Thoughts on Asian Imagery

I love Asian imagery.  I wrote Geisha years ago but I think it's time for a re-post.  I hope you enjoy  it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 

Geisha

She is incredibly beautiful to some and invisible to others. She is a mystery to most. You will never really know her. She is masked by makeup, she is masked by the many faces of the many personalities required of her. She is well-read, schooled in interesting topics. She traveles seamlessly in all social circles. It is her essence, it is what is required of her. She is obedient. She is a Geisha.

She is an entertainer. She is kept and admired but rarely experiences true love. She may be widely known and often accompanied but, I imagine, cries too many tears of loneliness. She is a Geisha.

She attends to but is rarely attended to. She cares for but not often cared for. She meets needs but her needs go unmet. She is meticulously maintained and flawlessly groomed. She is a Geisha.

She holds many secrets. She is passionate. She is exotic, erotic and the epitome of feminine grace and beauty. She flutters about, she sings and dances. She is your entertainer. She is what you want her to be. She is a Geisha.

Asian imagery brings me such a peaceful feeling. There is a stillness about it that helps me focus.  It's serene.

  

Both the Japanese as well as Chinese cultures are of particular interest.  Asian literature, even in novel form, provides insight into these cultures and it's the differences between our American ways and their traditional Chinese or Japanese ways that are intriguing to me. 

Lisa See is a noteworthy author.  While I've read most of her books, some of my favorites include Shanghai Girls, Peony in Love and Snowflower and the Secret Fan (the movie didn't even come close to doing this book justice).  They were all lovely stories and all were beautifully written. I'm currently reading Empress Orchid by Anchee Min.  While I'm thoroughly enjoying the read it's too soon to tell whether or not it's worthy of recommendation so I'll have to reserve judgement.

Light a candle, read a book, find some peace.  Until the next time.........

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life

Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya!

Amidst walls of amber hues, smooth, cool music and high back bar stools you'll find Jay Carr shakin' what his Mama gave him!

Jay is the owner of Providence's newest addition to the bar scene, The Eddy. Open just over a month and word has already spread like wildfire-- standing room only on any night of the week-- and that's if your lucky!

 As I so often do when I'm in Providence, I had the inside scoop on this cavernous cool spot so I got there early and got myself a prime seat at the bar, smack in front of the spirit-master himself (thanks Jen!).

 Equally as talented at showstopping mixology is Alicia who indulged us in our first round of luxurious libation. A tall Kettle Orange and tonic for me........ Alicia really knows how to make a twist!  This was deeeeeelish!

And a Derby for my friend............

Although spirits are the specialty at The Eddy, their bar "snack" menu is surprisingly substantial with things like Bavarian Soft Pretzels with  Maple Butter, Sweet and Salty Mixed Nuts and a Crostini with Olives, Ricotta and Honey that will make you dream about it after you leave (I am!).

I loved this place and if I lived closer it would be my go-to watering hole.  For now, I'll dream about crostini and count down the days until I can quench my thirst once again at The Eddy! 

Thanks for your hospitality Jay!  See you again soon!

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life

I Shoot Rockstars: John Paul's ReminiSing

Here's one of my favorite blog posts from my other site, I Shoot Rockstars.  I hope you enjoy it!

I Shoot Rockstars: John Paul's ReminiSing: Forgive my A.D.D.....stay with me now.... He's jazz and opera, he's rock-n-roll, blues.  He's classical, bohemian, all manner...


+Michelle Morrissette
+My Baked Stuffed Life

Red Skiff

It was the epitome of a harsh New England weekend complete with nor'easter Nemo, 2 feet of snow, and a 24 hour power loss that caused the warmth of my home to plunge into frigid temperatures the likes of which I'd never known. All was not lost as dawn broke and blinding sunshine peeked out over the horizon. It's a new day in my snow covered fishing village and the glistening blanket of white that warms us is mother nature's promise of the glorious day to come!

I don't know about you but when it gets cold I get hungry.  Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I can't think of a better place to satisfy that early morning hunger than Rockport's very own Red Skiff. 

Always pleasant owners, Steve and Kelly, really know how to serve things up right. The freshest of ingredients and a menu full of creative and scrumptious daily specials makes breakfast anyone's favorite meal of the day!

Today's culinary masterpiece, Coconut-Granola Pancakes......



My son prefers french fries to home fries and Steve is happy to oblige.............



Rockport locals belly up to the bar.....

A very full and completely satisfied customer....

Great food and perfect service right in my perfect little town!  A must-try when you visit!

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life

A Girl's Best Friend

I love my dog!!!

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life

The Best Day Ever!!

I woke up with the weight of the world on my shoulders. The pressures of work and a busy family life had invaded my dreams and restful slumber had escaped me. I quickly reminded myself of my commitment to surround myself with peace and choose happiness. It's time to reframe my frame of reference because it truly is all in how you look at it.

It was a busy day but the focal point and highlight of today's journey was quality time spent with my lovely daughter. She is my joy and she is growing up so fast. It seems like only yesterday that simulated airplanes full of strained peas were coming in for a landing. In the blink of an eye she and I were seemingly "beamed up" from the high chair in my kitchen to twin high backs at local Gloucester eatery, Minglewood Tavern.

Our day was leisurely--homemade orange pancakes and sausages to start, errands here and there, a salon appointment woven in to the mix. We talked and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed the quiet pace of the day.

Minglewood was our final destination and we were starved.

We ordered burgers and fries, both with thick slices of Vermont cheddar cheese, mine with the added kick of jalapeño bacon jam-- a must have at Minglewood! No girls-day-out- lunch would be complete without dessert and dessert we had!!

After carefully weighing out the pros and cons of the dessert menu offerings, we settled on the chef's daily special--a Strawberry Sherbert Cheesecake, and the Molten Chocolate Cake.

Strawberry Sherbert Cheesecake--The name is deceiving.  I expected a dense dessert in the New York style.   I was pleasantly surprised at the lightness of this dessert.  It was airy and pleasing to the palate.  It tasted like summer.

The Molten Chocolate Cake came complete with a river of flowing fudge and an ice cream cap bedazzled with Heath Bar crunch!  Yum!!  It was everything we dreamed it could be and more.

It was an absolutely delicious lunch and the company was even better!  I'm so proud of the young lady my daughter has become.  She is truly beautiful inside and out.

There were so many high points in my day, the Minglewood experience just barely grazed the surface.  Focusing on the individual moments of joy carried me through and living in the moment allowed me to experience the peace I am committed to.  It was a great, great day filled with relaxation, laughter and many, many joyful moments spent with my best girl!!  To quote my daughter "it was the best day ever"!

+Michelle Morrissette Cucchiaro

+My Baked Stuffed Life