vessels of delight
Someone who has this (sent by a BestFriend) on their new stove, can’t help noting the irony when same BF urges her to read a book called the Last Chinese Chef. When I realised that the author was the wonderful Nicole Mones I needed no more urging.
I read her book Cup of Light about 2 years ago and loved it. And of course I have seen Lost in Translation.
The LCC was one of the great reads of 2011 (along with the McCahon book also recommended by same BF). Both of Mones’ books are multi-layered, rich, intriguing.
Who would have guessed (being the obvious non foodie that I am , apart from the love of melanzanes) that food had so much meaning? So many references? Was so linked to history, health, well being and politics? Yes, there’s a little bit of irony there. But I love a book that teaches me a lot while I enjoy the prose.
Wonderful read.
Oh and btw the second of my three Christmas gifts (a rich haul) was this. No, it’s not porcelain but it is very beautiful.
Xmas in Auckland
While Welly may have been dry and sunny Auckland is…wet and not so sunny. It’s a good chance to see movies like Waltz with Bashir which I’d heartily recommend. It’s the not so well known story of the Shatila and Sabra massacre. It’s heartening to see that many Israelis participated in the movie’s production. And disheartening to see that the Israelis think it necessary to bomb Gaza again. We’ll be there for the protest today outside the American consulate. Benjamin Button btw is a better movie than you’d think from the shorts and I’d say “Yeah go and see it”. The Visitor is another movie I’d strongly recommend. Theme is displaced people and the terror of the US of A’s post-twin-towers homeland policy. The more I read/know/understand about the Middle East the more frustrated I feel about the West’s role there.
I had a great time at the Auckland City Art Gallery (once I’d mastered all the steps and the scary escalator). The Enchanted Garden exhibition is well worth a meander – even if it’s only to see some old favs and the sound/visual sculpture where dripping stones fall onto bamboo and metal. It’s a very well constructed and easy to ‘read’ exhibition, I think.
It was good to see Touch Compass on the tele (that’s the cripple theme). They are a company that includes people with disabilities and they dance, creating striking images and shapes.
Oh and of course staying with whanau and seeing whriends…..always good at this time of year.
Christmas after all?
Hine's tree
Had to put this photo of Hine’s tree in. It’s full of baubles, precious things from her childhood, trips to Russia and New York and assorted $2 shop ‘stuff’. It looks fabulous and almost made me feel Christmassy.
A few days later. Na can’t get there. Can’t help but think of all the misery religion has caused us (ie humans) …..but I guess for some it works. Not me alas. More sighing. Good to know I’ll be with other cynics on the day.
Is Xmas really so fabulous?
Welly weather has gone wet but the garden has produced a lot of stuff…found the first courgette today.
The flaxes are superb and attracting the tuis (at 5.am)
FlaxFlower
It’s four years since Lyn died
Lyn
Although to be fair there are a few engagements and catch ups for next week which’ll be grand and of course the Xmas barbie will be wonderful and a chance to catch up with the wandering nephew….and we are not doing presents but sigh….think I’ve got the pre-Xmas blurchs. Today one of my closest friends ( well an executor of my will anyway) left Welly for Auckland.
AND the consultant today tells me that the foot may never heal and that we have pretty much had our 300 days of possibility. Looks like sticks in Italy.
Ah well at least I can drive and the garden is looking so good we are holding a birthday party in it this weekend…
Just have to get thru Xmas….sigh.
