The parallel multiverse

The farm where Nicole's family lives

This week I am reminded of the Everett Theory or the Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics -- the theory that the universe is really a superposition of coherent states yielding infinitely divergent yet parallel quantum states. Why specifically this week and not every week you ask, in total disbelief? Well I happened to attend the beautiful wedding ceremony for one of my best friends growing up, Nicole.  And I will let you be the judge of the appropriateness of this analogy. The two of us were born the same year, the same month, the same day in the same hospital and were placed adjacent beds in the general nursery after being born within the same hour.  We grew up in Denver, both home schooled, both uniquely different from others but finding great comfort and common ground in our differentness that enhanced our togetherness. And from this coherence began eerily parallel divergence. Nicole (and her lovely family) moved to Nashville, while I moved to Washington DC. Nicole would later begin dating JL, a creative and big-hearted musician while I would begin dating Dr P, at about the same time. In June of this year, I married Dr P, the love of my life. And a few weeks ago, Nicole glowed with pure radiance as she became Mrs. JL in charming Nashville. 

I hope that the analogy ends here and that the reality of our states isn't permanently altered because you are observing it by seeing these lovely photographs, as the theory would imply. 

Wonderful old friends

Evidently the Parthenon is in Nashville

The Vanderbilt campus

Crema, a fantastically hip coffee shop

If squash had faces

A Confession:


Those of you familiar with this blog may have noticed a slight difference in the tone of this piece. This is, unfortunately, not due to my sudden wealth of knowledge in the realm of scientific theory, but rather the result of an extremely eager Dr. P. You see, last night we had conflicting plans. He had visions of a mid-week milkshake date followed by snuggling and Boardwalk Empire, but I was determined to finish my blog post before the fun ensued. Problem solver that he is, Dr. P took charge of it all, and composed the--rather charming, though not completely based on reality--post above. And pop-tarts, milkshakes and a grand old time were had by all.

Peanut Ginger Soup

I've been know to get a little crazy overly exuberant when produce is involved. Like the time week before last when I bought 20 lbs. of farm fresh produce for me and Yoni to eat. Yeah.... Like that time. And if necessity is the mother of invention, over purchasing of produce is it's father... or other mother (since I am usually doing the shopping).

Among the heirloom tomatoes, the muscadine, the mountain apples and squash was one, giant bag of kale. And yesterday, we realized it HAD to be used or disposed of before it went the way of compost. I  vaguely remembered a Marc Bittmann article about how exceptional peanut soup was, so I decided I would try my own bittmanesque techniques at recipe making.

Ingredients:

1 large onion, the color doesn't matter much, but purple is always pretty
1 large sweet potato carrots work if you don't have sweet potato on hand. So would acorn or butternut squash.  All of which I purchased at this farmer's market. But it was so cheap! (unlike the hipster ones in the city)
As much kale as you need to get rid of. You can also use another green, but the hardier ones hold up well in the broth.
1 14 ounce can tomatoes or 2 large fresh ones (optional)
1 cup cooked quinoa, rice or another grain (optional)
2 tofu stakes. Feel free to use another protein -- temphe or chicken would probably be the best other options
1/2 cup seed or nut butter I used a mix of sunflower, flax seed and peanut butters, unsalted and unsweetened are preferable
4 cups veggie stock you can substitute one cup broth for coconut milk, which would be absolutely delicious.
1 thumb sized knob of ginger, grated
Water, salt and pepper and olive (or other) oil

So I say to use onions, sweet potato and kale, but any hearty veggies would do -- think potatoes, root veggies, squash, tomatoes, hearty greens like collards, kale, mustard greens, even eggplant -- pretty much any veggie that cooks well. Chop the onions and let oil heat in a large stock pot or cast iron pot on medium high. Sweat onions. As they are sweating, cut up your sweet potato (or carrots or squash) and toss it in. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Add a pinch of salt.  Let veggies saute. After a few minutes, add torn kale into the sauted mix, stirring frequently. If you want tomatoes, now if the time to add them to the mix. stir and once a little bit of the moisture has come out, add the peanut butter. Stir in until smooth and finally, add the rest of the broth, the ginger, cooked grain and the tofu, cut into bite sized pieces. Let simmer until potatoes are tender and tofu is heated through. 

A few random things I learned this week...

There is a difference between bacterial and fungal and viral meningitis, the latter of which is significantly less likely to kill you than its more baleful cousins.

This is great! Because guess who has viral meningitis? Moi.

It is most unfortunate whenever an ailment this pernicious strikes.

 When it strikes as you are driving home from dropping your husband at the airport for a four night business trip, it has the potential for disaster.

Momo, with a little help from Z, can stave off almost any disaster.

The end.



They are pretty good medicine.

***

Yes, friends, it was a crummy week. But the Mister is home, my head didn't actually explode, and I'm feeling much better now, thank you!

A Trip to the Farm (two farms, actually)

S, Four, and I went to a farm this weekend. Two farms, actually. The day was nippy and fresh and bright. Exactly as a day at a farm (two farms, actually) should be. 

We trundled into a bus with a few dozen other students and drove for an hour or so. When we reached farm we were treated to a pancake, granola, and fresh-of-the branch caramelized apple breakfast. It was delicious.

The first farmer spoke about the environmental, economic, and political facts which dictate how she runs her farm. We learnt about local vs. organic agriculture, the perils of drought, frost, and flood, and the nuances of labor and immigration. Then they set us loose to each pick a little sugar pumpkin to take home.

The next farm we visited was a run by the original owner's great-great-grandson. He took us into a giant refrigerated room, heady with nitric oxide and the scent of fresh apples. It stored thousands of bushels of fruit, waiting to be shipped to destinations from Connecticut to Israel. At apple-season's height, the farm-hands harvest apples ten hours a day seven day a week, and the farmer's machines wash, wax, and label up to ten thousand apples daily.

One of the orchards had been caught by frost. The surviving fruits had gobbled up so much extra energy and nutrients that they were "too big to sell". The farmer let us pick a few before they dropped from their branches to rot amongst the long grass below. We ate them in the rows of the orchard; they were crisp and sweet and floral. Exactly as an apple should be.

Notes from and Indian bride part 3

I was going to try to explain the whole Hindu-wedding shabang to y'all, but then I remembered that for our Wedding Premal put together a really lovely guide to the many rituals that make up the marriage ceremony. And so I present to you--

Dr. P's Guide to a Hindu Wedding

A Hindu marriage is a mental, physical, and spiritual union of two souls, as well as a bond between two families. The wedding ceremony is based on sacred scriptures written in Sanskrit, known as the Vedas, which date back several thousand years. The sacred fire that will be established in the Mandap symbolizes the illumination of the mind, knowledge and happiness, and is considered to be an eternal witness to the holy union as it progresses

Fresh flowers signify beauty

Coconut and Rice signifies fertility

Jaggery and grains signify the food necessary for life

Ghee is offered to the sacred fire

Sindhoor placement on the head signifies change in status to being married. 

Milni ~ Arrival and Welcoming of the Groom’s Family

Premal and his family and friends are welcomed by Liberty's family at the entrance of the temple.  This serves often as the first meeting of the extended family members and friends of both families.  Aarti (prayer) will be performed and the bride and groom are blessed with flower petals.

Ganesh Puja ~ Prayer to Ganesh

The wedding ceremony, like all big events in Hindu culture, begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, for the successful completion of the ceremony and to bless the couple with happiness, peace, and prosperity throughout their lives together.

Arrival of the Bride

The bride is escorted to the Mandap by her brothers.  A veil is drawn between the couple. A custom originating in ancient India, when the groom would not have seen the bride until the moment the cloth is lowered!

Kanyadaan~ Giving of the Bride

Liberty’s mother offers her daughter's hands and asks him to accept her as his equal in their life together. While the Jaimala serves as a promise of the union, this sweet gesture literalizes it.  The bride's mother entrusts the groom with her care for the rest of their lives.

Ganthibandhan~ Tying the Knot

Premal's sister (or in this case cousin) ties the corner of Liberty's sari to Premal's scarf as a symbol of their sacred and permanent union as husband and wife.  This is an important step following which the two will truly function as one unit. 

Mangalsutra Dhahran

The groom ties a Mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) around his wife’s neck while uttering - “May you live long by wearing this sacred Mangalsutra, the reason of my life”.  The mangalsutra symbolizes the unending nature of the love that exists between a husband and wife and is therefore also considered a talisman to overcome challenges that the couple may face in the future.

LajaHoma~ offering of Puffed Rice to Sacred fire

Liberty’s brothers pour laja (puffed rice) into the hands of the Bride and Groom to offer to the fire. The priest offers prayers to dispel darkness and ignorance from the couple's life and to lead them to an enlightened state.

MangalPhera ~ Walking around the Fire

Premal and Liberty walk around the sacred fire seven times. Liberty taking the lead for the first three rounds, symbolizing Dharma (righteousness), Artha (accomplishment), and Kama (energy and passion) before handing off to Premal for the next four rounds, which symbolize Moksha (spiritual liberation).

Sindhoora Arpana and Ring Exchanges

The tradition of Sindhoor comes from the Harappan civilization.  The bright red color of sindhoor signifies the blood that allows all of us to live.  The groom applies Sindhoor to his bride's forehead, signifying that she is a married woman, and that he will cherish her like his own life. The couple also exchanges rings.

Presentation of the Couple

Premal and Liberty leave the Mandap as husband and wife as the priest and guests offer their blessings.

More wedding pictures here, here and here!

I've included Dr. P's complete guide after the jump for anyone interested. It's a bit long, but then so is the ceremony, and as someone who learned a lot from it, I think it's worth reading.

Dr. P's Guide to a Hindu Wedding

A Hindu marriage is a mental, physical, and spiritual union of two souls, as well as a bond between two families. The wedding ceremony is based on sacred scriptures written in Sanskrit, known as the Vedas, which date back several thousand years. The sacred fire that will be established in the Mandap symbolizes the illumination of the mind, knowledge and happiness, and is considered to be an eternal witness to the holy union as it progresses

 

Fresh flowers signify beauty

Coconut and Rice signifies fertility

Jaggery and grains signify the food necessary for life

Ghee is offered to the sacred fire

Sindhoor placement on the head signifies change in status to being married. 

Milni ~ Arrival and Welcoming of the Groom’s Family
Dr. P and his family and friends are welcomed by Three’s family at the entrance of the temple.  This serves often as the first meeting of the extended family members and friends of both families.  Aarti (prayer) will be performed and the bride and groom are blessed with flower petals.

Ganesh Puja ~ Prayer to Ganesh

The wedding ceremony, like all big events in Hindu culture, begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, for the successful completion of the ceremony and to bless Three and Dr. P to enjoy happiness, peace, and prosperity throughout their lives together.

Arrival of the Bride

Three is escorted to the Mandap by her brothers.  A sheet of cloth is held in front of Dr. P so that he cannot see Three. This custom began in ancient India, when the groom would not have seen the bride’s face until the moment that the cloth is lowered!

Jaimala

This is a big moment in the ceremony because it is the first ritual that signifies that Three accepts Dr. P as her husband. Most wedding ceremonies have a tradition where the bride and groom exchange circular items, ie: rings, necklaces, or garlands. The circle represents that there is no beginning and no end of the union.  It is made at once eternal.

Kanyadaan~ Giving of the Bride

Three’s mother places her hands into Dr. P’s and asks him to accept her as his equal in their life together. While the Jaimala serves as a promise of the union, this sweet gesture literalizes it.  Three’s mother entrusts Dr. P with her care of the rest of their lives.

Ganthibandhan~ Tying the Knot

Dr. P’s sister (cousin) ties the corner of Three’s sari to Dr. P’s scarf as a symbol of their sacred and permanent union as husband and wife.  This is an important step following which Dr. P and Three shall function truly as one unit. 

Hasta Milap

Three and Dr. P symbolically link their right hands as they pledge to always love and care for each other.

Mangalsutra Dhahran
Dr. P ties a Mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) around Three’s neck while uttering - “May you live long by wearing this sacred Mangalsutra, the reason of my life”.  The mangalsutra symbolizes the unending nature of the love that exists between a husband and wife and is therefore also considered a talisman to overcome challenges that the couple may face in the future.

Agni Puja~ Establishment of the Holy Fire
The priest sets up a small fire in a havankund (copper bowl) which is to serve as the eternal witness of the marriage.  It has a deep origin in the ancient customs of cementing the bonds of friendship/alliance, although today, it only survives in the context of weddings.

LajaHoma~ offering of Puffed Rice to Sacred fire.
Three’s brothers pour laja (puffed rice) into the hands of the Bride and Groom to offer to the fire. The priest offers prayers to dispel darkness and ignorance from Three’s and Dr. P’s lives and to lead them to an enlightened state.

MangalPhera ~ Walking around the Fire

Three and Dr. P walk around the sacred fire seven times. Three leads Dr. P for the first three rounds, symbolizing Dharma (righteousness), Artha (accomplishment), and Kama (energy and passion). Dr. P leads Three for the next four rounds, which symbolize Moksha (spiritual liberation).

Saptapadi ~ Seven Steps and Vows

Three and Dr. P exchange seven vows that reflect their guiding principles in life and make them eternal partners. With each vow, they take a step, symbolizing the beginning of their journey through life together.

The priest leads the bride and groom in taking the seven vows:

1. Let us take the first step to provide clothing, shelter, and physical and spiritual sustenance.

2. Let us take the second step to fulfill our hopes and aspirations.

3. Let us take the third step to lead righteous and virtuous lives.

4. Let us take the fourth step to acquire knowledge and harmony through mutual love and trust.

5. Let us take the fifth step to be blessed with healthy and virtuous children.

6. Let us take the sixth step to fulfill all our duties and obligations towards parents and other family members.

7. Let us take the seventh step to become true companions and remain lifelong partners.

Shilarohana~ Stepping on the Stone
Three places her right foot on a stone, which symbolizes her empowerment as the wife, remaining rock solid through all the challenges that they will face as a couple.

Sindhoora Arpana and Ring Exchanges

The tradition of Sindhoor comes from the Harappan civilization.  The bright red color of sindhoor signifies the blood that allows all of us to live.  Dr. P applies Sindhoor on Three’s forehead, signifying that she is a married woman, and that he will cherish her like his own life. The couple also exchanges rings.

Aashirvaad ~ Blessings

The newly married couple bows in front of the guests to receive their blessings. The priest blesses the newlyweds. Family and friends of Three and Dr. P come forward to wish the couple for a long and happy married life.

Aarti

Aarti comes from Sanskrit; "Aa" means "towards or to", and "rati" means "right or virtue". Two ladies will conduct this important ceremonial waving of lights in front of the bride and groom to conclude the ceremony.

Presentation of the Couple

As Three and Dr. P leave the Mandap as husband and wife, the priest and guests offer their blessings.

We Are Here To Pump[kin] You Up or Pumpkin Pesto

Three, me and Fairytale Pumpkins!!

I might have been born a summer baby, but my heart belongs to autumn.

 It is my favorite time of year. I love the cool kiss that greets me each time I walk outside. 

I love harvest. I love colorful leaves. I love corn mazes, apple picking and sweaters. 

I love it when hemlines drop and little fairies and monsters pop up on my street.  

I love the ancient holidays that are quietly celebrated with friends and family.

It makes sense that my husband and I celebrate our anniversary in October. It also makes 

sense that I married a man who celebrates his birthday in autumn.   

I also love to eat things in autumn and to find new ways to eat them...

This creation was the result of a nearly-bare pantry.

It's a pumpkin pesto that is fantastic as a pizza sauce,

a pasta sauce, on sandwiches or as a dip. Seriously delicious.

You can make it with pumpkin, acorn or butternut squash.

2 cups steamed, microwaved or otherwise cooked til soft yellow fleshed squash (think Pumpkin, Kubacha, Acorn or Butternut)

1 large onion

2 medium apples -- tart is good so think Granny Smith

4 cloves garlic

1/2 cup Chevre, Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese

1/2 cup good olive oil (extra virgin is always a plus)

1/2 cup apple cider

1/2 cup veggie stock

2 tbsp pure maple syrup, dark agave or brown sugar

A pinch of: Salt, Spanish Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon & Pepper to Taste

Chop onion and apples. Saute in about 2 tbsp olive oil until caramelized. About 2 minutes before it's done, add half of the garlic, crushed and one of the apples. When complete, add onion mixture, seeded and steamed quash (the skin is ok, but you can skin it if you want), raw apples and garlic, olive oil, apple cider, stock and maple syrup to the blender and  blend til smooth. Before serving, add spices and cheese and blend once more. Cover with a thin film of olive oil. Use on pastas, pizzas, flatbreads, sandwiches, dips, to stuff ravioli, or add more cheese for pumpkin mac an cheese.  Store for 1-2 weeks in fridge.

1. The inspiration 2. The pesto in process 3. Flat bread with pumpkin pesto, caramelized onions, capers, apples, gouda and chevre. SO good!!!

Surfaces

Surfaces serve

their own purposes,

strive to remain

constant (all lives

want that). There is

a skin, not just on

peaches but on oceans

(note the telltale

slough of foam on beaches).

Sometimes it’s loose,

as in the case

of cats: you feel how a

second life slides

under it. Sometimes it

fits. Take glass.

Sometimes it outlasts

its underside. Take reefs.

The private lives of surfaces

are innocent, not devious.

Take the one-dimensional

belief of enamel in itself,

the furious autonomy

of luster (crush a pearl—

it’s powder), the whole

curious seamlessness

of how we’re each surrounded

and what it doesn’t teach.

-Kay Ryan