Death to the Pen!

in
Oh D'Nealian, my first cursive love.

I recently read an article in Time Magazine, Mourning the Death of Handwriting, by Claire Suddath. It was a bit disheartening, because I did not get the impression that she was truly mourning the death of handwriting...more like, pondering the death of handwriting. The Gen Y author admits to being a sloppy scriber. Passively accepting that we've traded "artistry for efficiency," Suddath shrugs her shoulders...like, whatever. Gen Why?

Yes, Cursif IS pretty. And so are the other fonts here on Noble Rabbit.

She chronicles the changes our society has made in the past 100+ years, delivering us to a moment in time where script is deemed "pretty & cosmetic." But isn't it okay to be pretty? Isn't that what we value intrinsically? Here, it seems a more fitting a description of a Bonne Belle lip gloss. I'd like to see the letters transcend "pretty", become beautiful in their original glory with the curves and swoops that inspire words themselves to hold weight and carry meaning. With proper penmanship even a simple grocery list becomes a heartfelt momento. XOXO scratched in red is tiny love note. Even the words that come out a bit wonky (is that an e or an l?) exude a bit of mystery and spontaneity.

Quirky Handwriting Sample via Azaz

A handwritten note--with a scratch or scribble where you made your mistake--means so much more than a cryptic text or a casual email. Besides, isn't it good exercise for your digits? I challenge you this week to hand write a note, make a list, craft a memo. To anyone...your bestie, your mum, your hon or your sib. To you! Use the whole page. Use ink.

Chocolate Banana Bread


Image Courtesy Sunset Magazine

I'm a very fortunate gal to have visited "the ranch" last year. Rancho la Puerta is the most amazing camp for grown ups. Of course, it's better known as a fitness spa, but let's face it...your typical spa does not offer morning hikes to an organic farm, craft workshops, drumming, Feldenkrais, and bingo night. From their own PR materials,

"We make healthy people healthier! You’ll return home stronger, with the healthful glow and spring in your step that comes from a vacation devoted to relaxation, good eating, learning, and exercise."

This is true, true, true. I've never been so genuinely blissed out and upon return, my skin actually DID glow! Erased quickly in a whirlwind of work-kids-reality. Sigh. Another time? You bet. After we sell our first born...

Okay, let's break it down. It's all about creating a healthful balance in our lives. Exercise, Healthful/Mindful Eating, Meditation/Spirituality/Reflection. La la la la la. Good. Now, one thing I love to implement is healthful eating! Cheers to any and all of the great recipes that come from that fabulous kitchen. This is a new staple in our house, and I hope you enjoy it too.

P.S. I have to get judgy here for a minute. A woman posted this on her blog, and KILLED the recipe by ADDING a bunch of sugar (both white and brown!) "because it wasn't sweet enough". Trust me, it doesn't need it!

CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD

Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus at least 1 hour to cool.

From Sunset Magazine:

This dense, moist bread, served to morning hikers at La Cocina Que Canta, tastes so chocolaty that you'd never guess it's made with prune purée instead of butter. It's adapted from Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta by Deborah Szekely and Deborah M. Schneider.

Yield

Makes 1 loaf (20 slices)

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pitted prunes
  • 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 medium)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or whole-wheat pastry flour (or 1/2 cup of each)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup banana chips, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation

1. In a small saucepan, bring prunes and 2 cups water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until prunes are very soft, about 20 minutes. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Lightly butter a 5- by 9-in. loaf pan and line bottom with a piece of parchment paper cut to fit.

3. In a food processor, whirl prunes and bananas until very smooth. Add eggs and whirl to combine.

4. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir in banana mixture until evenly moistened. Stir in nuts, banana chips, and chocolate chips. Scrape the thick batter into pan and spread level.

5. Bake bread until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out a little chocolaty but not gooey, 45 to 50 minutes. Loosen bread from pan with a knife and invert onto a rack. Remove parchment. Turn bread right side up and let cool at least 1 hour before slicing.

Shortcut: Substitute 12 oz. (1 1/2 cups) unsweetened prune baby food for the pitted prunes, and omit water and cooking in step 1.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional analysis is per slice.
Calories:174 (41% from fat)
Protein:3.5g
Fat:7.9g (sat 2.7)
Carbohydrate: 27g
Fiber:3.2g
Sodium:153mg
Cholesterol:21mg

Deborah Szekely and Deborah M. Schneider, Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta, Sunset, FEBRUARY 2009

Keeping it Real

I knew that starting my own business was not going to be easy. I just thought it would be easier to stay fired up about it! But being a perfectionist can really screw you up...for one, I refused to draft a news release about Truly Fine because I thought that I needed to accomplish key milestones before I was viewed as legitimate. And I couldn't sent a release having accomplished nothing! What a silly idea. Launching a business is, in itself, an accomplishment. I can't expect having my product in stores, without making people aware of the product to begin with. So counterintuitive! Second, as great as my marketing skills are, I fell into the age-old trap of undervaluing myself and my product, making it a real challenge to feel confident in "selling" the brand. Finally, I experienced rotten business karma when my flagship retailer, Gizmo Garage, closed shop at the New Children's Museum and ran off without payment or goods return. Grrrr.

I recently received a great shot in the arm from a new found friend, starting her own matchmaking business (more to come on this one!). She loves my designs and offered to help represent the lines. We've decided to trade---I'm designing her logo and she's pimping my goods. To get a feel for where I'm at, she asked me pointed questions that made me really acknowldege my strengths, weaknesses and big picture goals. A simple exercise, but wholly worthwhile.

I'm working hard to overcome the challenges that exist naturally and the ones I've created for myself, to enhance and utilize my strengths, to turn my dreams into reality. Wish me luck...