Daily Epiphany: November 19

My family has a great collection of Nativity scenes. My parents have been collecting them since before I was born. I love this tradition, but have realized that I need to create one of my own--or just copy theirs! So, today when I went to go buy some yarn at the fabric store, I brought my first Nativity scene. It's a simple carving of Mary, Joseph, Jesus and an angel. I am super excited to set it up, come November 30th.

Every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving my familly (I used to join them before heading off to school) would head out to the Christmas Tree farm and chop down a lovely Charlie Brown tree (i.e. scraggly little pine, like in A Charlie Brown Christmas!). Then we'd go home, pull out all the Christmas things and start decorating. For me, this was the official start of a sacred tradition called Advent--the four weeks leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth.

Although we have a tree, my family does not buy presents to put under it, instead, the tree showcases ornaments from our various advent calendars. As the number of holiday advertisements increase, I am more and more saddened by our society's commercialization of Christmas.

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but may we all look ahead and seek to put Christ back in Christmas. After all, it is His birthday we are celebrating.

I illustrated my first children's book . . .

So, back in May I started working on my own little children's story about a girl that goes to an art museum for a field trip. I'm still working on it, but along the way, a more exciting illustrating "job" popped up. My friend Hannah wrote a little story for her son, and wanted me to illustrate it. Now, being the perfectionist that I am, I devoted myself to making this the best book ever, plus it was my first complete book of illustrations, and I wanted to do a good job.

Watching election coverage a couple weeks ago, I finally finished all the pages! We decided to publish it with Blurb.com, a print-on-demand website I had used for a class project last semester. In the website's bookstore, you can view the first 15 pages. Check it out!

Autumnal Baking

As most of you know, in addition to history, I have other talents and interests. One of these is baking. This fall has been a season of breads. Not normal bread, but yummy desserty and fruit filled breads.

This summer I began with Carrot Cake, but it wasn't fall yet, so it doesn't count.

In October, I helped break the fast on Yom Kippur with Betty Crocker's Harvest Pound Cake--an apple-based bread/cake that showcases a homemade caramel glaze.

Cake base: mix together . . .
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. oil
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs

3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

3 medium apples, chopped
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Glaze: heat to boiling, boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp milk

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour

Towards the end of October I bought a little pie-pumpkin. Because I believe pumpkin pie should not be eaten before Thanksgiving, I decided to make Pumpkin Bread--my mom's famous recipe. I cooked up the pumpkin (and roasted the seeds!); it made two loaves. One for a church potluck, and one for me. :-)

2 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. oil
4 eggs
16 oz pumpkin (can or real pumpkin cooked)
2/3 c. water
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2/3 c. pecans (optional)

Bake 325 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes


Also in October, I had the opportunity to bake Challah with my friend Leah. I had grown up baking Challah with my mom, but since leaving home, I have not been able to get it right (yeast can be tricky). Leah provided a recipe different from what I was used to, but the bread turned out marvelous, and quite delicious! In addition to eating Challah on Friday night for Shabbat, I also love making it into french toast on Saturday morning. Super good.

[Let me know if you want this recipe, the instructions are fairly lengthy.]

That same night, Leah gave me her Banana Bread recipe. Tonight I tried the recipe, making Banana Bread November's bread. Three bananas made two loaves--one for my church small group, and the other I'm going to put in the freezer for later.

3 bananas
1 c. oil
2 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sugar (this can be half white and half brown, or all of one)
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
8 oz. chocolate chips (optional)

Bake at 350 degrees. For bread: 45 minutes-1 hour. Muffins: 20 minutes.

*Note: In all these recipes I used King Arthur white berry whole wheat flour. This light whole wheat flour can be found at Trader Joes.

Next, I'll have to try Chocolate Zucchini Cake, and maybe my cousin's Strawberry Rhubard Coffee Cake, or Blueberry muffins . . . or maybe I'll just move on to pies. :-)

Thoughts on the election . . .

Preface: I do not want anyone to be offended by this. These are just some thoughts that I feel need to be said.

When George Bush was re-elected in 2004, many Christian liberals (Yes, we do exist. I happen to be one) questioned the sway of conservative Christians and their idea of American democracy. All through that election, I followed the discussions of Jim Wallis and others who created the catch-phrase: God is not a Republican, or a Democrat. I truly believe that those of faith do not need to be pinned down by only the "big" issues (i.e. abortion, gay-marriage, etc.). There are other issues that are important to our Heavenly Father. He cares about all of our lives, from conception to dealth. (READ: Psalm 139) God is sovereign. He has the power to righteously control those issues whether a republican is in office, or a democrat.

With the election of Barack Obama, many conservative Christians are now thinking, "What is this world coming to?" I believe it is now time for the tables to turn, and for conservative and liberal Christians alike to trust that God knows what He is doing, and PRAY. Change is not bad, in fact, political change can help this country recover from these economic woes. Unfortunately, politics tend to run rampent in this country. But there is hope! Christ gave the Church a huge responsibility, and if we really want to see change, the Church must take up the burden of the cross and work to God's glory.

May we not be bogged down by feelings of personal calamity or self-rightousness. Let us lift up our new president to God, placing him in HIS sovereign hands.

Daily Epiphany: October 26

This is going to be a long post, I just know it. That's what happens when I finally do something relevant . . . at least in my field, anyways.

Yesterday I decided to take a trip down to the Chicago History Museum. I am writing this paper for my Urban American class, and wanted to use CHM's archives. I had never been there, so it was about time . . .

I also had this coupon for Cosi and wanted to use it for lunch, so i Google-mapped "Cosi, Chicago, IL" to see where the closest one would be. There was one right near the Belmont station where I was going to transfer! Unfortunately I couldn't find it. Weird. But that was alright, I knew where there was another one on the way. I would just hop on the 22 Clark bus like planned and get off at the next Cosi.

The bus never came. Sooo, I decided to walk. In all I think I walked 2.5 miles (Belmont to North Ave. along Clark). I was a nice walk--I got to look in all the shops, and see the little kids having their pre-Halloween celebrations in Lincoln Park. I even encountered a Farmers Market. I almost bought a pumpkin, but then I thought it would be kind of weird to coat-check a pumpkin at the museum.

I arrived at my Cosi, all in one piece, but very wind-blown and rosy-cheeked. The coupon I had was for $2 off any purchase. Even with the discount, Cosi is kind of expensive, so I went for the cheapest sandwich. Lucky for me, it's my favorite, the TBM(Tomato, Basil and Motzerella)! It is soo good.

From there I walked a few more blocks down Clark and made it to the Museum. I paid for a year-membership so I could come back again, and proceeded to the sacred third floor. Research was good. I found some good sources, and tightened my thesis a bit, so I was pleased with the experience. I felt very historian-esque.

For the journey home I decided to take the 22 clark bus. Now this is usually the kiss of death, but I was tired and didn't want to deal with transfering. On the way I listened to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack on my new ipod. It seemed very applicable as the bus swerved and braked in Clark Street traffic. Oddly enough, I made it home in like 1/2 hour! I'm sure that's a world record.

I love fall / what have I been up to?

Wow, it's been a long time. Sorry folks. I guess that's what happens when a new semester starts.

To fill in, here's some things I've been up to:

• First, here are some pictures from my summer rompings through Millennium Park:

• I'm taking two classes this semester: Oral History and Urban America, and my internship credit.
• Still working at the university bookstore. . . thought is was only temporary, but I guess not. It's a good place to work, but I'm still always on the look-out for something to do with public history.-
• Been spending lots of time with friends and their kids. Super fun, and a great distraction from school work.
• This summer I painted a three canvases for the Kids Club at church. Here are two of them:
  

• I'm illustrating a children's book for my little friend Asher. The drawings are all done and I've started watercoloring them in. I'm excited to see how it turns out. The little book I started this summer has been put on hold. I promise it'll re-surface when I have more time.
• This last month I helped Heather as she set up a coffee house in the Jews for Jesus store front. It's a beautiful space. You should go check it out. (4118 Oakton St. Skokie, IL 60076)

(photos courtesy of Heather Blecher, 2008)

• My cousin Shannon slept over the night of Rosh Hashanah so I attempted to make a challah . . . it didn't turn out so well. I don't know what my problem is! Since leaving home, I have not been able to make a bonafide, fluffy challah.
• This is my fall break, so I'm spenidng this time updating my blog, instead of reading . . . yippee!

Fall is my favorite season by far . . . so enjoy the autumn bliss!

Going to sleep at 1:00 am and waking up at 9 o'clock this morning found me more rested than the same amount of sleep at a different interval (i.e. 12pm-8am or 11pm-7pm). Hmm.

In the morning I often listen to WMFT, Chicago's classical music station. This morning, in honor of Labor Day they are playing pieces about great occupations. Most exciting: Meredith Wilson's "Marian the Librarian." :-)

Daily Epiphany: August 29

Today for lunch I made an amazing saute, which is only one in a line I have created. (Who knew you could have a saute line? Maybe I'll name them Skillet Creations.) Anyway, last night I went shopping at Aldi and bought (among other things) their "Fit and Active" brand whole wheat noodles. Now, whole wheat noodles have a reputation of being hard to swallow, but I am trying to be healthy, and these are really good!

Mushroom and Spinach Saute

(add as much of each ingredient as you want)
oil
onions
garlic/garlic powder
mushrooms
fresh spinach
basil
soy sauce
salt and pepper

Stir in cooked noodles and heat on high until starts to turn brown/stick to pan. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

In other news. . . today at work I re-shelved returned books for 6 hours! Who needs exercise when you can walk through the shelves all day?

Daily Epiphany: August 20

My family returned safe from camp, and on the way home stopped in Chicago to wish me a happy birthday. Stoophy and I took some fun pictures with her digital camera. As soon as she posts them, I shall do the same.

Yesterday I went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Devon. It was actually an easy walk. Goal: some clothes and a book shelf. Well I didn't find a book shelf, but I got some good items for fall. I love thrift store shopping because there is so much more variety than your regular department store. You just can't go expecting to find something specific.

On the way to the store I ate lunch at this Mediterranean restaurant called Big Buns and Pita (soon to be called Sahara Kabob). Their Hummus and Shwirma is amazing!

I had something else to write about, but I forgot what it was . . . that's not good.

Classes start a week from yesterday! Ahhhhhh! Not quite ready.

Last night I rediscovered decoupage. At the beginning of the summer I was complaining to myself that I don't have any hobbies . . . now I have two children's books and a cook book to illustrate, a sweater to knit, and more recipes to create.

Living in the kitchen

This morning I woke up at 9am. Ten minutes ago I left the kitchen. Between making breakfast, cookies, mini-cheesecakes, lunch and super I was one busy women.

Saturday is my birthday, so I was making ice cream cookie sandwiches for a little party at the park. My family is driving back from camp on Sunday and stopping in Chicago for a bit, so the mini cheesecakes are for them (and Friday night dessert picnic at the Grant Park Music Festival). It was lunch time, so I had to make lunch (chinese noodles and an frozen egg roll). Tonight I work from 2-10pm so I had to pack a lunch.

Now I understand why women throughout history have been labeled as kitchen-bound. It is very easy to make a whole day out of cooking, baking and washing dishes! (I washed about three loads in three hours).

Time to eat lunch and run out the door.

Planetarium Fun

Now that I am working again, I have the joy of having scheduled days off. As opposed to being unemployed, days off make me feel like going on an adventure.

Therefore, on Tuesday, my friend Rachel and I went to the Adler Planetarium. Oddly enough, this was my first visit. It's a smaller museum so we were able to see pretty much everything in about 3 hours.

Looking at all the stars and planets, we couldn't help but marvel at our Creator's genius! Pretty amazing and awesome.

My favorite exhibit was the History of Astronomy.



Lots of great artifacts: compasses, navigation tools, sun dials, etc. ranging back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

There was also a re-creation of a medieval classroom. Pretty spiffy.




Being on a career path towards museums, it is interesting to think about the identity of certain institutions. The Adler Planetarium is a science museum, but obviously it needs history to tell the stories of its field's past. On the other hand, history museums rarely categorize their history into different fields (i.e. astronomy, oceanography, transportation, geography). Similarly, the Field Museum turns cultural history and anthropology into natural history--equating Native American dwellings with rock formations. Musings over.

Here's me getting ready to travel to the moon

Me and the city (in all it's hazy glory)

Daily Epiphany: August 1

Not really an epiphany, but talking with some friends who are also on blogger, I decided to re-decorate. Since I don't have the freedom of decorating my apartment with more than push-pinned posters and faux ivy, this will have to do.

I started working at the Loyola Bookstore this week. Getting this job was such an answer to prayer. I don't mean to question God's blessings (yet I often do, until He lightly taps me over the head with a 2x4), but sales is definitely an alternative universe. And, as much as I enjoy purchasing items at great discounts, I do not enjoy entering them into the cash register.

Two weeks until my birthday. It doesn't feel right not being at camp for my birthday. I don't know what I am going to do with myself. Nevertheless, it will involve ice cream.

I've been reading Joshua Harris' Boy Meets Girl, but not for the reasons you might think. Whether or not I agree with the idea of courtship, Harris has some great incites about God's role in our lives, relationships and dreams.

Taken from pp. 39-41:
You might be asking, "How am I supposed to obey God's commands and follow His principles when my circumstances are so different from those of other people?" Let me try to explain.
Imagine that you're a student in an art class. You and dozens of classmates are learning from a master painter. One day your teacher displays a painting of his own. It's an incredible work of art, and he wants each of you to copy it.
You're about to begin working when you turn to look at the person next to you. You're surprised to note that he has a larger brush than yours and a differently shaped canvas. You look around at the rest of the class. Some students have acrylic paint, others watercolor, still others oil--and everyone has different colors. Though you all have the same assignment, you each have completely different materials. . . "How do you expect me to duplicate your painting when the people around me have so many more colors to choose from?"
The teacher smiles. "Don't worry about the other students," he says. "I've carefully chosen the brushes and paints that each of you has. Trust me. You have what you need to complete the assignment. Remember, your goal is not to create a painting that mirrors the person next to you, but to do your best with the materials I've given you to create a picture faithful to my painting."
. . . We can each rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign over our life's situation. No matter where we are today or what mistakes we've made in the past, He has given us everything we need to glorify Him right now.