Day: September 6, 2018

#CrackpotTheory: Color, Food, & the Weather

1 Comment

I love bright  colors. I hate “tasteful” décor: ecru, beige, eggshell, and other shades of brown and white;  deep greens; dark reds. Who gets to decide what’s tasteful? Please!

One thing I’ve noticed is cultures that indulge in bright colors also tend to eat spicier foods. Foods with flavor. Full of taste. Yes, I know curry was invented to hide the taste of rotting food–but so was mayonnaise.

Other correlations I’ve noticed is that cultures with bright colors and spicy foods tend to be in warmer climates. They also seem to be closer to their emotions–more aware of their passions and unafraid to show them.

Color makes me happy. Spicy food makes me happy. Hot summer days make me happy (you can keep the humidity). Maybe I need to move.

 

 

 

 

#UpbeatAuthors: The Golden Rule

Growing up, I always heard: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That was the Golden Rule.

I always had a problem with this, because I would love to have someone give me a million dollars, but I don’t have a million dollars to give away. I know. That’s a materialistic interpretation of spiritual advice, but that’s the way my mind worked when I was a kid.

As an adult, I learned this version (which I prefer): “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.”   

Every major religion (and most “minor” ones, too) have a version of this “rule.” Kindness and respect are fundamental to human nature. Knowing that gives me hope for our future.

 

 

 

Microwave Ovens

Yes, there really is such a thing as National Microwave Oven Day.  And yes, I am a spoiled American who is dependent on this appliance.

When TV Stevie and I were first married, I had a small, low wattage microwave oven. He had none. So we used my little one for nearly ten years. Then we bought a larger, more powerful one. The entire family was using it by the time we purchased the modern one.

My favorite part of a microwave oven is the timer. Back when I worked in TV and was writing promo, but before I had a stop watch, I would set the microwave timer to :29 (for :30 of copy) and read the spot aloud. Whatever works, right?

But like all appliances, it developed issues. We had to smack the door in a certain place to get it to start. The inside was starting to rust. My now-adult children refused to eat anything cooked in it.  Then one day, not even punching the door would start the machine. So I made list of my requirements and TV Stevie and I sallied forth into the world of Big Box Stores for a replacement.

There were two things about which I would not compromise: cubic feet and wattage. I was not going to go smaller, even though our family is smaller. (Have I mentioned spoiled American?) I still need a microwave in which a 9×13 pan can rotate. In addition to the cubic feet and wattage issues, we also had to purchase something that would fit in the hole the previous owner of our house had built.

We found what we wanted at the third Big Box Store.

National Read A Book Day

Personally, I think everyone should read a  book every day.

I read the way many people I know watch television. As a general rule, I do not watch television. Watching television is something that doesn’t occur to me when I’m looking for something to do. My brain isn’t wired that way. And you know what’s odd about that? I worked in local TV for a lot of years. Ironic. But I would rather re-read an old favorite book for the zillionth time than flip through channels looking for something to occupy my brain.

 

 

Wiggling My Toes

I hate shoes. Really. I hate having my feet encased in something where they can’t breathe. If not for the fact that I live in the snowiest major metropolitan area in the United States, I would wear flipflops–or other sandals–year round.

My latest self-indulgence is having a professional pedicure every month or so during sandal season.

When I must wear shoes, I want something that is easy on, easy off. No ankle straps for me. I prefer mules or clogs.

Did you know that a hot water bottle on bare feet will help alleviate abdominal cramps? True story!