Hometown Glory

When listening to my newest musical interest, Adele, I can't help but revel in the natural talent she demonstrates. At age 23, newly aspiring, British artist, Adele, is captivating hearts across the globe. Describing her musical style as "heartbroken soul," Adele professes her love of London & those within the cradle of British culture. In her song "Hometown Glory," I couldn't help but pause after listening to her line, "I ain't lost, just wandering." Consciously or not, Adele taps something so profound, embodying humanity. A natural inclination to wander, to search, to embrace the truth should remain at the heart.

I really enjoyed this version of Adele's Hometown Glory.




I've been walking in the same way as I did
Missing out the cracks in the pavement
And tutting my heel and strutting my feet
"Is there anything I can do for you dear? Is there anyone I can call?"
"No and thank you, please Madam. I ain't lost, just wandering"

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque
I love to see everybody in short skirts, shorts and shades
I like it in the city when two worlds collide
You get the people and the government
Everybody taking different sides

Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united
Shows that we ain't gonna take it
Shows that we ain't gonna stand shit
Shows that we are united

Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met

Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world

Splash of Color

     While walking into a local Lily Pulitzer boutique yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but revel in the summer cheer that overwhelmed my senses. Not only was every article of clothing radiating a summer tone, but every piece of furniture, accessory and latest ipad cover were adorned with a tropical flair. It was as if I had stepped into a tropical paradise amidst my much needed retail therapy. Can't you envision yourself wearing a colorful Lily summer dress with some jeweled sandals, as you sit by the pool journaling one summer afternoon? 


     Vibrant: pulsating with life, vigor or activity. Vibrant characterizes the way I felt walking into the Lily boutique & the way I hope to feel, as each summer day fades against the Florida horizon. Shouldn't each of us be pulsating with a vigor to love, a vigor to learn and a vigor to grow? With my summer goals outlined & slowly becoming regimented into my daily routine, my creativity has been unleashed! My new obsession: stumbleupon. If you're not already a stumbler, I highly recommend it if you need a little creative boost! 

Soup's on!

I couldn't help but crave a little cup of soup on this cold, rainy day. The thick blankets of fog known as 'pea-soupers' that used to descend on London are now a thing of the past since the introduction of the 'Clean Air Act' and smokeless fuels. This soup is named after those fogs and it will still keep you warm on a misty spring evening!

London Particular (Pea & Ham) Soup

15 Gram Butter ( 1/2 oz)
50 Gram Streaky bacon, rinded and chopped plus extra fried or grilled pieces for garnish (2 oz)

1 Medium Onion, chopped

1 Medium Carrot, diced

1 Sticks Celery, chopped

450 Gram Split dried peas (1 lb)

2.3 Litres Ham or Chicken stock (4 pints)

4 Tablespoon Natural yogurt

Melt the butter, add the bacon, onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables have begun to soften. Add the peas and stock. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 1 hour, until the peas are cooked. Liquidise thoroughly. Add the yogurt and reheat gently without boiling. Serve garnished with bacon pieces (and croutons if you like). Enjoy!

The Symphony of Life

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony.

-WILLIAM HENRY CHANNING