Was hit with a bit of inspiration today and now want to create a series of vintage-style travel posters based on places I have been. In particular, I want to explore different – and unexpected – ways of incorporating colour in my designs. First up: Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which I visited in 2016.
Connect with me if interested in purchasing a signed, limited edition print.
Monty, therapy dog:
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Written by Anne Lamott
This book was recommended by a writer on Twitter for those seeking direction in the craft. I will second it but go one further in recommending it to anyone. Bird by Bird is one of the most engaging, inspirational books I've ever read. I couldn't put it down allowing myself to become completely immersed in the author's words that veer from personal narrative to strategic advice in finding and feeding one's passion in life. As with anything, the objective of success should not be financial remuneration but personal fulfilment. This book acts as a compass to that state.
Favourite line: "...there is something to be said for painting portraits of the people we have loved, for trying to express those moments that seem so inexpressibly beautiful, the ones that change us and deepen us."
To purchase Bird by Bird, click here.
Wanderlust: A Modern Yogi's Guide to Discovering Your Best Self
Written by Jeff Krasno
I bought this book thinking it was a travel guide with a mindfulness bent – and in a way, it is partly that – but after reading a few chapters, I realized that it was really a guidebook for Wanderlust festival, a yoga and music gathering marketed towards those needing enlightenment while living in the 'burbs. The book is very well designed and visually appealing, however, the content is pretty lacklustre and lacking depth into the spiritual side of the practices it promotes.
Favourite line: "May your journey through your own grief awaken you to levels of knowing, empathy, and peace that free your own soul, open you to love big, and allow you to embrace the beauty, the sweetness, and the unbearable, but glorious, impermanence of it all."
To purchase Wanderlust, click here.
Chinatowns: Asian Cooking from Around the World in 100 Recipes
Written by Jean-Francois Mallet
This beautiful book is written as a cookbook but could just as well rest on one's coffee table as an art piece. The photography is lovely and the design is really well executed. The recipes themselves are not authentically Chinese; this book is about the culinary fusion that has happened as a result of Asian immigration around the world and how it's adapted to local tastes. In looking forward to an upcoming trip, I tried making chicken-fried rice and it turned out great.
To purchase Chinatowns, click here.
Fresh prep for making chicken-fried rice (©Deborah Clague)
My final creation (©Deborah Clague)
My mother, age seven, at her first communion at Saint-Boniface Cathedral in Winnipeg, Manitoba. These are the first images I've seen of my mother as a child. They are beautiful and haunting, depicting a life that I am connected to yet I look at in wonder, as it feels so very, very foreign to my own upbringing.
First communion is an important rite of passage for followers of the Catholic Church. The tradition takes place when a person first receives the Eucharist (a commemoration of Jesus' last supper) signalling confirmation in the faith. Religion had a large influence on my mother throughout adolescence and young adulthood. She attended mass every Sunday. She even attended a Catholic school where she was taught by nuns (later intimating that she was physically abused by them). Eventually she would part ways with the ceremonial aspect of Catholicism, becoming disillusioned with it, but the core teachings it instilled in her – to always aim for moral good and have belief in the power of prayer – remain to this day. On this note, another beautiful, haunting image that will always stay with me, not caught on film but seared into my memory for eternity, is of my mom feverishly praying during the final months of my father's life. She always believed. Always. Religion carries some. It awakens others.
In contrast, I am not baptized and have never even set foot in Church.
It shouldn't need to be said, but here we are (again):
Women, all women, should have agency over their own bodies.
Absence of no doesn't mean yes.
Coercion is not consent.
It's not up to women to change how they react. It's up to men to change how they act in the first place.
The public response to the Aziz Ansari story has been disturbing – and triggering – to watch unfold. People, including many women, surprisingly, are describing the event as simply a "date gone bad". But is it really? Maybe it's because I've been in a similar situation and know the god-awful dread of feeling trapped in the presence of someone that is making it clearly known they don't respect you and won't adhere to your persistent wishes but I feel this was not simply courtship gone awry. This is premeditated behaviour meant to demean and dehumanize women for the sole benefit of male ego. And it is more common than you think.
The debate seems centred on defining degrees of severity regarding sexual assault but conversation should actually be about consent. There are no shades of grey when it comes to consent. Just yes or no. If a woman is not into your advances, then leave her alone. Period. Don't badger her. Don't further try to coax her. Just stop.
"Well, she could've just left."
Well, HE could've just stopped.
"Well, she should've known better."
Well, HE should've known better.
As a society we've consistently denied women sexual autonomy, then act surprised when women have trouble asserting themselves when it comes to sex. This story is not just about an anonymous woman dubbed Grace in the media who was appalled that a celebrity she looked up to didn't live up to her ideal. This is about all the Graces, the Carols, the Deborahs et all that have learned to be accommodating towards men in difficult situations because eventual compliance can be the only weapon we have against escalation towards something worse. This is about how much of one's dignity we are willing to negotiate away just to secure a relative feeling of "safety". This is about male entitlement in all aspects of society.
The balance of power sits with men.
The balance for change needs to sit with them as well.
I know this is starting to feel like a food blog but it's not (at least not entirely). This is just my online space to journal my life and interests and part of those interests right now is learning how to truly nourish and indulge myself through what I eat. BUT I have to make two food posts in a row because something happened this week that made me so happy and so proud at how far I have evolved in just the span of a year that I need to shout from the rooftops and tell everyone who will listen.
On Wednesday, I made the Spanish dish patatas bravas ("fierce potatoes") after reading about it in a cook book I have by Jamie Oliver titled "Food Escapes". I posted it on my Instagram and Twitter, because clearly one cannot only document their life on a blog, and later in the evening this happened:
JAMIE FREAKIN' OLIVER HIMSELF (or more likely his social media team) LIKED MY POST!!! OMG!!!
It's also fascinating to note the reach of celebrity. In Twitter, posts that are "liked" are sometimes, but not always, shared with followers. Who sees it is all down to the science of algorithms. Out of curiosity I looked at the activity for that particular tweet and in the span of less than twenty-four hours, over 25,000 people had viewed my cooking. Amazing.
I am by no means fashioning myself a pro – although my cooking is damn good – but this just makes me want to try harder and evolve my palate even more.
Oh - and patatas bravas is absolutely divine. It's shortlisted as one of my favourites. You can get the recipe in this book.
Patatas bravas is a traditional tapas style dish from Spain. It is made up of fried potatoes and a thick sauce made of onion, garlic, carrots, pepper and tomatoes. I served mine with a side of chorizo (©Deborah Clague).
My favourite celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver. His style is healthy, fresh and easy.
Last year I started learning how to cook. This year I seek to continue building that skillset by attempting more difficult, and varied, dishes, as well as configuring the cost for eating healthy. My grocery bill has definitely increased as I focus on fresh and organic (where possible) but I'm not dining out as much so I hope to see it balance out. For example: earlier this week, I calculated that the turkey rice soup I make averages about $4.20/bowl (I get about six bowls per batch). In comparison, Tim Hortons charges $2.99/bowl for a serving of similar size with a side of bread. At face value, it appears to be a better business decision to continue dining out. But when ingredients are compared, the playing field shifts. My soup contains rice, humanely-raised turkey (breast), organic broth, heirloom garlic, white onion, carrots, celery, lemon, fresno pepper, turmeric and summer savoury seasoning. The equivalent Tim Hortons offering contains ingredients such as maltodextrin, artificial flavour, disodium insinate and caramel colouring (amongst other unpronounceable components).
I want to know what I'm eating. I want to be able to pronounce and identify what I am putting in my stomach.
For my first new dish of the year, I was inspired to take on something that has previously been an addiction of mine. KFC, Popeyes ... fried chicken tenders are VERY tasty but notoriously bad for one's health (and I don't dare look into their actual ingredients). I found an online recipe to replicate the former's famous eleven herbs and spices and decided to attempt them from home. Instead of frying in oil, they are baked in oven. Because of this, taste is not exactly replicated but this alternative is equally as good in its own right. I served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and seasoned carrots.
Total cost for this meal was about $8.00/serving, not including the two bottles of wine also consumed.
To learn this recipe, check out RecipeTinEats.
It's only four days into the new year and I already have a feeling 2018 is going to be great. Just today, for instance, I found out there was a credible lead into the rash of thefts in my neighbourhood (of which I was a victim last month). I could attribute this to the natural order of the universe and how karma comes for everyone but I feel there is perhaps another influence to consider. 2018 is no ordinary year. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2018 is the year of the dog!
Do you have any idea how much good fortune I have built up with doggos over the years? It's huge. HUGE. I realize this bears no influence on anything but I like to believe. I choose to believe. To kick off this year (which officially starts February 17), I would like to honour some unique, loyal good boys (and girls) that I follow on social media.
@UNDERBITEUNITE:
Daisy is a happy-go-lucky rescued therapy dog with special needs that brings smiles to everyone she meets while living her best life in Los Angeles.
A post shared by Daisy Underbite (@underbiteunite) on
@SUPER_SCOOTY:
Scooty was rescued off the streets of Mexico after being hit by a vehicle. He was fully paralyzed but his adoptive family have provided therapy and fashioned him with a set of wheels that allows him to go on adventures (and get in trouble).
A post shared by Scooty (@super_scooty) on
@CANYONPUPPY:
Riley was found abandoned in a remote canyon in Arizona. I don't know how someone could do that to another living creature. The lack of empathy is jarring. However I do know that his new doggo dad was destined to find him.
@THE.FLUFFY.DUO:
Zen (little guy) is a rescued pomeranian. Hoshi is an eskimo dog that was born without eyes. The duo works together to navigate the world and beautifully demonstrates the power of friendship and teamwork.
A post shared by Sweet Treats Of PAWSitivity! (@the.fluffy.duo) on
@ARTTHECORGI:
I really, really love corgis. I've only seen two in real life, so I get my fix via Instagram. This guy (and his sister Amelia) are my faves.
A post shared by Arthur & Amelia (@artthecorgi) on
@MONMON20011017:
I follow a number of chihauhuas living the high life in Tokyo. I don't know how this happened. Perhaps it was the result of algorithms revealing my love of Japan and cute dogs. No matter how I came across them, pets in Japan are treated very differently than any other place I've seen. Like, American dogs are spoiled but Japanese dogs take the cake! The photoshoots are insane! This guy in particular reminds me of my Monty.
A post shared by nagimon🇯🇵 (@monmon20011017) on
@PICASSOTHEWONKYFACEDDOG:
After being shunned by potential adopters because of his unusual looks, Picasso found a forever home and has since become a therapy dog.
A post shared by Picasso (@picassothewonkyfaceddog) on
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, 1927
My previous post detailed some personal aspects of my life that happened in 2017. From discovering potential familial ties in the United Kingdom to being offered a job in Saudi Arabia (still can't believe this), it was an interesting year that felt transitional in a sense. I am very excited to see where the next few years take me, but, as always, it's good to reflect as well. On that note, these are some things that brought me joy in 2017:
SONG: "Redbone" by Childish Gambino. This funk/soul, retro-tinged track feels like the type of song that might not be hugely popular upon release but will hold influence on the culture for years to come.
RUNNER UP: "Praying" by Kesha.
BOOK: "The Vanished: The Evaporated People of Japan in Stories and Photographs" by Léna Mauger and Stéphane Remael. Nearly 100,000 people disappear in Japan each year. This essay chronicles their stories and reasons for becoming a ghost in modern society.
RUNNER UP: "5 Ingredients" by Jamie Oliver. I tried to pick a non-culinary title for this but none of the other books I read this year stood out. In terms of lifestyle, however, my favourite celebrity chef is proving immensely influential as I make some positive changes relating to food. I greatly appreciate the easy, peasy, fresh and healthy recipes using a minimum of ingredients, as well as the simplistic design.
FOOD: This takes me two hours to prepare and cook but my rice stuffed roasted peppers with wild garlic, lemon, jalapeño and lingonberry spiced sole are the best thing I learned how to cook this year. The recipe can be found in the Posh Rice cookbook.
RUNNER UP: I try to balance learning how to make one healthy dish with something that my thighs won't forgive me for. Of those, this peanut butter and raspberry jam cheesecake brownie is the most sinful thing I made this year (especially deadly topped with vanilla bean ice cream). The recipe can be found in the Flapper Pie and a Blue Prairie Sky cookbook by Canadian food blogger The Kitchen Magpie.
MEME:
2015. 2016. 2017. pic.twitter.com/z1etZIAYHc
— David Hines (@hradzka) October 14, 2017
RUNNER UP: "Sad Affleck"
*After posting, I realized this is from 2016, however, I saw it so many times over the past year that I had to include it. It still makes me laugh. And Ben Affleck still looks like he's questioning his life choices.
MOST SOUND ADVICE I RECEIVED: "Don't lose the good in you to accept the bad in someone else."
RUNNER UP: "Don't ever forget who you are."
EPIC PAUL MAURICE SWEARING FACE:
Head Coach Paul Maurice with some choice words after video review denies Jets go ahead goal v Wild pic.twitter.com/nj9u0j87Vi
— Joe Pascucci (@Pascucci015) October 21, 2017
RUNNER UP:
Maurice not a fan of that call. pic.twitter.com/xxEeJxe3tW
— Ryan Browning (@DJ_Biff_WPG) November 7, 2017
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT: Conversing with a taxi driver enroute from IOM to Douglas and having him emphatically tell me that I am NOT English, I am Manx.
RUNNER UP: Bearing witness to the depth of courage and integrity a loved one has gave me a reminder that, while dark and scary at times, the world still has good in it. If the search seems elusive, be that good. It counts.