Flying Solo

Chewie and Han matching beats…

I’ve not posted to this blog in “this” manner in quite some time. In a previous incarnation, I was “extremely happy” with my place in this world; a loving partner, a home, two pets, a road trip on the weekends, a garden…I think the point is received. That’s all changed now, after realizing the illusion of it all. None of it was real and it only hid the reality that we were playing a part in some grand theatrical performance on a stage lesser than that of Broadway. One single life, one pet, my home and a random road trip on the weekend later, I’m still here. In giving up that part of my life to start new, I lost another close to me. I realize that at the end of the day, loss is part of the fabric of this world. The cliché, “you win some you lose some”, is not exactly that far fetched. It’s alright and it certainly is ok. For a very long time, I’ve allowed others to dictate how my life should be led. I’m not sure why except, I thought I was doing what “I was supposed to do” – relinquish who I was for another. The time for that is gone. I’ve not felt this liberated and strong in some time now. What is the sensation of a peppermint patty, you ask? When you finally decide enough is enough and letting those know, most deserving to “fuck off”. There is nothing wrong with that really. People get tired of feeling controlled and unappreciated. That’s where we are in the world, right now.

That said, I’ve a great job, an awesome shadow cat, many new friends and acquaintances and the gift of djing has returned. Unfortunately, I’m only human and I still long for something more; something that has a strong foundation and deeper meaning. A lot has happened over the course of one year and there have been days where I don’t recognize myself. I am confident that I am not the only one to experience this phenomena, but it can get a bit lonely while wading through the quicksand of it all. The idea of sharing my life with someone else right now (or ever) is not a pleasant dream. The thought almost makes me ill to be honest, and yet I find myself thinking, “When will Chewie find his Han”? (Creepy Star Wars reference, but true story. I was compared to a Wookie sometime back and I’m not altogether upset about it.) I suppose it has a lot to do with my former relationship. I now know what I do not want and it scares me to hell that it will creep back in unless I do something about it. A lot has changed about me (in a good way) and I just want it to continue. Learn from each day, do right by those I interact with, say a prayer before bed and when I rise and let the music play.

*Disclaimer*
We now return to our regularly scheduled programming of blogging music and recipes.

Crockpot Recipe – Curry Lentils with Spinach and Greek Yogurt

Hello and we are back. After a much needed sabbatical from all things domestic and somewhat stifling, we have returned to keep this little train going. As the seasons begin to change here in the lovely Pacific Northwest, there becomes a need for comfort food. I’d even go further to say, it’s just not a need but a requirement. The leaves begin to change their color, the wind becomes a bit more brisk and the sun begins to take its leave much earlier in the day. Tis the season for “crockery” and man-oh-man is this a nice recipe to break in the ole slow cooker. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups of lentils, washed and drained
2 carrots sliced about 1/2 inch (bite size)
2 celery stalks sliced about 1/2 inch (bite size)
8 cups of salt-free vegetable stock
3 crushed cardamom pods
4 tsps of curry powder
1 tsp of sea salt
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 bay leaves
1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 cups of chopped spinach
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Preparation

Place all ingredients in your crockpot except for tomatoes, spinach and yogurt. These items will be added close to the end of the cooking time and final serving presentation, but we’ll get to that later. Set crockpot to low and let slow cook for 7-8 hours. Make sure to stir all ingredients well in pot to allow for even distribution of natural flavors, herbs and spices. About 10-20 minutes before your dish is complete, stir in diced tomatoes and let slow cook for another 10 minutes, making sure, once again, to stir all ingredients together to marry the flavors. Once done, distribute in bowls (don’t forget to remove any left over bay leaves or cardamom pods) and garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a garnish of chopped spinach. This dish will warm and tantalize your taste buds and may have you going back for seconds! Fall is upon us…go forth with your crockpot!

Dj Sc Six Olives 8.5.11

Dj Sc set from 8.5.11

Here is my set at Six Olives Lounge in Tacoma, Washington for 8.5.11.  I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.  Though the 2-3 hour set usually contains bits of jazz and soul, I decided to just record the one hour set of deep house.  I hope you enjoy it.  Stream or download for your bumping enjoyment.

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Dj Sc Six Olives Debut 7.22.11

Dj Sc 7.22.11

Here it is. Finally after several attempts to upload this set, I finally got wordpress to cooperate. This is my first set as resident of Six Olives Lounge in Tacoma, Washington. I haven’t Dj’ed in over 10 years and it’s all up and up from here. An infusion of Jazz, Soul and House music (inspired by my forever home, Chicago). Jazz and Soul is mixed throughout and the house music kicks in around the 1 hour mark. Dj Sc spins every friday from 930-midnight at Six Olives Lounge. As always, Enjoy!

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Podcast #21 – Six Olives Inspired…

Podcast #21 - Six Olives Inspired

Just in time for the Summer Solstice, a podcast inspired by one of my favorite places to sit for a spell – Six Olives Lounge. Six Olives Lounge has easily become my home away from home. Their slogan of inspired cocktails and small plates (seriously the Baby Bella-wich sandwiches are insane) definitely hold true. Being that it is a lounge you’ll hear music ranging from jazz to blues, which is perfect for a chill and relaxed hour or two of cocktails and food. The songs selected here are part of a compilation disc I made for the lounge. There are some familiar artists and possibly some unfamiliar artists, but the goal is sharing good music inspired by Six Olives. Download to your favorite player or stream directly from the blog. As Always, enjoy!

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Tracklist:

Work Song – Nina Simone
Steppin’ Out – Kurt Elling
I Did It In Seattle – Roy Ayers
Undun – Kurt Elling
Peg – Steely Dan
Resolution Part 1 – Kurt Elling
Slow Like Honey – Fiona Apple
Nobody Knows Me – Aya
Aht Uh Mi Hed – Shuggie Otis
Still Hungry – Sam Sparro
Lucky Girl – Jazzanova & Paul Randolph
Little Bird – Jazzanova & Jose James
Tight – Kurt Elling
Weak – Gretchen Parlato

Podcast #20 – …Gone to the city…

Podcast #20 - ...Gone to the city...

Amazing that this is the 20th podcast. If you think about it, that is roughly 20 hours of music. Feel free to check out any podcasts you might have missed. This particular podcast coincides with Mother’s Day weekend. To honor such a special time, I’ve compiled a variety of tracks containing amazing female vocals and out-of-this-world production, which In my opinion, is the key to an amazing tapestry of music. Featured artist include: Amalia, Brand New Heavies, Janelle Monáe, Lisa Shaw and Jaidene Veda, just to name a few. So stream or download to your favorite player and enjoy before your night out on the town. Go to the city!

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Tracklist:

Sunday (Jimpster Remix) – Jaidene Veda
Feel – Lisa Shaw
Dance or Die (Feat. Saul Williams) – Janelle Monáe
A Love Like This – Jimpster
Nobody Knows Me – Aya
Guinea Pig (Feat. Julia Biel) – Ben Watt
Luxurious (AD Bourke Remix) – Amalia
Never Stop (Postino Remix) – Brand New Heavies
Little W. 12th Street (Feat. Monique Bingham -DJ Spinna Remix) – Ralf GUM
Superman (Feat. Bucie) – Black Coffee
All The Funk I Need (B.Kun Remix) – Amalia

Gluten-Free Strawberry Swirl Cake

Gluten-free moist strawberry goodness

Over the course of 4-5 months now, we’ve adopted a meatless and somewhat gluten-free diet. One area of concern in choosing this new way of eating was the loss of flavor. Is it possible to successfully exchange certain ingredients without compromising the result? Let’s be honest here, using new ingredients in order to make delicious versions of your favorite recipes can be very intimidating and oftentimes daunting. I happen to have a sweet tooth, so this becomes even more of a challenge. DAK (real names not used here) ran across a recipe for a gluten-free strawberry swirl cake and of course we made a few adjustments and changes. The cake is not only amazing, but super moist and extremely yummy. You honestly can’t have just one slice. Topped with no-fat Greek yogurt and a bit of strawberry swirl glaze…I have no words. Sometimes gluten-free desserts ain’t all that bad. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Cake
2 cups white or brown rice flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 Tblsp gluten-free baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
1 cup strawberry swirl (2 cups frozen berries and 2/3 cup sugar, reduced by 1/4 to 1/3)
2 eggs
1/2 cup no fat plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup canola oil

Strawberry Swirl
2 cups frozen strawberries
2/3 cups of sugar

Preparation

Simmer strawberries and sugar until reduced by 1/4 to 1/3. Cool. In a medium mixing bowl, sift or whisk all dry ingredients until thoroughly combined. In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat eggs, vanilla paste, oil, 1 cup swirl and yogurt, and combine with the dry ingredients, set bowl aside. Pour the cake batter into a greased (or use cooking spray) 9-inch round spring-form cake pan. Pour 1/2 cup swirl on top of batter. Swirl in with butter knife. Bake at 400 F (approximately 200 C) for 30-35 minutes, until center of cake springs back when touched, or tooth-pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean and allow to set and cool. Slice, add a dollop of no fat Greek yogurt and drizzle remaining strawberry swirl. Serve it up. Deliciously moist!

...you seriously can't just have one slice of this deliciousness