Second Thoughts ~ Shrimp and Grits

Greetings Dear Reader,

For dinner this evening we had some excellent shrimp and grits.  It is one of those dishes that is stunning or terrible.  Thank you, Amy, for reminding me of a memory that is dear to me.  Properly prepared it brings back memories of feasts from my childhood and meals shared with loved ones in my later years.

Two of my fondest memories of it are when I was a boy and enjoyed it with my Grandfather.  My Grandmother prepared it for his birthday when I was eight.  The grits were the same creamy grits that she served with breakfast but she added shallots and roasted red pepper.  The shrimp were large gulf shrimp sautéed in her churned butter and cooked until perfectly tender. 

The second memory was when Avalon prepared the same dish.  She, however, was not accustomed to using red pepper.  Following the directions, she sprinkled the pepper on the sautéing shrimp.  She turned away for a moment to prepare the salad.  Turning back to the shrimp, she saw that the red pepper she had sprinkled was gone.  She added more.  Turning back to her salad and then back to her shrimp she saw the pepper again had, in her words, evaporated.  She added more.  Just to be sure. She added a great deal more.

When dinner was served, she saw my excitement at her having made shrimp and grits.  We filled our plates and prayed.  I took a large bite of shrimp, chewed a few times, and promptly caught fire.  The shrimp was delicious but also volcanic.  Avalon realized her error as she ate her first bite and told of her adding the pepper each time thinking it had evaporated.  I ate every bit of that shrimp and enjoyed every moment.

My joy was not because it was hot.  It was because of the love that had gone into cooking one of my favorite memories for me.  I have had shrimp and grits since then often.  Each time, I recall these two meals, served decades apart but both filled with love. 

As we turn toward a time where feasting and food become a big part of the celebration, take the time to remember.  Recall the feasts or meals where you felt the love in the preparation and share those stories Dear Reader.  I know I would love to hear them.  It is no accident that the one we follow intends to start the next part of the story with a feast.

 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels on Amazon           

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook   Twitter     

Medium   Instagram  Kids BLOG   

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

As You are Going ~ Second Thoughts – Poke

Greetings Dear Reader,

This may be the first “Second Thought” that I have written as part of a series but it fits.  Part of the journey if we choose to live an "as you are going approach," is to realize that there will unexpected joys and treasures along the way.

Thursday evening, I had arranged to meet one of my editors, SG, at a place of her choosing for dinner.  Our conversation was good and we both saw how valuable she is as an editor.  What I wish to focus on is the place she chose for our working meal together.

It was called WOW Poke & Juice.  It is located in Lawrenceville, GA, just off the interstate.  Their address is 1030 Old Peachtree Rd. NW. #204, Lawrenceville, Georgia.  I had never had Poke (pronounce PO-kay), but love trying new foods.  It is a Hawaiian fusion bowl with amazing choices and amazing flavors.  The Menu includes many possible combinations for vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore options. 

Annie Kim, the owner is excellent at describing the choices and assisting a novice in choosing.  I had shrimp and scallops with quinoa and vegetables.  Annie mixed the sauces for me and applied just the right amount.  From the first bite, I could tell that everything was fresh and prepared with care.  I was amazed at the play of flavors and the value for what I requested. 

The staff was attentive without being intrusive.  The atmosphere was relaxed with comfortable seating and soft jazz in the background.  The hot green tea was bright and well steeped.   I was completely satisfied with the food and the venue. 

Not only would I recommend WOW Poke & Juice, but I will also be returning there when I am next in the area.  What I experienced was the chance to enjoy something new as I journeyed through a task that needed doing.  The task was also enjoyable and I valued sharing the meal with my editor, SG.  I owe her a debt for suggesting Poke and making a working dinner so lovely.

Feel free to ask questions Dear Reader.  I am glad to tell you how excellent this cuisine and the location I tried are.  Perhaps we can meet there for lunch some time.  We need to remember that the journey is brighter when we encounter new excellent things as we are going.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

Novels on Amazon             

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook        Google +    Twitter     

Medium   Instagram  Kids BLOG   

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/  

Second Thoughts ~ Pickle Popsicles

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you, Dear Reader.

As the weather begins to warm and the world turns toward the activities for keeping cool.  We indulge in cold drinks, watermelon, and ice cream.  The pool will open soon and people will transition from complaining about the cold to complaining about the heat.

In an attempt to prepare for sharing cool summer memories with my Grandsons I visited the freezer section of the grocer.  I perused the verities of ice-cream sandwiches, frozen fruit bars, and popsicles.   In the section of freezer pops was a box of Pickle-Ice frozen pickle flavored freezer pops.

My Grandsons love pickles.  I was tempted to buy these.  I think we will do a test run first.  I will acquire a couple of them and see how they are received.  Still it makes me ponder that change we have seen in the variety of foods. 

We still produce foods that have very little food in them.  Many of our snacks are factory products that are more suited to long shelf life than human consumption.  I am not on a soap box about this.  I am missing some of the things that have gone away.

Where have Space Food Sticks, Seven Up Bars, and Deviled Ham gone?  I had King Vitamin Cereal, Tang, and Carnation Breakfast Bars.  Dinner would be Swanson TV Dinners.  I suppose that we have always had strange food.

It puts me in mind that our differences in taste are infinitely diverse over time and taste.  Moon Pies are making a comeback.   So are Zots and Zero.  I will get back to you on the Pickle Popsicles. 

TV Dinners – ZZ Top

TV dinners there's nothin' else to eat

TV dinners they really can't be beat

I like 'em frozen but you understand

I throw 'em in and wave 'em and I'm a brand-new man oh yeah!

TV dinners they're goin' to my head

TV dinners my skin is turnin' red

Twenty year old turkey in a thirty year old tin

I can't wait until tomorrow.... and thaw one out again oh yeah!

TV dinners I'm feelin' kinda rough

TV dinners this one's kinda tough

I like the enchiladas and the teriyaki too

I even like the chicken if.... the sauce is not too blue.

And they're mine, all mine, oh yeah

And they sure are fine.

Gotta have 'em

Gimme somethin' now.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – OM: Meditations on Naan

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

"You OM away from home"

My Daughter Christmas and I made a Naan scheduled stop for a lunch buffet at an excellent Indian Fusion Restaurant.  The establishment, on Madison’s east side is called OM (pronounced like the OM in home {this matters}.  When I first heard about it a year ago I was Naan-plused.  I like Indian food but am also very picky about what I enjoy.

I chose to go the first time with my Son, Maxim.  He seemed to like it and I take a Naan-chalant approach to trying new eating establishments.  The interior is simple and Naan-descript in a pleasing way.  One can tell from entering that the focus is on the food and not Naan-essentials. 

The owners Nancy and Sumanth Viswanathan are friendly and welcoming.  They make the time even when the venue is very busy to personally greet each diner and follow up during the meal.  I have eaten in many places with good food where the proprietors were Naan-committal in their approach to knowing the customer.   Nancy and Sumanth not only remembered me but asked where my Son was the second time I visited. 

Their Naan-wasteful approach is evidenced in the use of unbreakable stainless-steel dinner ware.  The shiny plates instantly reflect a green approach to thriftiness and cleanliness that is Naan-eclipsed.  One cannot fake a clean stainless-steel plate or cup.

This is a Naan-paid effort to inform others of an excellent eatery where the food is amazing and the owners are even better.  Whether you enjoy the buffet or order from the extensive menu you will be Naan-disappointed.  OM also offers delivery.  Whatever you try, be sure to get extra servings of their Naan.  It is the best I have ever had.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

A Season of Gratitude - Food

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love to cook, serve, and eat good food.  I live in a town where variety is as plenteous as one could wish.  Almost every world cosine is available.  I also have a very full larder.  I am blessed with the ability to cook and can easily prepare what I need daily.

In being thankful for food I cannot in good conscience neglect the problem of hunger.   It troubles me greatly that we do not coordinate better to end hunger in our communities.  We could.  Some of our laws make it difficult.  The problem is sometimes ignored.   We often do not realize how many people are hungry.

As we move toward a holiday that we celebrate with an abundance of food I am thankful for what I have.  I also will do things to mitigate hunger where I can.  My wish would be that everyone who can help would.   I think so many common ills would dissipate were we to do this.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Old Leftovers are not Food for Today

Greetings Dear Reader,

This time of year I always have to clean out the fridge.   I do not usually need to but after Christmas and New Year’s there are always things that did not get eaten soon enough. 

As I do this some things have turned more virulently than others.  Since I put things in reusable containers I cannot just pitch the offending items with the container.  As I throw out the last bit of that appetizer or desert I ponder how nice it was when first laid out.  The food was good if not so healthy.  It was sweet or savory as desired.  It was perfect for the moment.

Now those bits that are left are no longer good for food.  The same is true for yesterday’s successes.  Following Christ is moment by moment.  Yesterday’s following does not mean I can fail to follow today.  I can remember sweetly my success but not use them as a reason to fail to create new ones.

Yesterday’s good can build a pattern but not feed me today.  Successes are good motivation but are not good food for today.  Remember a good food that I prepared motivates me to prepare it again.

If I am to follow Christ with my whole heart I cannot dine on the past and hope to be nourished.

Know You in the Now – Michael Card    

Echo of history

A light so many strain to see

The One we talk so much about

But rarely ever live it out

Could You tell me why

Was it for this You came and died

A once a week observance

When we coldly mouth Your words

Lord I long to see

Your presence in reality

But I don't know how

Let me know You in the now

We should confess

We lose You in our busyness

We've made You in our image

So our faith's idolatry

Lord, deliver me

Break my heart so I can see

All the ways You dwell in us

That You're alive in me

Lord I long to see

Your presence in reality

But I don't know how

Let me know You in the now

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Home to House - Arranging Things - Kitchens

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love to cook.  I can easily prepare a feast for dozens.  The kitchen I leave behind was vast and roomy.  There were ample surfaces and it was easy to prep and execute meals. 

My new kitchen is not so roomy.  I am working to find a utilitarian space for everything.  Also cooking for one is not something I do well.  I find little joy in the effort to benefit ratio involved in cooking for one.  Eventually I will settle into something that resembles a healthy food routine.  For now I am just subsisting as I make the transition.

I find that I am reminded that I have so much more than I need.  Not having enough room for your food is a problem about which one should not complain.  Still the transition to solo meals and limited need for food in the house reminds me of the solo nature of my future.

I spend a great deal of time trying to remember to think of others first.  As this transition becomes a reality I realize that this challenge will be difficult.  I will have to move through it with a firmer grip on my faith.  I will need to assure that face the challenge and do not hid from it.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

On Giving Thanks – Chick-Fil-A

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that a chicken restaurant may seem like an odd thing to be thankful for but its placement here is both intentional and worthy.  A short time back this business received a lot of bad press over and ill-timed comment in our all too sensitive political society.  I am thankful for the food, work, and advertising of this amazing restaurant chain.

I first want to talk about what is really important; the Chick-fil-A Foundation.   Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-Fil-A believed in hard work and good ethics cemented in Biblical principles.   We lost Mr. Cathy this year but what he build will long honor his faith and his memory.  The foundation he funded through his company works hard to build solid youth with a good education.  Learning mattered to Mr. Cathy and his foundation has that as one of its core missions.

This is a business that puts its valued out front.  They are closed on Sundays.  They are good to their workers.  They treat customers with respect and like family all at once.  More than once on a visit home to Georgia I have told a Chick-Fil-A manager that I lived in the frozen north and that my arrival at his establishment signaled my first chicken sandwich in months or even sometimes years.  This is several times resulted in a free chicken biscuit.  I am always grateful.

Another of the things for which I am thankful is the food that they make.  It is clearly the  best chicken sandwich  I have ever had and the chicken biscuits are beyond compare.  I yearn for this when I return to the south and count the minutes when I arrive in the vicinity of the franchise until I can garner some of their cuisine.  I will speak more about this in a moment.

One of the tortures I have endured is that Chick-Fil-A has amazing advertising that sometimes reaches in my home market.  This advertising is in the form of some very clever cows admonishing us to eat more chicken.  The ads are brilliant and compelling.  They are also painful when you know the nearest restaurant is over three hours away. 

Recently these commercials began showing up on my local stations with great regularity.  Had I not ^th the town in which I live will get its own Chick-Fil-A with all the perks that accompany said event. 

been preparing to journey south for Thanksgiving it would have been unbearable.   It was painful anyway.  Then I learned that on December 4

As I journey home today instead of the sadness I often feel when I pass the last opportunity for a real chicken sandwich I anticipate five days hence when I can get one any morning I wish except Sundays.  It is truly a blessing to our community and me.  Well Dear Reader, I am off to grab a couple of chicken biscuits for the road.  Tomorrow I will close out this series from my writing room at home.  Until then know that I am thankful for you and your company on the journey.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

On Giving Thanks – Meals

Greetings Dear Reader,

Last evening my Son, my Grandsons, and my Daughter all joined me for dinner.  My other Son was working and could not make it.  He was missed.  I attempted homemade gyros for the first time.  By this I mean actually preparing the meat from scratch and making my own Tzatziki sauce.  In addition I made sautéed eggplant with sweet curry.

It was fun to try something new.  I need a few more attempts to get the meat right but the meal was a success.  It was a success because of the company.  My Daughter, Christmas helped with the prep.  My Grandsons helped with the fun.  My Son, Maxim helped with the dishes. 

I am so thankful for meals.  For the first time in over a decade my family will gather together for Thanksgiving.  I will see nieces and nephews that I have not seen in years.  I will meet a couple I have never met.  I look forward to gathering around the table with people I love and rarely see. 

Before that I will prepare food for my Grandson Orion’s birthday party.  Shortly after that I will prepare food for our Christmas open house.  I try to express my gratitude to God for every step of the process.  The planning is good for my creative mind.  The prep brings to mind other good times in kitchens across the years.  It is also the time where I pray out my thankfulness for God’s provision in my life. The meal or the party allows me to show love for others and enjoy them. 

There is something about a meal around a table that enriches me.  There is something about preparing a meal for others that heals bits and pieces in me.  I know that Jesus understood this and he often used meal time as teaching time.  I am thankful for food well-made and enjoyed by others.

I am very thankful for time with my children last night over a good meal.  The leftovers later will extend the joy through the memory and extend the thanks as well.  It all helps keep Thanksgiving in perspective. For me must be about the gratitude for all my blessings and then about the food.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.” (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Taste the Grace

Greetings Dear Reader,

Recently I was spontaneously invited to join a friend for dinner.  The mom cooks for seven every day.  It is part of her nature to prepare food well.  There was plenty and the conversation was rich.  The food had that particular quality that is only attained when it is served by a professional.

It was the combination of company and cuisine that made the evening so delightful.  The excellence of the food carried with it the love of and devotion to others that this host has for others.  Things were not just prepared well.  There was love in this meal and one could taste it.

We are forced to use metaphor and other devices to describe feelings and conditions of the heart and soul.  We are asked by God to taste and see that he is good.  Tasting is an experiment.  It tells if something this desirable or not.  God assures that if we truly “sample” him we will see that he is good.

Grace is a sampling of undeserved favor from God.  Too many see God as harsh and demanding.  In truth he longs to fill us to satisfaction with grace and love.  He wants to satisfy our inner hunger for grace and acceptance.  He wants us to know his love for us to a depth that fulfills all our needs.

Taste is so deeply significant for me.  Last night I tasted summer in the state-fair quality corn dogs that this same mom sent home with me.  Yesterday I tasted kindness in the words of your comments Dear Reader.  I taste grace every morning when I awaken with music in my head that reflects how much the Father loves me. 

I can come to Christ completely as I am with no other credential than that I need the grace offered me.  It is my insatiable daily need for that grace that keeps me coming back to the table.  It still amazes me that Christ would offer such a rich delicacy so freely.  It is only in that grace that I find the courage to come to Christ as I am.  It is only by grace that I can come.  

Amazing Grace – John Newton – Performed by Celtic Women

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my Shield and Portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’d first begun.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)