Evolution's Pretty Cool

I went for a nice after dinner stroll with Louie last night in the neighborhood where we live adjacent to the lovely but often overlooked Eastwoods Park near the University of Texas. I really love meditative walks in this older Austin hood, and Lou really loves to stretch his little legs after a long day cooped up at my work shop.  I have always been a fan of Eastwoods and when I moved here almost 3 years ago, I intended on spending time there. As with so many good intentions, it was something that never really happened much. That changed when I adopted Lou. Him taking me to the park is how I like to think of it and was one of the first of many ways  I realized he was adding real value to my life.

I have been reflecting on our relationship recently and the incredible bond between people and dogs. Man's best friend is beyond cliche at this point and it seems the popularity of dog ownership is at an all time high. That said, I don't know of another relationship between two species , short of cats, which are also awesome, quite like the one that has evolved over the past millennia  between humans and the domesticated canine. Its just too cool when you think about it. Such a perfect fit these two have become. A dogs ability  to give love and connection seems almost boundless at times. And I think its safe to say for the majority of people, receiving love and attention is top on our list whether we admit it or not. A perfect fit indeed.

The other things that I value in my relationship with Louie is that it has given a certain depth to my life that would otherwise be lacking. Considering I am a single, lets face it, self absorbed creative type, having to take care of and think of another little being in my life is very healthy for me as it gives me the perfect chance to get out of myself which is an exercise I have found to be very beneficial. And even some of the little hard ships that we have gone through in our two years together have given the relationship a certain character and depth that I find helpful in my own personal growth toward a more meaningful existence.

 In a few months it will have been two years since I signed the dotted line and took Louie home from Austin Pets Alive.  Since then he has become a regular part of my schedule and my life, from being a road buddy through our summer long journey in Colorado, to helping man the booth at different art and craft events he is generally with me and weaving him into my day has become second nature. I have mentioned the many ways he has added value to my world. The greatest and perhaps sappiest ( but I don't care because its true) is that multiple times per day, pretty much every day without fail, I look at him, connect and have this warm, intense feeling of love well up inside. That has just got to be good for a person mentally, spiritually and physically. With that intuitive thought comes a lot of gratitude, another life ingredient I've found most helpful. Thanks Lou, you're the coolest.

Wood shop yoga

Snoozin' in a wood pile

No one knows the Louness that lurks beneathe ....

Craft Works Dialogue #19 Joel Mozersky Interior Design

Sit in for the first CWD of 2015 as I have a great talk with the talented Joel Mozersky. Learn about Joel's unplanned entry into his vocation and how his degree in art history informs his much beloved design work as well as the importance of point of view.  A fun but unexpected part of the discussion was Joel's love of cooking. Below is the recipe for French Onion Chicken Meatballs which Joel was discussing at the end of the talk. Enjoy!

French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

Onion Mixture
4 sweet white onions, halved, and sliced very thin
2 tbs butter
1 tbs olive oil
4 cups chicken stock
1 ½ tsps fresh thyme
1/2 bottle white wine- I used chardonnay

Meatballs
2 lbs ground chicken (breast or thighs or both)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cloves crushed garlic
handful of basil, minced
2 eggs
handful of chopped garlic chives
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil for frying

Topping
¾ cup Comte cheese
¾ cup Gruyere cheese
¼ cup parmesan cheese
garlic chives

Method

Chop the onions very thin. Put the butter and oil in a stock pot on medium low heat. Add the onions and thyme, and cook them down until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 10 more minutes. Add the chicken stock, and let simmer on low until the liquid concentrates- about 20 minutes. You want it to be a somewhat thick soup consistency.

While the soup is cooking down, combine all of the meatball ingredients in a bowl. Then form them into meatballs, a little larger than a golf ball. They might be a little wet, but they should stick together well enough to form. Heat some olive oil in a cast iron skillet on med high heat. Fry the meatballs on all sides until they have crispy edges and are cooked through- about 5 minutes per side. When they are cooked, but them in the pot with the onions and let them simmer for about 5 minutes.

Transfer about 1/2 contents of the pot with the meatballs into a casserole dish, and top with the cheeses and garlic chives. There should be liquid underneath and between the meatballs, and the onions as well. 

Broil until the cheese melts, serve in shallow bowls with crusty bread.

Serve the rest of the soup on the side

Shop Sale

So to celebrate the launching of the new site we are having a sale all this coming weekend from Sat the 28th thru Sunday the 1st. Just use the coupon code "bdj" for 25% off on all items store wide. There is also a drawing on Instagram and Facebook to win some free loot so go to either BDJ page for more details.

New Year New Site

So if you are reading this post then you have happily (I hope) landed on my new site. I have had a few over the years but this latest iteration was created to put the focus on my smaller production designs, as I have made decision to put any and all custom commissioned work on hold until further notice. After spending last summer working and reflecting from a Colorado, one thing I came away with loud and clear was that 2015 was the year to really put more of an emphasis on my online sales.  As much as I have enjoyed traveling around the country selling my work, its time to put as much energy into the online effort as I have in other areas.

I began blogging more last year and have really enjoyed putting my ponderings out to the world and creating a space to practice writing on a regular basis which is something I've realized is important to me and something I would like to nurture.

If there is anyone out there who has enjoyed my in frequent yet heart felt work with Craft Works Dialogue, that will continue and be something I hope to also throw a little more energy to in 2015. Having meaningful conversations with other creatives and  documenting it for others enjoyment and edification, though a fair amount of unpaid extra work, always results in making me happy I put forth the effort. I really get something meaningful out of each talk weather it be with someone I have known for years or a new acquaintance. I look forward to putting more up soon. Till then take care and don't sweat the smalls stuff. Btw its all small stuff.