Two "Art" Books

Two weeks ago (give or take) I ventured to my recently discovered local library to stock up on three weeks worth of reads. I had a list, but all the book on my list were checked out. So what is a person to do when their post-it list of books is not at the library? Stand with glassed-over eyes in the middle of fiction row C-H and try and remember what other books were on the backup list, that's what. When memory failed me on that front, I wandered.

On this particular wandering, I came away with two books - one I looked for, one that looked good and was close by. One that I do not even care to finish, the other a sumptuous read. Let's get the no-so-good one out of the way - The Art Thief. It was mysterious and not the usual crime story. Had I looked at the Amazon reviews, though, I would have found a different book. I am about 200 pages in and could not tell you one of the characters' name, much less why they are in the story. The dialog is painful, the flow staccato. It is a book that I hoped would begin to flow and make sense, but it has stayed monotone and dull throughout. I shall return it today short of reading the final 120+ pages - a rarity for me, even with the most abysmal book.

Ah, but not everything is wasted time and words. Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of the most elegantly written novels I have read this year. The book is wrought from the author's imagining of the scenario surrounding Vermeer's creation of the work of art by the same name. The story follows, Griet, a young woman from low means who becomes a maid in the household of Vermeer. Through a series of circumstances, Griet is asked to pose for a painting, something that has far-reaching repercussions. The author, Tracy Chevalier, writes so beautifully, as evidenced in the opening paragraphs:

"I (Griet) was chopping vegetables in the kitchen when I heard voices outside our front door - a woman's, bright as polished brass, and a man's, low and dark like the wood of the table I was working on...I could hear rich carpets in their voices, books and pearls and fur...My mother's voice - a cooking pot, a flagon..."

Each character is fleshed out, but maintains an air of mystery, whether it be a quiet hope for revenge or a glimpse of generosity from an unlikely source. I am beginning to think I should have reread this book instead of slogging through The Art Thief. Excellently written, beautifully constructed novel of a unique and priceless painting.

Southern Flyer Diner

Through a series of events (some of them called flying), I ended up in Texas for Thanksgiving. Now before some of you post your "But why did you not call me to hang out?" let me explain that it was short trip to Texas and I will return to said state in about two weeks for a longer period of time so, you know, let me know if you want to grab coffee or something. Wait, scratch that, grab Chuy's or Rudy's or something.

Anyway, while in Texas, my parents took me on a tour of their new town which boasts numerous Victorian style homes. And I think we managed to see just about all of them. Naturally, looking at old houses creates quite an appetite and my dad suggested we eat at the local airport. Yes, I had my doubts, too. But it sounded intriguing and fairly safe as far as airport food goes. A little 50's-style diner called the Southern Flyer Diner.
When approaching a new dining experience, I find it best to go with what the place is known for. That way, if it really is below whatever standards I have for food, I know that a return trip is not necessary. And to me, 50's diner equal burger. Which is what I had. A hamburger, no cheese with fries and a Dr. Pepper. Oh, before I get into the details of the burger-eating experience, let me set the scene for you. All the waitresses where poodle skirts and saddle shoes; there is a jukebox and a shake/malt counter; the floor is black and white checkerboard; and you can see into the kitchen through the pass-through.
The burger came with the meat on the bottom bun and the top bun opened with pickle slices, onions, lettuce and tomato, I am guessing so that you can pick off what you do not want. The bun was freshly toasted and had that slight crisp that married well with the fresh-beef patty. Every flavor and texture complimented each other perfectly and stood out to just the right degree. The onion did not overpower the tomato, nor the pickle the meat. Tasty yummy burger.

But, the true shining star of the plate were the fries. Best fries I have ever eaten. They must batter them before they fry them because the had just that extra crunch that made them stand out. Perfectly salted and stayed crisp from first fry to last. All in all an A+ meal. Unfortunately, no room was left for a shake or malt, but I am sure the quality is similarly matched to the burger and fries.

So, if you are ever flying into Brenham Airport, or just stopping by to see Blue Bell Creamery, go down the meandering road to Southern Flyer Diner and let a girl in a poodle skirt get you a great burger and fries.

Uh-oh, she's gone granola!

At work, I take my lunch around 2 pm. Why? Because it makes the afternoon feel like it whizzes by. And that is a time I know everyone else will be in the office so I do not have to answer phones with food in my mouth - neither ladylike nor professional. However, I begin to feel the rumble of hunger around 11 am. For quite some time, I had been eating Kashi granola bars but eventually realized that, at almost a box a week, I was paying a pretty penny month-to-month for my late morning munch. But what was a girl to do?

Make granola bars, that's what. And who better to help me than everyone's favorite TV chef, Alton Brown! (What? He is not your favorite? Well, he should be.) In the particular episode the granola bar recipe is from, Alton decides that he can make his own cheaper and healthier versions of the granola bar, power bar, and Rice Krispie treat. Curious as to just how easy granola bar making could be, I tried it out. And, I must say, pretty easy.


The directions are simple, the most complicated thing being toasting the oats, nuts and wheat germ (which really is not that complicated - if you can turn an oven on and stir every 5 minutes or so, you'll be fine). The step in the process that I learned was most hazardous to my health is smooshing the granola mixture into the pan. Toasty warm, honey infused granola mixture adhering to hands is not a pleasant experience. My solution is putting a bit of wax paper on top of the granola after it has been dumped in the pan to compact it all together. It is still warm on my hands, but it opts to stick to the nerve-free paper rather than my skin.

Since making this a few times, I have begun to experiment with it a little. Different fruits mainly. If you go for dried apricots, make sure to cut them pretty small. Dried cherries and cranberries have been my staples, with some random raisins thrown in. I don't think I adhere to the dried fruit quantities listed in the recipe - I just toss a bunch of dried fruit in until I think it has enough. This last go round I added a tablespoon or so of peanut butter to the honey mixture which gave the granola a great honey and peanut butter sandwich taste and smell. The peanut butter also made the granola chewier, which I prefer. My next experiments will be with chocolate can it go in the granola bar without melting all over) and using different nuts instead of almonds.

Psst...Did you know?

It's autumn! I know, I know, you'd think with my post earlier today it was winter, but it's not...yet. And, having lived in an autumn-deprived state for so long, I am soaking it all up. The crisp air, the honking geese, the colors - it all makes for a wonderful fall. And I thought I would share some of my autumnal bliss with you.

The pictures are from various places around Raleigh, ranging from the parking lot outside my apartment to my office's parking lot to the school my church is at to the lake near Aaron's apartment.

Oh my goodness!

It is snowing! Outside my office window. Snow...falling to the ground. Like little flakes of heaven. I feel like I am in a snow globe. It's snowing!!

The Circus is leaving

I was reading my blogs over lunch and was shocked (shocked!) to see that Mother's Cookies was closing its doors. While I was never a huge fan of the Circus Animal cookies, others in my family (hi Emmalou!) bordered on obsessive with the cookies. It is hard to imagine a cookie aisle without the purple and red bannered bags stacked neatly on shelves. So if you, like my sister, love some Circus Animal cookies, go now and hoard before they are gone forever.

A Very Long Engagement

I am not a francophile, I promise. It's just that Amelie was so good, I felt like one good French movie starring Audrey Tautou deserved another. A Very Long Engagement is more somber and dramatic than Amelie, but just as good. Since it, like Amelie, is directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Engagement has similar stylings and quirky-funny tones to it. Sure, it may be about a a fiancee's ongoing search to find her love who disappeared somewhere in the Somme during World War I. In the course of Mathilde's (Tautou) search for her fiancee Manech (Gaspard Ulliel), she learns of the fates, or supposed fates, of those Manech fought and was arrested alongside. There is romance (obviously), murder, mystery, tuba-playing and a vengeful woman. Tautou plays Mathilde wonderfully - mournful, hopeful, resolute, weak. While this film lacks some of the spunk of Amelie, A Very Long Engagement is a masterfully crafted film and well worth 2 hours or so of your time.