Full Moon, February 7, 2012 (ISO 100, F9, 1/320)

On a quick glance, it has  a “Blue Marble” appearance.  If you have not seen the “Blue Marble” series,  they can be seen at http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/.  Using a collection of satellite-based observations, scientists and visualizers stitched together months of observations of the earth’s land surface, oceans, sea ice, and clouds into a seamless, true-color mosaic of our planet. The images are amazing.

“Exit Through The Gift Shop” (2010) is a documentary produced by the notorious artist Banksy  which tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant in Los Angeles and his obsession with street art.  The film also covers the works of Shepard Fairey and Invader.  It is fascinating study on graffiti , unlicensed art work and the artists.  I launched a project of my own.  Keep you posted on the results.

One of my goals in 2012 is to prepare a tasty new meal a week.  I began my culinary journey by culling through the many recipes friends and family provided through the years.  This one is a gem.  Thank you, Karen.

Recipe: The Wild Alaskan Salmon Patty

1 can salmon–squeeze fresh lemon on top & add grated lemon peel

Add fresh chopped cilantro & parsley, chopped celery & green onions

Season with garlic powder, dill and whatever else you want

Add bread crumbs & parmesan cheese (1/2 cup each)

Mix in 4 egg whites

Form patties and saute in olive oil until browned on each side (4 mins each side)

*When adding fresh herbs and vegetables, it should be similar in color and texture when you make a tuna or crab salad.

The patties can be frozen. Layer in a container with wax paper in freeze. Heat in oven to serve. Recommend using (3) cans of salmon to start and freezing patties.

(Georgia Hasson, January 2012)

We smile in the womb. We are born smiling. A very simple way to improve your life and the ones around you is to smile. The Dalai Lama advocates it in his teachings.  Children smile often and adults need to do more of it.  We should never overlook the untapped potential of a smile.

The talented, brave and eager that love wind, water and sail flew across Jupiter beaches on Sunday for the 9th Annual Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion Contest.  The event includes a freestyle exhibition in three divisions–amateur, pro and masters.  It was simply delightful to watch.

(Kite Beach, Jupiter, FL, January 29, 2012)

(Juno Pier, January 17, 2012)

There are a number of benefits you receive when you get up early. You greet the day in a relaxed state of mind. You get an amazing start with peace and quiet.

You find time to exercise, set goals and be productive.  I am always astonished what I can accomplish with a clear mind in the early mornings–my productivity increases tenfold.

The best part is that you witness one of the most of the most beautiful cycles of nature–the sunrise.

When I was in Vail in early December, Beaver Creek finished hosting their 8th Annual Chocolate Chip Competition. If you win the coveted spot, you serve as the official cookie for the 2012 season at Beaver Creek.  It is offered daily at Beaver Creeks’s famous Cookie Time at 3 pm at the base of the mountain.  You only need to look for the crowd with crumbs stuck on scarves and excess chocolate on face and ski wear. 

I finally had an opportunity to give the recipe a try.  It is worth it!

The Chunk

Recipe by Shannon Bostrom
1 stick butter
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 bag milk chocolate morsels
6 oz chopped unsweetened Baker’s chocolate

Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes.

December 18, 2011 (Jupiter, FL– Kite Beach)

Nestled between Grouse Mountain and the front face of Beaver Creek, we saw the men’s World Cup at Birds of Prey for the first and only U.S. stop on their tour. The course reputation is legendary; it was described by the NY Times as “not unlike facing a grizzly bear”.  It is groomed to be 16 to 18 inches deep and watered to near titanium toughness.  Skiers with anything but a pro-grade tune slide uncontrollably to the finish line.  It is precisely what the course designers wanted and what you see when the top  athletes take on the Super G, downhill and giant slalom course.  As a bystander, you stare in admiration and awe.  

The awe happened earlier when I rode up on a private shuttle with Bode Miller.  Bode won the G Slalom the day before.  We were also lucky to witness and attend festivities for the first Birds of Prey women’s Super G race.  Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso finished in the top 10.  There was so much world class talent nearby that you only hoped a little would rub off on you!