If you read my last post, you are well aware that I have an agenda these days. Couple my need to share (a lot) with my technological ineptness (not only was there no such thing as STEM in my day, there were barely computers) and you understand the reason I have not created a separate blog just for STEAM. Ice this cake with lacking the ability to come up with a catchy title, the creative platform this blog can sometimes be and a small but captive audience base and here we are.
So, be prepared for STEAM posts to be interspersed with recipes, artist features, family crap and the occasional rant. A little reality never hurt anyone, especially when followed by a cocktail or two.
Stay tuned
So, here I am.....
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Are You Riding the STEAM Train?
YOU SHOULD!
If you know anything about me, you know I'm passionate. I get excited. I talk about things. I love kids. I value education. And, my kids are not athletes. Well, one can run pretty darned fast without being chased or running away from trouble, so maybe there's a bit of an athlete there. The interesting part of that is how I am constantly hearing about how his endurance on the track relates to his circular breathing. Again, those of you that know me can only imagine the visual"circular breathing" conjured, but hey, I learned, and who knew all that trombone practice would make Erik a better runner? Those damned Fine Arts. They're just honing in on everything.
Good for them!
So, back to this STEAM train. I'm sure you've all seen a steam engine or at least know what one is, and if not how it works, at least what it does. Similarly, if you are raising children, have any interest in education movements, work in the fields of science, technology, math, engineering, or manufacturing, you are also familiar with STEM. It's interesting, it's fascinating and a National movement to put our country back in the limelight. A movement to cultivate learners with an integral knowledge of the inter working of these disciplines. I and my children are fortunate enough to attend a High School with one of only 2 state-of-the-art STEM labs in Illinois. They have been afforded the opportunity to begin this learning process in grade school through an outreach program and now, this year, to delve even deeper into these concepts as middle school students with a STEM lab in the grade school through a grant from PLTW (Project Lead the Way). How fortunate for them that we live in a progressive, forward thinking, quality school district. Yay! for us.
Now, if I haven't lost you to the distraction of a shiny object, put you to sleep or totally confused you, back to my question. Are you riding the STEAM train? STEAM is a movement to take STEM to the next level. To fill the void in this great new innovative concept. It adds Art to STEM. It brings the idea of putting America and its next generation back on top of the world innovatively. It puts us ahead of the pact in thought, in concept, in creativity. In other words, it is the train to be on. Hell, if you're gonna ride the train, get a first class ticket!
Why am I asking you these questions? Why am I riding this train? Why is this important? Why is this the soap box I choose to make my passion?
Because we need to change the way we think. Collectively. This world, its leaders, its educators, its CEO's, principals, parents and youth need to change the value we place on the Fine Arts and the priority they are afforded. We need to value creativity, expression, and beauty and the individuals they create.We need to open our minds fully and give the Arts there due respect. Is this the age old argument? Yes. Can we tell you something you haven't heard before? Yes. and the answer is STEAM.
Integrating the Fine Arts into the industrial, mechanical process gives us innovators. People who can look at things from a different perspective, create what has yet to be imagined, humanize what we already have and make it useful. Creativity, passion, expression of the soul can be the key to making a good thing great, solving the unsolvable from a new direction. Hell, playing a wind instrument can be the difference between a runner and a track star. Who's to say it can't prevent the labored breathing of a future respiratory patient? It may take the scientifically trained doctor to experiment with such a concept, but it is likely the musician that sees the possibility because he lives it.
The bottom line is, we can't leave the arts behind. We can't diminish or sideline them. We need to embrace them and appreciate not only their beauty but their usefulness and their rightful place among the sciences. Without engineers, we would not have the preciseness of a Stradivarius or the complexity of the keys that give a clarinet or saxophone its clarity, but what good are they without the artist who can make them useful.
I think of this now, more than ever for several reasons. The recent loss of Steve Jobs has presented the world with a biography of innovation. Designs, that because of creativity changed our world, literally. Innovations that made engineered items relatable, comfortable and intuitive. There's no formula for intuition, it's felt, it's understood, it's evolved.
I also think of this now, more than ever because my children are becoming adults. Creative, artistic, passionate young men with a thirst for knowledge, an intelligence for success and a love of the Arts. Yes, I live this, everyday, and I am blessed to do so. They have a unique way of looking at the world and as much as they relish the traditions of holiday celebrations, "that's the way its always been done" will never satisfy their questions. For that, I thank the Arts!
So, jump on that train, catch that plane, hell, crawl on your hands and knees, but get there. Embrace the arts not just for their beauty, but for their strength, their usefulness, for what they bring to the party. Grab them from the corner of the room like Swayze did Baby and tell the world, no one puts the Arts in the corner! I beg of you, get out of the proverbial balcony and out on the stage. Sing this song, dance this dance and take our youth and their education to the next level.
TALK ABOUT STEAM
If you know anything about me, you know I'm passionate. I get excited. I talk about things. I love kids. I value education. And, my kids are not athletes. Well, one can run pretty darned fast without being chased or running away from trouble, so maybe there's a bit of an athlete there. The interesting part of that is how I am constantly hearing about how his endurance on the track relates to his circular breathing. Again, those of you that know me can only imagine the visual"circular breathing" conjured, but hey, I learned, and who knew all that trombone practice would make Erik a better runner? Those damned Fine Arts. They're just honing in on everything.
Good for them!
So, back to this STEAM train. I'm sure you've all seen a steam engine or at least know what one is, and if not how it works, at least what it does. Similarly, if you are raising children, have any interest in education movements, work in the fields of science, technology, math, engineering, or manufacturing, you are also familiar with STEM. It's interesting, it's fascinating and a National movement to put our country back in the limelight. A movement to cultivate learners with an integral knowledge of the inter working of these disciplines. I and my children are fortunate enough to attend a High School with one of only 2 state-of-the-art STEM labs in Illinois. They have been afforded the opportunity to begin this learning process in grade school through an outreach program and now, this year, to delve even deeper into these concepts as middle school students with a STEM lab in the grade school through a grant from PLTW (Project Lead the Way). How fortunate for them that we live in a progressive, forward thinking, quality school district. Yay! for us.
Now, if I haven't lost you to the distraction of a shiny object, put you to sleep or totally confused you, back to my question. Are you riding the STEAM train? STEAM is a movement to take STEM to the next level. To fill the void in this great new innovative concept. It adds Art to STEM. It brings the idea of putting America and its next generation back on top of the world innovatively. It puts us ahead of the pact in thought, in concept, in creativity. In other words, it is the train to be on. Hell, if you're gonna ride the train, get a first class ticket!
Why am I asking you these questions? Why am I riding this train? Why is this important? Why is this the soap box I choose to make my passion?
Because we need to change the way we think. Collectively. This world, its leaders, its educators, its CEO's, principals, parents and youth need to change the value we place on the Fine Arts and the priority they are afforded. We need to value creativity, expression, and beauty and the individuals they create.We need to open our minds fully and give the Arts there due respect. Is this the age old argument? Yes. Can we tell you something you haven't heard before? Yes. and the answer is STEAM.
Integrating the Fine Arts into the industrial, mechanical process gives us innovators. People who can look at things from a different perspective, create what has yet to be imagined, humanize what we already have and make it useful. Creativity, passion, expression of the soul can be the key to making a good thing great, solving the unsolvable from a new direction. Hell, playing a wind instrument can be the difference between a runner and a track star. Who's to say it can't prevent the labored breathing of a future respiratory patient? It may take the scientifically trained doctor to experiment with such a concept, but it is likely the musician that sees the possibility because he lives it.
The bottom line is, we can't leave the arts behind. We can't diminish or sideline them. We need to embrace them and appreciate not only their beauty but their usefulness and their rightful place among the sciences. Without engineers, we would not have the preciseness of a Stradivarius or the complexity of the keys that give a clarinet or saxophone its clarity, but what good are they without the artist who can make them useful.
I think of this now, more than ever for several reasons. The recent loss of Steve Jobs has presented the world with a biography of innovation. Designs, that because of creativity changed our world, literally. Innovations that made engineered items relatable, comfortable and intuitive. There's no formula for intuition, it's felt, it's understood, it's evolved.
I also think of this now, more than ever because my children are becoming adults. Creative, artistic, passionate young men with a thirst for knowledge, an intelligence for success and a love of the Arts. Yes, I live this, everyday, and I am blessed to do so. They have a unique way of looking at the world and as much as they relish the traditions of holiday celebrations, "that's the way its always been done" will never satisfy their questions. For that, I thank the Arts!
So, jump on that train, catch that plane, hell, crawl on your hands and knees, but get there. Embrace the arts not just for their beauty, but for their strength, their usefulness, for what they bring to the party. Grab them from the corner of the room like Swayze did Baby and tell the world, no one puts the Arts in the corner! I beg of you, get out of the proverbial balcony and out on the stage. Sing this song, dance this dance and take our youth and their education to the next level.
TALK ABOUT STEAM
Monday, October 17, 2011
Quiche and Salad
These to go together like peanut butter & jelly, I swear. I was never a fan of fruits & nuts in my salad until this one and now, I'm hooked. A pure winner and time of year. The quiche is great on it's won, warm or cold, can be half baked and frozen for later use and always a crowd pleaser. I tend to make 4-6 at a time and freeze them for last minute company, a dish for an ailing friend, a no fuss holiday breakfast or just a special treat anytime.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The trek to the Amish
My maiden voyage to the land of the crafting Gods. Yes, I admit, I love Amish fursniture, handcrafted, beaustiful carved wood made with love, sweat and no power tools. I also love Amish foods, handbaked pies, slow baked roasts and good herbed stuffing. I just hope they love my handcrafts with even a fraction of the admiration I have for theirs.
The countdown has begun and my nerves are wrecked. I have yet to choose 3 pieces for the competition tent becasue it's so hard to beieve I have pieces worthy of competing on such a level. The self doubt has set in. Will I do well? Is it worth the time and $$$? Is this show biting off more than I can chew? Am I crazy to travel so far, stay so long and take such chances? Well, only time will tell.
Feel free to ease my worries by visiting this great venue. They really do have so much to offer. Aside fromthe regular wagon rides, tourist attractions (theatre productions, restaurants, Amish traditions, etc.), there will be 299 other crafters joining me for 4 days of selling our wares, sharing our passions and a little friendly competition.
The list of vendors may have more than one or two familiar names for you. And the fair supplies a great map to help you find them, the food, the entertainment, the lovely port a pots and even a hotel when youdecide you're too pooped to make it home, or better yet, there's so much to do and see, you need more time to fit it all in. I am in Booth O183 (Orange section, near the pork, burgers and onion rings (how can this be a bad thing?)
Summer's in full swing and your weekend is just begging for a nice drive and fun activity. This should be your destination! Stop by and say hello. Mention this blogspot and I'll give you a special 10% off your purchase as a thank you for your support.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Let Them Eat Cake (or at least let Tina)
Again, I find myself blogging a recipe for a friend. I really need to be more attentive to the blog overall, but at least these excuses get me here, and usually with good "Food Porn" pictures. The truth is, I'm just terminably short of time and most posts are an excercise in procrastiantion.
That being said, I'm not usually a huge procrastinator, especially when under the gun for a craft show deadline (like this weekend), but some things just beg for attention. Tina, my friend, is definitely one. How can you deny a girl in love a little indulgence. Tina is a rare bread, dealt a tough hand. She is full of talent and love and pain and her perserverance can be inspiring. On days like today when I am in horrible pain, stressed with a "to-do" list and unmotivated, I think twice before complaining because I know to whom I pale by comparison. I am reminded of all I have and all I can do and how I have no right to complain. Long story long, Miss Tina asked for this yummy recipe, so here it is.
The cake and cupcakes are the same recipe, you just have to watch that cake for doneness because honestly, I don't remember how long I baked it in the transition. I probably compared a few recipes to their cupcake couterparts and went from there.
• 1 cup butter ,softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest, juicel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full of batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry extract
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and extract. Mmix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Now, for the cake:
I used 2 - 9 inch round cake pans and sliced each layer to fill with raspberry filling. Between the 2 cakes is a layer of Lemon Curd. Unfortunately, I did not photo the final product before it was cut. What a shame. I guess that leaves something to look forward to next time around.
That being said, I'm not usually a huge procrastinator, especially when under the gun for a craft show deadline (like this weekend), but some things just beg for attention. Tina, my friend, is definitely one. How can you deny a girl in love a little indulgence. Tina is a rare bread, dealt a tough hand. She is full of talent and love and pain and her perserverance can be inspiring. On days like today when I am in horrible pain, stressed with a "to-do" list and unmotivated, I think twice before complaining because I know to whom I pale by comparison. I am reminded of all I have and all I can do and how I have no right to complain. Long story long, Miss Tina asked for this yummy recipe, so here it is.
The cake and cupcakes are the same recipe, you just have to watch that cake for doneness because honestly, I don't remember how long I baked it in the transition. I probably compared a few recipes to their cupcake couterparts and went from there.
Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Crème Frosting
• 1 cup butter ,softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest, juicel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full of batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:
• 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry extract
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and extract. Mmix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Now, for the cake:
I used 2 - 9 inch round cake pans and sliced each layer to fill with raspberry filling. Between the 2 cakes is a layer of Lemon Curd. Unfortunately, I did not photo the final product before it was cut. What a shame. I guess that leaves something to look forward to next time around.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Netta Edit
We all need to Netta edit on occasion. What? What's that? You don't know what Netta edit is? Well, sit back, grab a glass of wine and I'll tell you all about it.
*pauses for the cork popping and wine pouring*
There you go, you've Netta edited your day.
For those of you that don't know, Miss Netta is the most vibrant, carefree, easy going, roll with the punches, charm your pants off 3 year old and I had the pleasure of having her edit the past 30 hours of my life.
We laughed, we sang, we ate burgers and fries, and jumped. a lot. If you had twinkle toes (flashing gems on your gym shoes) you would jump a lot too. I mean really, who doesn't have time to jump if it makes you smile?
Netta doesn't worry about time or making dinner. She just gets where she's going and there's food to eat. The fact that it's brought to her by a train, along the restaurant counter is just an added benefit.
She isn't concerned with paying bills or making beds. She wakes when she's rested and relishes what life lays at her feet.
We all need to be a little more like Netta and do it a little more often.
These are her secrets;
smile, dance and sing every chance you get.
Be kind, friendly and ask questions.
giggle and be silly without caring who knows it, but most of all,
get yourself some twinkle toes. You'll be glad you did
*pauses for the cork popping and wine pouring*
There you go, you've Netta edited your day.
For those of you that don't know, Miss Netta is the most vibrant, carefree, easy going, roll with the punches, charm your pants off 3 year old and I had the pleasure of having her edit the past 30 hours of my life.
We laughed, we sang, we ate burgers and fries, and jumped. a lot. If you had twinkle toes (flashing gems on your gym shoes) you would jump a lot too. I mean really, who doesn't have time to jump if it makes you smile?
Netta doesn't worry about time or making dinner. She just gets where she's going and there's food to eat. The fact that it's brought to her by a train, along the restaurant counter is just an added benefit.
She isn't concerned with paying bills or making beds. She wakes when she's rested and relishes what life lays at her feet.
We all need to be a little more like Netta and do it a little more often.
These are her secrets;
smile, dance and sing every chance you get.
Be kind, friendly and ask questions.
giggle and be silly without caring who knows it, but most of all,
get yourself some twinkle toes. You'll be glad you did
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Stuffing a Pepper
The many stages of a stuffed pepper made to perfection.
The peppers:
The meat:
The stuffed pepper:
The sauce:
Sweet Harmony:
Stay tuned for more food porn.
The peppers:
The meat:
The stuffed pepper:
The sauce:
Sweet Harmony:
Stay tuned for more food porn.
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