tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post6143530306359800103..comments2024-03-16T14:03:19.116+00:00Comments on Above the River: In search of inspirationCJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311693185700341580noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-70984638615119037072017-01-24T16:25:42.028+00:002017-01-24T16:25:42.028+00:00I'm just over a heavy cold, nailed it in two d...I'm just over a heavy cold, nailed it in two days by staying in bed, reading, sleeping and eating pearl barley and kale soup. Amazing how much better I feel, more energy and, importantly, patience! The supper thing is a total drag isn't it? When my son isn't here I can eat what I like for supper (sometimes crackers, sometimes an omelette), but for him I feel the need to cook man meals. I recently rediscovered a three week rotating meal plan I did when he was young, no two meals the same for three whole weeks - awesome! I can't believe I had the mental capacity or energy to do that now! It's hard to build dreams when you're flagging but I'm sure you'll get there, CJ - after all, you're a cheery influence on the rest of us! Wishing you lots of ooomph, C xxxCarohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11317388242574705433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-77732310934676783252017-01-24T03:03:51.299+00:002017-01-24T03:03:51.299+00:00I just discovered your blog and I'm feeling a ...I just discovered your blog and I'm feeling a little better to know there are so many funny, creative, tough people in a world that seems a bit crazy right now. My adult daughter discovered Nigel Slater years ago, and one night cooked for me a sardine dish that involved a classic buerre blanc sauce, having no idea that was supposed to be a tricky sauce to make. I made quite a drama about it, asking her if she knew what she had accomplished. Anyway, we still laugh about that. Now that we live together and are trying stay sane in Trumpville USA, she occasionally whips out some amazing dish--although Mum is the main cook (because cooking ties me to the beauty of nature and creativity, and yeah, it's sometimes a drag). Just reading your comments cheered me up wonderfully, and I would add that January is perhaps a time to let yourself rest a bit, and savor the turn of the seasons. Best regards, Kate and Laura in OregonKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12448915588546829312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-53316657137754548162017-01-23T20:24:35.460+00:002017-01-23T20:24:35.460+00:00The Nigel Slater thing - yes!! John's main com...The Nigel Slater thing - yes!! John's main complaint is that his recipes "aren't proper dinners" but then John doesn't consider salad or jacket potato a proper dinner either. I often think I'm a weekend cook, full of ideas and inspiration Saturday and Sunday but woefully lacking the rest of the time. <br /><br />Sorry your oomph is gone. Those chilli peanuts will fight off any viruses, surely?! And a glass of red. XxGillian Roehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05080123177116154219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-82474555817301450662017-01-22T21:46:28.991+00:002017-01-22T21:46:28.991+00:00Just catching up with your blog and laughed out lo...Just catching up with your blog and laughed out loud at your families potential reaction to Nigel Slater pasta. I do admire his nonchalant cooking style but as the contents of my fridge never resembles his I think it's a lost cause. Hope your oomph returns soon.<br />AnnieOBTextileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03567538195625893200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-85943229053466843442017-01-21T21:21:02.237+00:002017-01-21T21:21:02.237+00:00Hi CJ, sounds like you need a little TLC, it isn&#...Hi CJ, sounds like you need a little TLC, it isn't easy trying to please everyone all the time. Being a mummy and running a home is a full-time mission with not much time left over for you...<br /><br />Do try and take an hour out for yourself now and again. Do something just for you with the time. Schedule it, put it in the diary, and do it! I know it's probably easier said than done with family, but you deserve time out too. <br /><br />I used to do a yoga class once a week when the children were young, and I also introduced 'Writers Hour' into my none writing household. I managed to get the children and my husband to realise I needed time and space to do my writing. <br /><br />When I started it, I got countless interruptions the first few times, but I was firm and explained how important it was, and eventually they got it! I didn't actually leave home, I just went into the kitchen and set my timer for an hour. <br /><br /> Your oomph will return! <br /><br />Looking forward to more blog posts from you soon. <br /><br /><br />Mariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05322234219197041788noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-84861263484388768832017-01-20T22:07:10.194+00:002017-01-20T22:07:10.194+00:00I believe in ice cream for the injured, whether th...I believe in ice cream for the injured, whether that's of body or mind/spirit. elnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09654199835246576704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-34918322802234831312017-01-20T19:56:08.450+00:002017-01-20T19:56:08.450+00:00I do hope your oomph returns soon. Meanwhile stay ...I do hope your oomph returns soon. Meanwhile stay warm and cosy until it finds you... And I'll pass on the fried beech leaves, thank you all the same!Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05689402000429710324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-32276287644479231452017-01-19T20:43:32.656+00:002017-01-19T20:43:32.656+00:00Sorry to hear you are not yourself, I hope that yo...Sorry to hear you are not yourself, I hope that you are improving now. I guess that if you served a plate of fried leaves one day for dinner the pasta and cheese etc the next day would look like quite the feast! It is all about comparison isn't it. It is definitely a blah time of year isn't it. Let us hope it improves for us all soon!Amy at love made my homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17111180584250029433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-69602842116182829222017-01-19T20:12:16.948+00:002017-01-19T20:12:16.948+00:00I am afraid my younger son and I play a game calle...I am afraid my younger son and I play a game called Oh Shut up Nigel. I have many of his books and even make quite a few of his recipes but sometimes his flights of whimsy are too much. (Have you noticed that everything in his fridge is neatly wrapped in greaseproof paper and tied with string?) So we take turns to read the flowery bits out and when get to a line we can't bear, intone Oh Shut Up Nigel. He doesn't deserve that really. Lucillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14414527658216916537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-1316831792352553712017-01-19T20:07:11.358+00:002017-01-19T20:07:11.358+00:00My oomph likes to curl up in front of the radiator...My oomph likes to curl up in front of the radiator and prefers not to move much. It does enjoy lonely walks though. I very much agree with my oomph. Dinners are a drag. Nothing quite beats watching the offspring chewing in that must-not-let-the-tastebuds-come-in-contact-with-THAT-food way. I am currently trying out recipes in the hope we can identify one that is not repulsive (not my word). I must admit the success is rather underwhelming. Wishing you and your oomph a pleasant end of the week. Did I ever mention I come here for inspiration? xxChristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11883091348839145603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-75918407262156687732017-01-19T12:30:38.893+00:002017-01-19T12:30:38.893+00:00Please don't be hard on yourself. Don't t...Please don't be hard on yourself. Don't think about what hasn't been achieved and inspiration will come when it's meant to. Now go top up that dish of peanuts and just enjoy Thursday.lovethosecupcakeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07083162147277460536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-81780763406768408032017-01-19T08:35:13.353+00:002017-01-19T08:35:13.353+00:00Here is a Granny, giving you a big hug, folding al...Here is a Granny, giving you a big hug, folding all your washing for you and making you a cuppa. Try taking yourself on an Artist's Date and then join in with us and our 17 for 2017 - I haven't actually posted my list yet but the 16 for 2016 was so motivating I really enjoyed it - go to https://nanacathydotcom.wordpress.com to get the idea of it - Cathy inspired me. In the meantime this is the 'creative void' of sitting on the riverbank waiting for the waters to rise just a little to carry you off again into your fabulous stream of creativity. Take care. <3sandra dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13298288244781162035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-2452551309739967172017-01-18T20:21:04.758+00:002017-01-18T20:21:04.758+00:00I found myself missing the Christmas season this m...I found myself missing the Christmas season this morning and wondering if anyone else was too. January is nice. I love the rain and cooler weather, but it's kind of an awkward in between point to me and I can't quite put my finger on what I should be doing that I know I'm not. I hope your cold feels better soon. Rest up, you deserve it. You always seem so productive... and inspired... and inspiring! Devonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16050293013935630835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-21307458260028021212017-01-18T18:57:29.657+00:002017-01-18T18:57:29.657+00:00i always say that i don't mind making the food...i always say that i don't mind making the food, it's the thinking of what to make that drags me down. i think it's all part and parcel of being worried i'm making something nobody likes. so i tend to default to the old tried and trues and then i worry that i'm being boring. the whole meal preparation thing is so fraught with angst, isn't it? of course, i'm embarking on a Health Journey so i'm all up to my eyes in fruit and veg, which is singularly unpopular with my carnivorous family members. you can see my dilemma.<br /><br />i'm always most inspired by the ordinary people. i can relate to them. the ones that do all of the everyday things and then still manage to squeeze in the Thing that makes their soul sing. i try to remember that, when i get all whingey about having to do the everyday things when i'd rather just Work On My Art. because i know if i had all the time in the day, i probably still wouldn't write for more than an hour because that's the sort of feckless git that i am. :)<br /><br />January is a bit of a trial, i find. then again, February is worse in our particular climate. do you need one of those UV lights, do you think?<br /><br />hang in there, spring is coming. xoxoxomelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07984286138124792000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-1815962221407593682017-01-18T18:39:34.314+00:002017-01-18T18:39:34.314+00:00I do love tomorrow, because it might be found/get ...I do love tomorrow, because it might be found/get done/happen then! I have no answers for January, other than to stay frantically busy. It's the only thing that keeps me going; that, and sunshine. Fortunately lots of the latter. <br /><br />As to suppers, well, you can always ask them what they want to eat. Sit down with the kids and do a week of favourite meals. So many times I forget the easy ones because I hate thinking about food all the time. And maybe reward yourself with a new cookbook at the end of the week. Even if you only get it from the library.Laurahttp://therollodog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-17217412403509561912017-01-18T18:38:32.514+00:002017-01-18T18:38:32.514+00:00Hello from a new reader! Yes...those pesky resolu...Hello from a new reader! Yes...those pesky resolutions are sitting in the back of my mind and I wish I had included one last one for "The energy to accomplish all of this!"<br /><br />I agree with you on the mind going blank sometimes when it's time to think about dinner. It's almost the end of the day and not time to take on something ambitious. I'm all about eating healthy but I have found a few frozen meals I keep on hand (amazing how far they have come in keeping it tasty and somewhat preservative free). Other times it's just a simple sandwich or chili dog with chips. <br /><br />Hurray for your son and the tooth. Love the story!<br /><br />I enjoy your posts and your pictures are beautiful!!<br /><br />Jane x<br /><br />Blondie's Journalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-79322914075020829932017-01-18T18:33:08.066+00:002017-01-18T18:33:08.066+00:00oomph gone here too, and also serious lack of phot...oomph gone here too, and also serious lack of photo evidence of anything. its just all so grey and blah. Though this afternoon seemed a little less dark and gloomy than of late so perhaps we've turned corner<br />Jillxo Jill at emeraldcottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08971442891183180993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-59295741173497744362017-01-18T17:21:24.440+00:002017-01-18T17:21:24.440+00:00"Just ordinary people putting the effort in....."Just ordinary people putting the effort in...". Exactly. You got it. Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16018602920548358238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-82541726771589570942017-01-18T17:21:17.418+00:002017-01-18T17:21:17.418+00:00"Just ordinary people putting the effort in....."Just ordinary people putting the effort in...". Exactly. You got it. Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16018602920548358238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-85483761728921958812017-01-18T14:46:04.983+00:002017-01-18T14:46:04.983+00:00Don't worry, you haven't poisoned anyone. ...Don't worry, you haven't poisoned anyone. Beech leaves are edible (although you'd probably be best off with the young, green ones, rather than the mid-January dried brown ones :o)). They make a delicious spirit too, only I've never made it because I'd just drink it and end up with a headache :o(<br /><br />I feel your pain about supper (my recent cookathon accepted). Cheesy pasta or egg and beans on toast? Or for the healthier option, chuck a load of sausages in a baking tray with chopped up potatoes, squash, carrot, onion, tomatoes, leeks etc, season with herbs, salt, pepper, drizzle with oil and shove in oven for half an hour. Job done. Hope you're more chipper soon xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-80125180322024979312017-01-18T12:15:43.044+00:002017-01-18T12:15:43.044+00:00It's January... don't beat yourself up. I...It's January... don't beat yourself up. I blame it on the grey weather... and the cold... hang in there, it'll all come back to you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08597324560311863417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-80987724275722886292017-01-18T12:02:40.264+00:002017-01-18T12:02:40.264+00:00Hello! I've been meaning to pay you a visit fo...Hello! I've been meaning to pay you a visit for such a very long time. Seems like some things just keep getting pushed back whilst others aren't happening at all.<br />I know what you mean about Nigel Slater. I do love him, but he seems to have all these incredible 'leftovers' in his fridge at all times, doesn't he? Ours usually amount to an inch of baked beans in the bottom of a tin and perhaps some questionable celery.<br />I do believe that this time of year is all about feeling a bit blah. It's nature's way of making us keep warm and conserve energy ready for the spring. That's my excuse, anyway - although I've recently joined a Facebook group for small creative businesses, and it's actually getting me quite fired up. BTW, I'm just about to email you with an idea.<br />Reading back, this comment makes me look a bit all over the place. Sorry about that.<br />S xSarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08038836502384520598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-11558224014472765552017-01-18T08:58:09.769+00:002017-01-18T08:58:09.769+00:00When the slump hits me, I feed the troops raw vege...When the slump hits me, I feed the troops raw vegetables and a small treat for dinner and call it tapas. I suppose I'll be found out one day. Here's to an uplift for you CJ. Misehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01784548726623938608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-71238592437299337042017-01-18T08:39:43.610+00:002017-01-18T08:39:43.610+00:00I'm sure that it's the time of year that m...I'm sure that it's the time of year that makes us feel like that. Flighty xxFlightyhttp://flightplot.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-47778546907090193482017-01-18T08:29:37.466+00:002017-01-18T08:29:37.466+00:00I like Nigel Slater's recipes although I find ...I like Nigel Slater's recipes although I find his leftover suppers somewhat ridiculous. I mean, whoever has half a fried aubergine, some lemon grass and a quail's egg spare in their fridge! Hope you find your energy soon xAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com