Sidewalk Art
I've been drawing on the sidewalk with hard pastels. It all started when the kids went to the annual festival in San Rafael. I didn't go with them but they got me inspired. Started out with some of my favorite iconic images. Threw in an Obama portrait.
Today Domenico and I went to a sidewalk memorial for a young man who was murdered in the Mission the other day. He was someone who had been in trouble in the past, put it behind him, got a job and was making a life for himself. He got shot down anyway a few doors from his home. I did a portrait of him on the sidewalk at his memorial. Domenico went with me. People talked to us about how homicide has touched their lives.
kings, revelations, and plastic babies
Gloria and John are having a party for El Día de los Reyes and I signed on to make Rosco de Reyes which is the traditional bread. Inside the bread is hidden a little plastic (choking hazard!) baby and whoever gets that piece has to throw the next party. I made my bread from the Spanish recipe (as opposed the Mexican version.) The hidden baby is supposed to represent the baby Jesus and depending upon who tells the story the search for it represents the search of the Magi following the star or Herrod’s search (and baby murdering rampage.)
The Mexicans celebrate the “day of the kings” (the day the Magi arrive with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh) by giving presents to children. In the old days the kids left their shoes out and found them filled with toys and candy in the morning.
The Italians also celebrate on January 6, The Feast of the Epiphany. In their case, a witch “La Bufana” leaves presents in the children’s socks. That story goes that the Magi asked an old woman for food and drink while on their journey. She refused them and later realized her error so to make amends she comes flying back on her broom to leave gifts while the children are sleeping. The Sicilians leave a plate of sausage and a glass of wine out for her. (Sicilians are compelled to feed everyone.)
The Bracelet Part II
I went to take the bracelet I made for my friend from the box where I'd stashed it and found it in pieces. I asked Soraya what happened. She blamed 1.) her father, 2.) her brother and 3.) her babysitter, Mami Tere, all in quick succession. The Mami Tere story was by far the most suspect. Teri allegedly exclaimed, "Oh a pretty jewelry. I am going to break it" before doing the deed.
What I got for Christmas
My sister, Dominique, made me the most amazing Christmas presents. I guess you would call them photo albums. They are little books (one for each child) with 13 little pockets labeled from K to 12. In each pocket goes that years school picture. They are so incredibly beautiful and intricate. The photo doesn't do them justice.
Italian Almond Cake
Domenico and I made this cake for New Years Eve.
1/2 cup cake flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup almond paste cut up into little pieces
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
2 large ages plus four large egg yolks
1/2 cup sour cream
raspberry jam (optional)
Center the rack in oven and preheat to 350. Butter and dust an 8 inch round cake pan w/flour.
Whisk together flour, corn meal and baking powder and set aside. In large mixing bowl beat butter and almond paste until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add the confectioner's sugar and beat it until it is light and fluffy (at least 3 minutes.) Beat in the eggs and egg yolks and sour cream.
Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing just until they are incorporated. Pour into pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake begins to pull away from the side of the pan.
Dust the top with confectioner's sugar or smear on a layer of raspberry jam.
This is the perfect cake for those who like to eat their dessert for breakfast.
still life with monkeys
My brother Paul and his partner Amy are creative and have a rather active fantasy life. They have three monkeys who are an integral part of their family. My son would be appalled to know that I can't remember the monkeys' names! Anyway, this year we sent Christmas presents to the monkeys. We sent a sweater to the monkey who likes to watch TV. Rollerskates to the little guy and "Santa's Coal" bubble gum to the trouble maker. The kids were thrilled to get pictures of the monkeys preparing to open and then enjoying their presents. Domenico was concerned that one of the monkeys had passed out alongside the empty bubblegum sack. He thought "that was a lot of sugar for a monkey." Soraya was happy to see the monkeys with their gifts and thought they owed her a hug.
UDATE: Monkeys names are Hanky, Buddy and Teddy (in descending height order.)
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