a place where the earl grey flows like wine

One of the highlights of my having a flexible schedule right now is getting to do things I wouldn't be asked to do otherwise. Friends, Sean and Kristie Maddox have begun the launch of a mobile coffee & tea bar. (More to come on advertising for that as they are finishing up their branding and will be ready to go soon!) Last night I helped them to staff an event held at King Plow Arts Center, a  turn of the century machinery manufacturing plant on the Westside, full of history and charm.  It was such a fun event and all of the Maddox' bars & equipment are top notch and built by Sean himself! They served hand poured brewed coffees and teas out of dainty glass pots and artful carafes. The Earl Grey had the most amazing aroma I have ever smelled in my life. I don't think I'll ever be able to handle tea on a string again. Their Barista, David, who also works at Rise-N-Dine, haven't been there but want to try it, served a steady stream of deliciously gorgeous cappuccinos and lattes, and I had fun talking to people and mixing the Italian sodas. Do you know how to make a good Italian soda? I sure didn't. Most of the people attending didn't know either. They were expecting ice cream, liquor, all kinds of other things. This would be my kitchen counter the day before, practicing my pouring for the event using water once I ran out of syrup. My brother, who ran a restaurant and bar in Mississippi while in college and whose boss has been written up in Southern Living, also gave me some tips like suggesting I should throw the bottles up in the air and catch them behind my back. In the end, I didn't think a girl in heels should be throwing bottles for any reason. Italian sodas are refreshing, light and the perfect end to a heavy meal, even after the "after dinner" cup of espresso or coffee.

Italian Soda

7 oz. of sparkling water (San Pellegrino is best)

1 oz. of flavored syrup (ex: orange, lemon or mango)

ice

-Fill glass half full with ice . 

-Add sparkling water and pour syrup over the top in a swirling motion. 

-No stirring is necessary. 

If you missed the quote from the title of this post, I'll give you another clue..."I'm talking about a little place called Aspen, Harry". 

waiting

This has been such a long season of waiting for me. Waiting for career direction, waiting for real estate client's homes to sell, waiting for the right home to purchase, waiting for the right guy, waiting for the man to deliver our refrigerator, waiting, waiting. I have come to stand on the edge of the abyss in many ways, to the place of "I can't wait any longer, not one more day, why isn't God showing up to give me some clear answers?" and then another day goes by. I found an email that I wrote to several family members in March of 2009, where I know I was at least 6 months in to the place of desperation and asking for their prayers. And now, here I am, two years later, with few answers and more questions. I've gone through many stages and still continue to waver in my faith often and question God's goodness. My youngest brother Philip reminded me last night of the Pharisees asking Jesus if a certain man was born blind because he or his parents sinned? and Jesus reply was, "neither, but that the works of God may be displayed in him". I am slowly praying that God's power and works would be displayed in my life no matter what may happen in my circumstances. I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful family. 


"Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword." Exodus 17:11-13