All That Matters

To those of you who have the audacity to think your personal drama matters (like me) think again.

My cousin Heather's youngest baby is dying from cancer.

Art and Money

Well, I've sold three large oil paintings over the last couple months, for a total of $2450 (my take; half the retail asking price). It's a start. I'm back in the studio now after many months, with plans to produce enough work to keep Mo's Gallery happy and hopefully some additional work for a new gallery in Tubac or Prescott.

I'm also submitting my new short story in a week. The prize money is $500. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that one.

Gotta pay the bills...

McManis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

This modest bottle ($10) from McManis Family Vineyards is one of the nicer low-budget cabs I've tried in a while. The nose is classic Cabernet with just a hint of asphalt that carries through to the mouth. In the mouth the wine is fairly smooth with good acidity and low tannin, making it fine for a variety of foods and casual sipping. Alcohol is restrained at 13.5 percent, reflected in the medium level of extraction, medium viscosity and medium dryness. Not too much oak to get in the way. A nicely balanced wine without any flaws and plenty of value for the price. Another winner from the same winery that brought us that outstanding 2004 Petite Sirah!

Waffles Kaplan

You will never eat waffles the same way again...

Waffles Kaplan:

Mix waffle batter the same way you would for regular waffles. Make sure your waffle iron is set to the crispier end of its cooking cycle. Cut bacon into small strips; small enough to fit inside the waffle iron. Pour the batter, then plop down two or three (or four) pieces of bacon on top of the wet batter. Close the lid, and cook until ready (crispy brown). Top with syrup. Butter optional.

By the way, I can't take credit for this idea. I believe it was Chance and Lynn who came up with this recipe, in honor of our good buddy Matt Kaplan (aka 'Neighbor Matt') a known hedonist. This is the same Matt Kaplan that used to drink the hot wing sauce after he finished a plate of four-alarm wings. You get what I'm sayin'?

Enjoy!

2007

I haven't posted in a while on account of holiday craziness. I'm glad that 2007 is here, and I hope things shift in the direction of financial security and creative freedom. 2006 was a tumultuous year that basically kicked my ass and left me feeling less secure than ever. I guess getting fired, having another baby, and having a nervous breakdown would do that to a guy!

On a brighter note, I finished a short story which will be entered into a contest at the University. I wouldn't have been able to justify this effort were it not for the $500 prize money. The title of the story is The Sound of Wolves Might Be Dogs Barking. It has mostly to do with my current occupation (working with the mentally handicapped) but also with romantic love in the workplace. If you want to read it I would be happy to send you a copy.

All for now.