9Egy2I05nxAHSRJDuRyfqDIM-Z4d3Z/s1600/strawberry_panna_cotta_rhubarb_close.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ALL IMAGES BY UNCLE BEEFY.</span></span></div>
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-54631618726721877322013-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:002013-05-08T08:00:02.290-07:00The Cuyana Seattle Soirée<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><img alt="Wrap it up, I'll take it! The Cuyana Seattle Soirée" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnMMnnVu5BEU5_2MxvcoO4xQnwh39DEB-Bki1kf9sP7ySO802yUY_NU-kMfa6wkm5XAW1V4PCL4KatktF8DoEmyfBfPjIkmbpHWdH9dhSceQ1BwIMsgYfvkOOm8_fvMCdGBVz/s1600/cuyana_seattle_soiree01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Last week, on a <i>beautiful</i> Tuesday night, Cassandra of <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/" target="_blank"><i>Coco+Kelley</i></a> and I hosted the <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/" target="_blank">Cuyana</a> Spring Soirée at Seattle's <a href="http://blackbottleseattle.com/" target="_blank">Black Bottle</a>. There is nothing like the first sign of springtime sun to get us Pacific Northwesterners to emerge blissfully from our hibernation. You combine that with champagne, shopping, and noshing and you're gonna see some seriously sunshiny Seattleites, my friend.</span>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">This was a perfect chance for people to see Cuyana's wares up close and personal while sipping, nibbling, and socializing. But, lemme tell you what, one gander at the goods and the glasses were getting set down and the wallets were coming out! <i>Woosh! </i><a href="http://www.cuyana.com/leather-tote-nectarine.html" target="_blank">Leather tote in Nectarine</a>? Sold out! How about in <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/leather-tote-caramel.html" target="_blank">Caramel</a>? All gone! Our stylish guests were serving up some serious retail therapy. The mister and I also became the proud owners of an <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/camel-scarf.html" target="_blank">Alpaca Infinity Scarf</a> and the <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/canvas-and-leather-weekend-bag-mustard.html" target="_blank">Weekender Bag</a> (perfect for our pending Palm Springs trip). And, man, I'm surprised that there were any of their <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/travel-cases.html" target="_blank">leather travel cases</a> left as those beauties were the belle of the ball that night! Given their gorgeous candy colors, they were hard to resist. Such a fun night!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><img alt="The Cuyana Seattle Soirée • Event Photos" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G2f4V4a9q1tZ_KXXcs8n2976dH8N1vzTnO_naS-MfedIHGOEa4mUI2TIWH_yI-77EXT-ZFdBwNTjS8GNVOmKNCRm4hBty7u1a_OW7j4iNTUHeRHecJe01iGD9cFiACB6zTG8/s3200/cuyana_seattle_soiree02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MY CO-HOST, <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/" target="_blank">CASSANDRA</a>, WITH OUR PAL, ERIN OF <a href="http://apartment34.com/" target="_blank"><i>APARTMENT 34</i></a>, ONE OF THE MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/travel-cases.html" target="_blank">LEATHER TRAVEL CASES</a>, ASHLEY OF <a href="http://www.thestyleumbrella.com/" target="_blank"><i>THE STYLE UMBRELLA</i></a>, <span style="font-size: x-small;">OOH! LOOKS LIKE </span>BRIANNE OF <a href="http://www.ravennagirls.com/" target="_blank"><i>THE RAVENNA GIRLS</i></a> AND MELANIE OF <a href="http://inwardfacinggirl.com/" target="_blank"><i>INWARD FACING GIRL</i></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">WERE </span>IN A FRIENDLY TRAVEL CASE TUSSLE (TOLD YOU!), THE GORGEOUS CUYANA SIGNATURE GIFT BOXES, AND THE <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/canvas-and-leather-weekend-bag-mustard.html" target="_blank">CANVAS & LEATHER WEEKEND BAG IN MUSTARD</a> (THE ONE WE GOT!).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ALL IMAGES SUPPLIED BY CUYANA.
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-67853558778073053172013-05-06T11:13:00.001-07:002013-05-06T11:13:54.955-07:00A Warm (and slightly whacky) Weekend<br />
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<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2vwDRM0DtxnlZLKZU8vbdCb1WyZyx_sd4y8aetLtJ22g9yFB19SMI5d_ZQs-Twu-G1T50Snkf7mfCrl3DpttuWkLZOiETEjZ_iLLlGp8yh4cno9Ht0P50ZOH-DT_TGIMt5zR/s1600/instagram_uncle_beefy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Well, as you can see, kids, it was a dreadful weekend with weather nothing short of perfection in Seattle and Cinco de Mayo margaritas involved. I know! Right?! Unthinkable! If I didn't have such an extraordinary tolerance for suffering the insufferable I don't know what I would have done. Well, I probably would have been forced to enjoy another sunny margarita just to get through. I'm a trooper like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">But wait! There's more! I managed to get some yard work done which I'm sure my neighbors greatly appreciated. Since it's rhubarb season, I got myself into the kitchen and started working up a little recipe that I'll post later this week. (A perfect dessert for Mother's Day, by the way!) I learned about new fashion concepts while out and about. Can anyone explain to me the thinking behind "big and tall... <i>hats</i>" and "XXL - <i>Slim Cut</i>"?! Seriously?! Even after a couple of margaritas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo I still couldn't wrap my head around those bright ideas. Nor the gold lamé shorty shorts that one fellow pub patron decided to don with black socks and sandals. It was my own personal version of <a href="http://www.eonline.com/shows/fashion_police" target="_blank"><i>Fashion Police</i></a>. I think I might have a fashion hangover<i> </i>this morning<i>.</i> Oy! And you know the phrase, "wouldn't hurt a fly"? Well, it seems that our dog, Fergus, lives up to that motto as we discovered he was afraid of the one that was circling the room. Pathetic. Finally, I wrapped up my Sunday by tuning in for the last episode of <a href="http://www.pbs.org/program/bletchley-circle" target="_blank"><i>The Bletchley Circle</i></a> on PBS. Did you watch? I loved it and hope there's more to come in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">So, enough about me, how was <i>your</i> weekend?</span></div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HyULCp_Xr-8wu4SE_ZyB6fRt3lDoa6L26Na58T8Wsosbmix3zNn_MkD56ZhsU-WLRsm-LEj6H5xtMN2SB9DRJzL6n_PHFzX1TXm9ujDYtVNgRZiZgdEqnWP5SUKZobSvISMC/s1600/instagram_uncle_beefy_02.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ALL IMAGES FROM <a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy#" target="_blank">MY INSTAGRAM</a>.</span></span></div>
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-39195363886458674672013-04-25T09:57:00.000-07:002013-04-26T07:27:41.840-07:00The Global Wares of Cuyana + A Seattle Spring Soirée<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cuyana.com/seattleevent/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cuyana Sustainable Style and a Seattle Spring Soirée" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sxf8Vs75wYCd4pf6mjcXPgIL66EDwfL_fE4YK1t2JLut67u9KhvCN7j3r5ob0cXIXF2gn4cRz3aOaYSnLXEYqU4BV7pEoiZi91woPoTRsEalvGrqikxJQV2LszQ3-C3WQNI0/s1600/cuyana_sustainable_style.png" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Let's face it, sustainability and style don't always manage to come together successfully. But <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/" target="_blank">Cuyana </a>founders Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah have succeeded in what can sometimes seem the almost impossible. Custom designing their own products, they source and have created country-specific, limited-edition collections that celebrate each country's culture and local craftsmanship.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.cuyana.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Cuyana Products" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBAFbjEIwg2wqChxSzbVQHEwivqnxj1dP_eGuZcqbQMrGQ2zFXqSriEC_2_3AsEUNw_7SsLZGQt9CFcjtvj4bMiAjaoTvlGQmhACJxuFVIzqUubakQcSvtK6IVbkbxpXss7ST/s1600/cuyana_products.png" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">As if that wasn't enough of a great start, a percentage of their profits are donated to "<a href="http://www.charitywater.org/" target="_blank">charity: water</a>" in an effort to help support the charity's mission in providing safe drinking water to communities around the world. Does it get much better than that? Um, yeah. Because they also offer free shipping and free returns (on U.S. orders)! I know, right?! (And their <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/gifting/" target="_blank">reusable gift boxes</a>? Don't get me <i>started</i>! Love!)</span>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">To top things off, Cuyana is throwing a "<a href="http://www.cuyana.com/seattleevent/" target="_blank">Spring Soirée</a>" in Seattle next Tuesday, April 30th, from 5pm to 8pm at <a href="http://blackbottleseattle.com/" target="_blank">Black Bottle</a> with myself and Cassandra of <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/" target="_blank">Coco+Kelley</a> being your hosts! And <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/seattleevent/" target="_blank">you're invited</a>! Come and enjoy cocktails and bites while we peruse Cuyana's wares together! You'll get to see Cuyana's products up close and personal plus get 10% off that night. When you <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/seattleevent/" target="_blank">RSVP</a> (<i>Yes, Seattle! R. S. V. P! You know what I'm talking about!</i>), select "The Bedlam of Beefy" in the drop-down on the RSVP page and you'll have the chance to win a gorgeous leather tote. And if you refer 5 friends you'll score a free canvas tote as Cuyana's "thank you" for helping spread the word (details on the <a href="http://www.cuyana.com/seattleevent/" target="_blank">RSVP page</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Let's get our sustainable, stylish swag on, kids! Click the image below to sign up and I'll see you there!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.cuyana.com/seattleevent/" target="_blank"><img alt="Cuyana Spring Soirée Invite - Click Here to RSVP" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7i184RcTMruZ2aUz0dRdyXh9iN_VaPIOTvsE9AL_Hpp_ScMHXQleGtCGi1R5vk_hn3NM9eXv4rC-G8ikl7MXqnL5iCvZXbRUW0o9ieWHN0EPyIP8ruxsJMoJgY1T5QIj56hB/s1600/cuyana_seattle_soiree_invite.png" title="" /></a></div>
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-21978178406632125122013-04-05T18:29:00.000-07:002013-04-06T00:02:02.973-07:00Block Printing Party at the Seattle West Elm & Friday Favorites<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvZdRcL15Af5NjndQmZY1-8UFnlrUwtTYa4xwOZ7UqvoqPCiVPIxrlVNxXjzRvTUQiwNhDQf9mdGzGyZ44QtZ_Cz6XHwjODxXRyLjtc29Sx5lK-k5rdfoQ2nea08BSUNpKImi/s1600/west_elm_seattle_uncle_beefy.jpg" />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">THE <a href="http://www.westelm.com/customer-service/store-locations/seattle/" target="_blank">SEATTLE WEST ELM</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Ready for the weekend, kids? I'm sure many of you are! Hope your week has gone along swimmingly and that you're ready to dive right into your Saturday. (Ignore what I just did there. "Swimmingly"? "Dive"? Ugh. Sorry.) Anyway, happy Friday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">This week I was fortunate enough to get the creative juices flowing by participating in a block printing workshop presented by the Seattle <a href="http://www.westelm.com/" target="_blank">West Elm</a> and <a href="http://urbancraftuprising.com/" target="_blank">Urban Craft Uprising</a>. So. Much. Fun! Led by the lovely and talented <a href="http://shop.elsagedesigns.com/" target="_blank">Phoebe of elSage Designs</a>, a delightful group of us gathered in the middle of the West Elm showroom to learn about block printing on textiles and to give a go at printing up our own tote bag. Phoebe made up some super cute kits with everything we needed to get to sketching, carving, and printing. </span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXaQYO6suuNOpkaOviyo4HmcJ6ev8QzAicOf99WE0wRqU2EYkirm2XZ2MUdIp_SxW-ZVWaSrR1nc9hlGEeX0Raa8pPZPMvhlTgW_rhZMo7fe9Cu_Ed98MhUSdqWA-6bmU2fjy/s1600/west_elm_seattle_elSage_Designs_block_printing_uncle_beefy.jpg" /> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SKETCHING AND CARVING MY PRINTING BLOCK, MY FINAL PRINTED TOTE, SOME FINAL NAUTICAL WARES <span style="font-size: xx-small;">MADE </span>BY MY TABLE MATE RENAE. </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ND HER </span></span>CLASSIC WHALE MOTIF IN ACTION<span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Now, my background is in printmaking (Yeah. I actually have a degree. Surprise, surprise.) but my skills have been laying waaaaay
dormant. Much. Too. Long. Phoebe's workshop was just what I needed to
clear out the cobwebs and a reminder that all my excuses for not keeping
up with my printing were, ultimately, hogwash. Within a couple of hours
we were all walking out with our custom printed totes in hand! Easy
peasy! I did get a little hung up in the beginning wanting to
bust out something super stylish but I let all of that go and decided to
just do whatever and have fun. I think our mutual fears of getting ink on
anything in the store helped a lot of us let go of whatever design
perfectionism we might have been feeling. Such a great, casual, creative time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Be sure to check out your local <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestElm" target="_blank">West Elm Facebook</a> page (e.g., "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Elm-Seattle/402362516454598?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">West Elm Seattle</a>") and see what fun stuff may be happening in your area. Up next in Seattle is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/269001163235040/" target="_blank">Entertaining Made Easy</a> with my churros compadre Cassandra from <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/" target="_blank">Coco + Kelle<b>y</b></a> which will be a great way to kick off Spring and Summer entertaining season! Ooh, that reminds me! Better take my kaftans to the cleaners for all those upcoming pool parties! What? You were expecting me to say my Speedos? Yeah, none of us want that I can assure you.</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAe_eNti0KIzgaX1AJzCxCIMLw_xNufBOUtsqqmfuq6S1RP5rh-e41bLufToP1lqKPtsyTHciNhwlTjgMR6PwKLu5e0r3sGwCsvPnwrvBiyKjoBP0chg6jmbxsQkRoPVtMcUb/s1600/west_elm_seattle_elSage_Designs_block_printing_uncle_beefy_02.jpg" /> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ME WITH SOME OF MY PRINTING BUDDIES AND SABRINA <span style="font-size: xx-small;">FROM</span> WEST ELM IN THE CENTER. THAT'S <a href="http://shop.elsagedesigns.com/" target="_blank">PHOEBE</a>, OUR WONDERFUL INSTRUCTOR ON THE FAR RIGHT.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now for some Friday favorites to send you off into the weekend...</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iqW2YgZ0SA-SGFrqz_8k-4M3r1rEgDiVwCBheN6CYXXMhVgO_B7NCe2qXSncvDu1-6YW7QnjUU3eXiLI7sqBECbBS4JM8P0mAajA0JFz3z_Ps4HP8jOsP8dly5ZklEB_aKMk/s1600/west_elm_seattle_victor_armchair_plaid_uncle_beefy.jpg" /><br/>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I WILL TELL YOU WHAT, ONE FAVORITE THIS WEEK WAS THE <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/victor-chair-plaid-wool-g792/?pkey=cliving-room-seating&cm_src=living-room-seating||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">WEST ELM PLAID "VICTOR ARMCHAIR"</a> UP THERE. IF THAT PUPPY COULD'VE FIT IN MY TOTE I'D BE WRITING THIS <span style="font-size: xx-small;">POST </span>FROM THAT CHAIR RIGHT NOW. DELICIOUS!</span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 115%;">I get that this is tiny but, c'mon, the design of this <a href="http://www.thetinylife.com/180-square-foot-loft" target="_blank">New York loft apartment</a> is pretty spectacular. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">This <a href="http://bloesem.blogs.com/bloesem/2013/04/shop-stop-popuphood-wall.html" target="_blank">gorgeous looking shop</a> has me thinking I need to stop dreaming of living in San Francisco and switch to Oakland.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Um, loving <a href="http://creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2013/04/03/welcome-to-the-new-creature-comforts.html" target="_blank">Ez's</a> and <a href="http://apartment34.com/2013/04/welcome-to-the-new-improved-apartment-34/" target="_blank">Erin's</a> blog redesigns! Papa has to get on the stick and beef things up here on 'The Bedlam'!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: 115%;"><a href="http://sayyestohoboken.com/2013/04/tips-for-being-an-organized-blogger.html" target="_blank">Tips for being an organized blogger</a>? Yeah, I should totally give that a serious read.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Kelly busted out this amazeballs batch o' links for <a href="http://www.designcrushblog.com/2013/03/25/tipstricks-blogging/" target="_blank">blogging tips and tricks</a>! I think the universe is trying to tell me something.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Some great <a href="http://blog.fontshop.com/category/using-type/" target="_blank">typography tutorials</a> over on FontShop's blog. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: 115%;">Once again, Will shows <a href="http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2013/04/video-mr-bazaar-styles-his-kitchen-pantry.html" target="_blank">what a natural he is</a> in front of the camera. The boy is bound for the telly, I'm tellin' ya'.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">HAPPY WEEKENDING!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ALL PHOTOS BY UNCLE BEEFY</span></span></div>
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-69109488585462372232013-04-03T15:08:00.001-07:002013-04-03T15:22:48.679-07:00Spring Awakening<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWI7AmKCxoM_-CqS0wsPqMaAxI0LK6a_lWAg7HBdBU1AKLOC7paBEyCTnwPMkwfAbFKskFEN_Kl0GJT2nCwvaArQ1YPEOe8_oYY6H4Pyrnat3KKeVfOQOLowZdX7etLXW3-DR/s1600/spring_awakening.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">PHOTO BY UNCLE BEEFY</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">I'm guessing you're all a bit churro-ed out at this point, am I right? Hey, I don't blame you. It was something of a churros-fest for a bit around my house after that post and I can tell you that several items of my wardrobe had more than enough of churros, also. So if you need someone/something sympathetic to talk to I'll send you a pair of my pants.</span>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Anyway, a lot happened shortly after that post. A root canal, a crown, a gum graft surgery, the dog needing knee surgery (cha-ching, cha-ching), more difficult moments with my mom, and then receiving the word from my, now former, employer that I was getting laid off. [What the...?! Thump!] What timing!!! There's no question that wishing for better timing played on rapid repeat in the immediate moment that I received that news. But what better timing? I mean, really? It's such a pointless consideration since the timing is what it is and wishing for reality to be other than what it is is pure crazy-making. Believe me, I'm an expert in this department. Would you like your straightjacket gift wrapped?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">However, as luck/grace would have it, I slipped into a whole new approach this time around. Remember all that talk about surrender in <a href="http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-new-year.html" target="_blank">this post</a>? And <a href="http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2012/06/insights-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">this one</a>? Well, I sure do! And I'm hoping the 3rd time is a charm and the universe can finally move on and get around to teaching me more about 'abundance' or 'employment'. In all seriousness, though, within moments of hearing the news that I'd be losing my job this feeling of complete calm came over me and I knew that this was all going to work out. No fainting couches necessary. No piñatas for the pending pity party. No faux-positive pep talks. Just an inner, confident stillness that I hadn't experienced before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">As the news spread, people seemed to expect two reactions from me - tears and/or anger. Anger was a big assumed reaction. But somewhere inside of me I knew that anger was as pointless as 'better timing' and it never even bubbled much less rose to the surface. Yes I was sad that 2.5 years of working with some great people was coming to an end but this also made me feel more grateful for the experience. Instead of being focused on what was being taken I was finally able to focus on the gratitude for what I'd been given. What a concept.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">And if you question whether God has a sense of humor? Know that the day I got my layoff notice was the day <i>after</i> I had my gum graft surgery done. Why is that funny? Because I was completely unable to eat OR drink alcohol! What good is despair without cake or cocktails?!! This time there would be no stuffing down of emotions with the tines of a fork. No drowning of sorrows with a bottle of bubbles. Nope, kids, I was on my own in dealing with this cluster of whatnot. And what a difference that made. Because in staring this beast down directly I realized it wasn't nearly as vicious as I might have imagined. If this was my circus, this time I'd be the ringleader.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Now this isn't to say there haven't been blips of worry on the radar and it's only natural to expect that more of those moments may come. But, all in all, if any moment finally tested my ability to surrender then this had to be it. Hadn't it? Lord I hope so. Regardless, right now I'm just wanting to mark this occasion and really try to remember what a profound feeling of relief this new approach has given me versus the years of angst-ridden days and nights needlessly fighting against what simply was.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">In some ways I wonder why it took so long. In some ways this all seems rather obvious now. But that's just hindsight talking. And looking back is pointless when you're finally looking forward.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 115%;">p.s. - Hey, and while I'm here, if you know of anyone or anyplace looking for
creative, artistic, social media savvy, hard workers or just for someone
with model good looks and the potential to add a serious upgrade to the
office snack pool please let me know. If you're on LinkedIn you can
find out more about me via <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordcrowder" target="_blank">my profile</a>. Thanks, kids!</span></i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-46815174662717699342013-02-05T02:55:00.000-08:002013-02-08T21:18:58.202-08:00Uncle Beefy + Coco+Kelley = Modern Mexicana & Churros<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR92u3_UbkDVw9YYueDW01uhvx2Qgg3KJhfXJoniV2hl7w-3UeS5vm5u4FuQU2V4oog485A9k006bd3dhDgSurSLlAtVM4sJImIprYo-0cMmBsRYD_MmsLJrsTeXZnTwhHtxM9/s1600/julie-harmsen-coco%252Bkelley-uncle-beefy-churros-01.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Kids, come this time of year you can bet that those of us living in the Pacific Northwest that have been staring down grey skies for several weeks will start dreaming of sunnier locales. Well, turns out that Cassandra of <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/" target="_blank">Coco+Kelley</a> (a fellow Northwest blogger) put those dreams to some stylishly creative use. With the February chill, Cassandra put a spicier spin on your ordinary Valentine's Day festivities and came up with a "<a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/2013/02/modern-mexicana-the-tabletop/" target="_blank">Modern Mexicana</a>" fiesta to share with all the ones you love. ¡Perfecto!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">So when she called out to your Uncle to whip up some of my cha-cha-churros to round out her vision I was more than happy to share some o' my sugar! Thus, I give to you homemade Churros (recipe below) with <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/2013/02/dessert-churros-chocolate-dipping-sauce" target="_blank">3 different chocolate dips</a> ~ White Chocolate with Orange & Almond, Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Spice, and Chocolate & Chile (you'll find <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/2013/02/dessert-churros-chocolate-dipping-sauce" target="_blank">my recipes for the dips over on <i>Coco+Kelley</i></a>).</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-Am3Q8p-J9l98gDQ94X1z59V8c7Ri_5FcxbP-UWD2Xupj73yTFeWUc-2Y7z9CsEXrlTVBbkEpYgDfMhckK0H7TCesT-lytRSzEJ_G8hkuQJChdh7q-6PV6SyJ_owyuBYbjUu/s1600/julie-harmsen-coco%252Bkelley-uncle-beefy-churros-02.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">CHURROS </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Churros-with-Spiced-Hot-Chocolate-109279" target="_blank">Bon Appétit via Epicurious</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i> </i></span><br />
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">I always had it in my mind that churros were going to be far more complicated to make at home. But one go around and you'll be amazed how simple these hot, fresh, and tasty treats come together.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i><b>Update</b>: Thanks to the kindness of Jo writing in stating that she had problems with the batter being runny, I've amended the recipe, which originally stated "8 large eggs", to now read "4 extra large eggs" and that's <b>precisely</b> what I would stick with to get a successful result. I just did a double-check recipe test and this worked out perfectly. Thanks so much, Jo! Sorry, kids! I swear I can cook. Writing recipes? Looks like I need a little more practice in that department.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>Cinnamon Sugar</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">1 1/2 cups sugar<br />3 teaspoons ground cinnamon<br />3/4 teaspoon sea salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>Churros Batter </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">2 cups whole milk<br />1 stick unsalted butter<br />2 tablespoons sugar<br />1 teaspoon sea salt<br />2 cups all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">4 extra large eggs</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>Quart of vegetable or canola oil for frying. </i></span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<div class="instruction">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Blend sugar, cinnamon, and salt together and set aside.</span>
</div>
<div class="instruction">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><i>For churros batter:</i> Place milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a
saucepan and, over medium heat, stir until butter is melted and sugar is fully dissolved. Reduce heat
to medium-low. Add flour to wet ingredients and stir briskly with a wooden spoon until shiny
dough mass forms (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and transfer dough to a large bowl and allow to cool (about 10 minutes). With an electric mixer running (or a standing mixer with paddle attachment), beat in the eggs, 1 at a time and
keep beating until the dough turns smooth, shiny, and sticky.</span></div>
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">
In a large pot over medium heat, bring oil up to
350°F.</span></div>
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="instruction" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Place batter into a <a href="http://www.luvocracy.com/unclebeefy/recommendations/ateco-24-flex-bag-cake-icer" target="_blank">pastry bag</a> fitted with a <a href="http://www.luvocracy.com/unclebeefy/recommendations/ateco-786-large-tube-set-12-pcs-amazon-com-kitchen-dining" target="_blank">star tip</a> (for skinnier churros "sticks" similar to those shown here, use a smaller star tip). In small batches, pipe churros batter into hot oil in 3 1/2- to 4-inch-long
ribbons (use knife or, my favorite, kitchen scissors, to cut the batter at end of star tip) and
allow batter to gently slide into oil. Fry until a deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side (depending on size of star tip used). Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool. Gently toss in the cinnamon sugar to fully coat. Best served warm.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuso_dKwj202_XJMgXmnRS-IxhUwymPCxRSZAalij50cncKZKjtqn9VIAHmhNODh16_r8hWVkxmr2pu2NJuSZWRWL9qEQTfh4IoFTG-n4xrcS171dqFVHyLLbncDviq8XKWsyD/s1600/julie-harmsen-coco%252Bkelley-uncle-beefy-churros-03.png" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PHOTOGRAPHY BY <a href="http://www.julieharmsenphotography.com/" target="_blank">JULIE HARMSEN</a> •<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING BY <a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/about/" target="_blank">CASSANDRA LAVALLE</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">STYLING ASSISTANT, <a href="http://dowhatyouheart.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">AMANDA GRAY</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>• </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PI<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ñATA BY <a href="http://pinyadayada.com/" target="_blank">PINYADAYADA</a></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-34003316389831898812013-01-21T09:11:00.002-08:002013-01-21T09:13:23.669-08:00Uncle Beefy + Instagram = What took you so damn long?!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank"><img alt="Uncle Beefy Instagram" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwMqGXxkonX9UBcaHymutU8VUMUPG22qbeBTMpLIIxHfi8pGNnzPbjHW4b1GHClguBP0K3tX5tKdOjiyx7kd7AUUVOBckrDqH4JkVjI1fvR1OuP9TTZEUtfoBjWJlI7U3VNeH/s1600/uncle_beefy_instagram_01.png" title="Uncle Beefy meets Instagram." /><span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">IT SEEMS THAT TO BE AN <span style="font-size: x-small;">"OFFICIAL" INSTAGRAMMER ONE NEEDS A 'FEET PHOTO' (AND A LATTE SHOT - I'LL WORK ON THAT ONE<span style="font-size: x-small;">).</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">If there is one thing I <i>have</i> managed to do during the past several weeks, I joined the ranks of the 21st century by <i>finally</i> joining <a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I'm a trendsetter like that... always ahead of the cultural curve. It's awe-inspiring isn't it? Jealous much?</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">You may wonder why I wasn't on board earlier? That's because I was using a phone that brought gasps and jaw drops whilst at Alt Summit last year. "Wait. You're a blogger and <b><i>that's</i></b> the phone you use?!?!" Um, yeah. Now park my carriage and don't forget to feed the horses. Thanks. Perhaps I should show you a pic of what I was scraping by with? Or maybe it would be more appropriate to get a tintype or a formal oil portrait done? In any case, I'm with ya' now and hope you'll<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank"> join me</a>.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank"><img alt="Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwich" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIf3291ZWBqrW_ih8SaGLdVXH-nr65XOaEAAa4KVWqSa-X2wBIO5Eur5WqD0PjoHgIkMqpelcEun7AAHDaJ1bVNFNhZvUBiWBeHmpPBCok5tUTSy8OfTA6IdT9qN94VihuHotD/s1600/uncle_beefy_instagram_02.jpg" title="Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream sandwiched between oatmeal cookies." /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> YOU CAN CERTAINLY EXPECT FOOD SHOTS. I MEAN, IT'S ME FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6fDKT-j3-bwCXCWDerYdSglcCr-oeyU6jpydrEDIAVEJN_Kal_URNKCell2fpvnRGMiyKFVnQ26DByC5kKfJhVe-um5penHLjNKkwPc3ihPObHNCyjyF0nMDIzlQIrhUpc_r/s1600/uncle_beefy_instagram_03.jpg" title="Uncle Beefy's sweet pup, Fergus." /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> AND PICS OF FERGUS (AND MY CATS)? DUH!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span>
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-84823183013134786812013-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:002013-01-15T08:10:03.217-08:00A New Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://instagram.com/unclebeefy" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Vj9C8YKZqTQSdqpMaznGcpssjQcAxuk1mbdqsZAv4ZT5wrVmaIKARk7SdOTjBWSW6jsbnRnsHv0G-CTgSRAK3wcKGXs5dL4QiellXdK92eZaq8ddEvOlUd4vR5ii0JITZSK-/s1600/sunset_bainbridge_island_uncle_beefy_instagram.jpg" title="Sunset on Bainbridge Island by Uncle Beefy" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PHOTO BY UNCLE BEEFY</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;">How many times have I tried to write this post? I'd ask you to guess but I wouldn't even know if you were right as I've lost count myself. But there have been plenty of moments since my last post that I've been sitting with a cup of coffee or glass of wine (at different times of day, mind you) only to drum up half-finished sentences or blank stares. Sigh. Nothing. Nothing?! Nothing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Nearing the end of the year, 2012 had taken the wind out of my sails. I know, that sounds depressing doesn't it? But come the closing weeks of the year I just found myself utterly spent. And when I'm spent I have a tendency to retreat. I guess that's the Cancerian in me? Y'know, if you want to get all astrological about things? Although, I think plenty might have had a similar response given the events of the year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">The year had started on a seriously high note with my first attendance at Alt Summit. I came back from that event with great new friends and seriously high hopes. I'm guessing I felt something like Tom Cruise after a Scientology gathering? Cue the couch jumping? Whatever I was feeling, it was a great way to get things going. Then, in the subsequent months to come, I found myself encountering what felt like a barrage of negativity that left me mystified and melancholy. Friendships were ended, family relationships fractured. I had my first experiences with the serious ugliness that can come with the anonymity of the internet. "WTF" doesn't even begin to cover it. With the emotional upheavals and the whirlwind of the holiday season I just couldn't muster much, i.e. nothing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">After all that one-two-punch business I felt myself just [kinda, sorta] give up. Even more depressing, you think? Not exactly. There is nothing like a feeling of defeat to help one with their lesson in surrendering. Remember <a href="http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/2012/06/insights-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">that topic</a>? Well, the universe sure as hell did and decided to help me out with that... and how. And wow. Somehow, in the smoke of all that hellfire, I found myself doing two things I'm not always inclined to do - standing up for myself and, the best part, embracing the feeling of simply not caring about the opinions of others. I mean, genuinely feeling a new space open up inside me where "Meh. Okay. Fine. Whatever." came to find a surprisingly comfortable home. I'm not talking about deflection or dismissal here but a genuine blip on the radar of redemption. Quite unexpectedly, the repeated exposure to the negative assumptions of others made me start taking stock of how much there is that is positive about myself. Out of external accusations and animosity came internal appreciation and compassion. I know a lot of us out there understand the compulsions of people pleasing. (Can I getta "Amen!" up in here?) And while this new glimmer of light on the horizon is a welcome sight, I know I ain't outta the woods just yet in this area. But that light is enormously reassuring. An unexpectedly "nice" way to start a new year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Additionally, as some of you may know, I'm witnessing the slow decline of my mom's health as she suffers continually increasing moments of memory loss. In my quieter times, it becomes difficult not to wrestle with the thoughts and fears of the day she may well ask me, "Who are you?" And I wonder how much time we have left. When these kinds of thoughts start swirling around, spending time working up a post about tea towels or well-designed rooms can lose any sense of importance or inspiration. But the sadness of these times and the inevitable sadness of times to come also becomes a sharp reminder to appreciate things in the moment. Instead of letting the sadness completely overshadow the happier times it has begun to bring more focus on gratitude for the joy that gifts itself in the smallest of ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 115%;">And that brings me back to here. This place where I can share almost anything. This place where many of you have waited so patiently for me. This place that, truthfully, I wondered about whether to continue holding on to in my increasing weeks of silence. But, like I mentioned before, this place is one that brings me joy. And in that joy I am gifted with happiness, inspiration, motivation, and, even in the really hard times, hope. That's a lot to feel grateful for. You are a lot to be grateful for. And I thank you. So much.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdgsx14KtvP9isb-mbM50SlRkHH2Lp78Au9Cz_cG5lUVz5ee2cZdbvrKoFqAD5Ebp9GsW9_0FSJtH5abjJLfYmIKhTiOjLJ5Ywh7bEe2bChTFXbhCvKkTL6mO97Uh9iT59Z4O/s1600/ub-sig.jpg" /></a></div>
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Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-43653444474409790782012-09-25T05:00:00.000-07:002012-09-25T05:00:04.932-07:00Uncle Who?: I'm Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=22108565"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPSPQ2wMMHxRxDtnYvPtIfsXHx1C0QCufx6f9dOa5QJoLAjsznVLK5qfWj7iPtFH1liYi8iUxmEfx34rLMj7OE4uvDNeceQw0oyBIH_rJ_-jKj4CV3NyECm-HNh_CwBLoN33c/s1600/uncle-beefy-proposal.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">Hi, kids! Yeah, so I was gone a little longer than I would ever have anticipated. But, y'know what? It's what I needed so that's just the way it rolled. C'est la vie!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">What a roller coaster it's been in my absence! I won't bore you with all the gory details but there were some ups and downs, emergency trips to the vets, my camera lens broke (<i>right</i> after saying I needed to get a new lens!), gorgeous summer weather, and a proposal (that's the money shot up there)! Yep! Looks like it'll be wedding bells for Beefy one of these days! So can you see how my head would have been spinning lately? I knew you'd understand. You're so good to me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 115%;">Be on the lookout as I start to get things fired up 'round here once again. And, hey, I haven't been totally stagnant in the blogging department. Check out my Proust Q & A over on <a href="http://www.fleurishingblog.com/fleurishing/2012/09/proust-q-auncle-beefy.html" target="_blank"><i>Fleurishing</i></a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">So nice to be back and hoping all has been well in your world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: 115%;">See you soon!</span></div>
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<br />Uncle Beefyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865761598525174229noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22108565.post-7907757075727464232012-07-19T18:49:00.000-07:002012-07-19T18:49:28.731-07:00Word<br />
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