My Kind of Packing

Brett leaves today for a 12 day backcountry ski trip in Canada. I'll say he's prepared, yes?

Living On the Edge

Pai, Thailand

The real measure of practice is whether, little by little, we can find our edge, that place where we're closed down in fear, and allow ourselves to experience it. This takes courage, but courage isn't about becoming fearless. Courage is the willingness to experience our fears. And as we experience our fears, courage grows. Noticing our edge and trying to meet it also allows us to develop compassion, not just for ourselves but for the whole human drama. Then, with an increasing sense of lightness and curiosity, we can keep moving toward a more open and genuine life.
- Ezra Bayda

New Music Tuesdays

This is YYY's first single off their new album, Mosquito, due out April 16th. A gospel choir AND Karen O? Success!

Thoughts on Routine

via here

My first week of work went well. People were welcoming and helpful and I found myself quickly learning the ropes. However, I did come home each night feeling worn out and exhausted. By 5:00, I was ready for dinner, a shower, and an early bedtime. It's been awhile since I've had a normal schedule or any kind of routine. Instead of fighting the fatigue, I succumbed to it with zero shame!

I am certain that I'll find my groove soon enough and be able to work in yoga classes, gym visits, and happy hours. I am beyond thrilled at the thought of having solid, productive, and full days again.

Along with the routine bit, I also want to find a better flow with blogging. Ideally, I'd like to post once a day. I personally enjoy sites that do the same. Plus, I want to keep you guys coming back!

When people ask me about my content, I tell them that my blog falls into that lifestyle genre. I enjoy documenting the books I read, the recipes I try, the music I listen to, as well as other subjects that inspire me. For the past couple months, I've been lazy about bringing my camera along with me. I have high hopes of making some changes come March. I do love photography and have missed using an actual camera (sorry, iPhones don't count) to share my adventures and day to day happenings with you.

With that, I'm always open to suggestions and criticism. What would you like to see more/less of here on Meet Me In the Morning?

Can you tell I'm excited for some fresh starts and spring cleaning? That will be most definitely happening in both my internet and personal life. Brett, get ready to make some piles...

Corn Risotto-Stuffed Poblanos

It's been entirely too long since I've posted a recipe, which is crazy because all we do is cook. I tend to get caught up in the process and forget to document each step with my camera. And being the perfectionist that I am, I like the pictures to look appetizing. Luckily, I had Brett's help with these photos. Excellent aren't they?

This recipes comes from the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook. I'll break it up like she does: peppers, risotto, then assembly. Hope it's not too overwhelming!

Ingredients:
4 large poblanos
6 c chicken or veggie broth
2 T olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic glove
2 c arborio (risotto) rice
1/2 c beer, preferably light or medium in color
1 1/2 c corn, frozen or fresh
3/4 c grated Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 t salt
ground pepper to taste
1/4 c crumbled queso fresco

Garnish:
3 T sour cream (we used greek yogurt) mixed with 1 T milk and a pinch of salt
3 T chives

Prepare peppers:
1. Lay the peppers on a cooking sheet side by side.
2. Broil them for 10 minutes until nicely charred.
3. Remove from oven and cover with aluminum foil.

Risotto:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the stock to a low simmer.
2. On a separate burner, heat a larger saucepan over medium heat. Once the saucepan is hot, add oil and heat through. Then add onion and saute until s oft. Add garlic and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add the rice to the pot and stir it a minute or two. Pour in beer and let summer for roughly a minute.
4. Ladle 1 c of warm stock into rice mixture and simmer until absorbed.
5. Add remaining stock, 1/2 c at a time, allowing stock to absorb before adding more stirring often.
6. Along with the final addition of the stock, add the corn. By now, the risotto should be creamy and tender.
7. Stir in the cheese, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.

Assembly:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove aluminum foil from the cooking sheet and gently rub off the pepper skins.
2. Cut a slit lengthwise in each pepper and remove seeds.
3. Fill each with risotto through the slit. Arrange them tightly in a baking dish, sprinkling the crumbled cheese between them.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
5. While baking, whisk together the sour cream (greek yogurt) mixed with milk and salt. Once the peppers have cooked, drizzle the mixture over each one. Garnish with chives and enjoy!

Friday Film

I'm not sure I'll ever make it to Antarctica. Good thing I can see it in all its glory from a film like this.

A + O

Where to even begin? First off, congrats Olivia and Anthony! What a happy and beautiful pair you two make. The wedding weekend was amazing, full of champagne, love, yoga, sunshine, and college friends. All of the venues were spectacular, but the Biltmore Hotel was my absolute favorite. I couldn't stop taking pictures of the ceilings, archways, and exteriors. Gorgeous right?

ATX Casa

I'm crushing on this Austin, Texas abode featured on FVF. The colors, old pieces, and natural light make it a place I'd like to call home. That funky art collection ain't too bad either!

New Music Tuesdays

A relatively new band that I'm loving. They have a good, classic sound.

Miami

Back from a fabulous wedding weekend in Miami...and with tons of photos to share. Stay tuned for pics of the bride, groom, and their gorgeous venue!

In the meantime, I'm currently doing everything I can to not get sick. Read: too much fun. Any home remedy ideas out there?

Friday Film

I'm excited about Andrew's first vid of 2013! He never fails to impress. See here, too.

Staring At the Sun

Well this is mindblowing. Watch Alan Friedman's TEDx talk here.

Some Internet Finds

via here

+ this Tiny Desk Concert

+ 10 years with cancer

+ did you know he wrote a book?

+ new favorite radio station

+ my obsession with India continues

+ Design the Life You Love, part 1

New Music Tuesdays

More goodness from Ducktails. And another here.

And Just Like That

Things have suddenly fallen into place. After months of feeling a bit lost and confused, I've been given a break. My new job starts on Tuesday, and more than anything I'm excited to feel productive again. For me, I operate best when I have purpose in my days. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy spontaneity and change, but in the end I am a creature of routine.

There's always a lesson to be learned, especially in the darkest of times. My four month job search has taught me the importance of patience, compassion, and faith. I've been able to observe and discover the relationship between struggle and empathy. I've become overly sensitive to what others are experiencing and feeling. It's a connection that's strong and genuine.

Things do have a strange way of working out!

New Music Tuesdays

Out in stores today! I was able to stream it via NPR. I really think this solo project is much better than My Morning Jacket. Hoping to catch him while he's in Portland.

February 1

via here

The first month of 2013 has come and gone and proved to be challenging. I plan to welcome February with fresh eyes and a new approach. Still trying to figure out exactly what that looks like...

In the meantime, some light and fun goals for the next 28 days:

+ explore a new studio
+ try this recipe
+ relish every bit of my time in Miami while celebrating a dear friend's nuptials
+ read this interview with Wallace Stegner and this article on Johnny Cash
+ celebrate the hubby's birthday the Portland way

How about you?