you are going to want to watch this...

I'm pretty sure I've posted this before...but in case you didn't get to it the first time around. This is my good friend Steve Nelson on the cello. Brilliant!

perfect saturday mornings...

are spent waking up late, running in the park and then heading downtown for the Farmer's Market. I did just that this morning and ended up bringing home fresh baked bread, sundried tomato and blue cheese pesto, and of course home made pasta from Tony Caputo's (my very favorite Italian deli in Salt Lake) to go with. Ah, bliss!

fall dinner party

It's not a secret that I adore fall. It's not a secret that I adore cooking for my friends with all my heart. I don't need an excuse to have a dinner party, and I didn't use one. I just invited my foodie friends to join me for a fall meal. I enjoyed every minute of putting this dinner together. Here are some pics of the table and the appetizers. On the menu…

 

pan fried caramelized onion dip

brie cheese with craisins, brown sugar, and tart apples

roasted butternut squash soup

arugula salad

braised pork loin in pasta with pancetta and pecorino cheese

butterscotch and spice trifle with pumpkin whipped cream

 

I had an amazing evening with my friends. So amazing that I spaced taking pictures of anyone. Sad. There are pics of the table and appetizers. I did get that far! No seriously though, My friends are a beautiful bunch and witty to boot! We laughed our heads off! I'm so happy to have foodies in my life, and just food in general really.

A little while ago…

I went to the Antelope Island Kite and Balloon Festival.

I took pics, which turned out mediocre.

But…I had thoughts.

Serious thoughts about wanting to fly these kites, and to ride in these hot air balloons.

I think I might actually want to own one, or both. (on this teacher's salary I better start saving)

Definitely an achievable dream. Right?

Let's be honest, there are hardly things more beautiful and cool.

13.1

I completed my fourth half marathon in Price, Ut yesterday and it felt amazing! It felt so nice to be outside amongst the Red Rocks and blue sky and just think and ponder for a while. Along the way, I met two women from Missouri who had run a half marathon in 15 states already and were trying to reach all 50. I set that same goal for myself last year and meeting these women inspired me to go for it. I can't wait to pick the next state and get back into running and racing. Carpe Diem!

kerry jean

Last month my dear friend Kerry Jean from South Africa passed away due to a fatal accident. She has been on my mind constantly. This girl was beautiful in every way. I haven't met many people who had the spunk and zest for life that Kerry had. She was beyond generous in her kindness toward others. She had an incredible dedication to her family and the gospel that can only be admired and sought after. I only knew her a short time and she made such a difference in my life. She and I would send books and movies to read back and forth via snail mail between America to South Africa. Often we'd find funny cards and gifts to put in the packages. They always seemed to come at a time when I really needed a little boost. Kerry was amazing at just that…lifting others. My last experience with her in person happened to be in the Johannesburg Temple. She and I were folding clothing in the laundry room there and discussing our unknown futures. Of course being single at the age of 30 was an unwanted thing for both of us, but neither of us had a good explanation for why we wanted family so much and hadn't received it yet. That's just not a question that can be answered generically. However, Kerry being wise and in tune said something that has stuck with me since. She said, "I don't have any answer's Holly other than I know Heavenly Father loves us and has a plan for both of us". Kerry's plan included leaving this Earth quickly, most likely so she can watch over others. There are many people in her life that need her. Perhaps she will be capable of even more than she was on Earth, in Heaven. I know she has probably already met her prince and I am positive he adores her. You can't not adore Kerry. My plan is unknown still. And that is ok. I am trying to figure it out and navigate the path I am supposed to be on. I understand that I don't have all of the answers and will not receive them until I am supposed to. Unanswered prayers are sometimes our life vests in life's tormented oceans. I understand trials and tender mercies and God's refining tools. I am thankful for them. But still I wonder, which path do I choose? I'm always choosing between two positives. I've pretty much weeded out the negative choice but when someone so treasured leaves your life in an instant, it forces to the surface a couple of haunting questions. Serious questions.

The first, for me was…

1. If I left the Earth right now, would I be prepared to meet the Savior face to face?
   

 

1. Have I done any good in the World today? (this is not a question for my readers, this is a question for me)
   

 

Since Kerry's passing I have done a lot of pleading. There are times when we kneel and pray and thank Heavenly Father for our blessings and ask for help, and then there is pleading. Really, truly seeking for answers to these questions. There is a ginormous amount more that I can do. But what I mostly plead for is the confidence that Kerry had that "everything will be ok because Heavenly Father loves us". Don't get me wrong, deep down I know that too. I just want to feel it. I want to trust it. I want to know it without question and carry that spirit within me and all around me as Kerry did. I want to be better than I am. In the end I just want to know I am getting it right! Time will tell.

Sweet Kerry lives on in so many hearts. In my heart. She got it right! I love you Kerry Jean and I am so grateful for your gifts. Now find me a prince will you?

 

 

 

 

into the woods

Finally, finally I am getting around to posting about the incredible summer I had. This was my fourth summer being a Chef at Camp Rising Sun and I am pretty sure it was the best so far! Aside from getting to spend my time in the woods and sleeping under the stars in the beautiful Hudson Valley and cooking for an amazing 80 people from all over the World (a dream come true for me really), I learned so many lessons and so much about myself this summer. I will spare you and keep those things close to my heart, but I have to share camp with you all…because this place is so special. I have a plethora of pictures to post, but to save blog space if you would like to see more, you can refer to my Facebook page.

Things got busy very quickly in the kitchen and dining hall. At this camp, we LOVE to sing so we didn't hold back in getting that started at all. The campers were also very eager to cook this year which is my favorite part of my job.



I love being in the kitchen with them and I learned a ton of new cuisine from every region this year. I'll start with that! One of my favorite meals we did was the Hungarian Goulash over the open fire. My Hungarian mother Zsoka came back to camp this summer to volunteer for three weeks. I don't have words for my love for her. She helped me so much. Her wisdom and beauty and humbleness amaze me. She is just delightful to be around and an amazing cook.

Every week, the campers plan a special meal for Sunday evenings. This is so much fun because they get pretty creative. For one of the meals, the camper from South Africa suggested a Braai (South African BBQ). This was among the favorites because we grilled fresh veggies and steaks, chicken, and sausage. What boy wouldn't want three kinds of meat in one meal? Grilling is my favorite type of cuisine so of course I was in Heaven as well.

For Arts Weekend, I was asked to do a five hour Culinary Instruction. Let me preface by saying that baking isn't my strength, but with the help of the campers it actually turned out ok. We managed to bake and present Homemade Wheat Bread, Apple Pie, Coconut Cake, Pear Pizza with Goat Cheese and Arugula, Cinnamon Rolls, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies and Berry Tart! It was exhausting but I am really glad we took the challenge. What a fun day!

Another favorite part of cooking is sharing culture through food. I learned a ton! The campers brought spices from all over. We shared Falafel from Israel, Southern Fried Chicken and Macaroni and Cheese, Tiki Masala from India, Indonesian Lemon Grass Soup, Chicken Rice from Peru, Dumplings from China and the list goes on.

Our Polish campers loved being in the kitchen much to my delight because I learned so much from them. Wojo and Alex totally knew what they were doing. Here they are making Pierogies. If you have never tried these, Go…Now…Eat Them. They are divine! They took nine hours to make, but were worth every ounce of time we spent. Wojo made his mother's beet soup and it was a delicious accompaniment.

We also managed Empanadas. Another long project but well worth it!

One advantage to being a Chef at a camp is that the campers have team works and clean up for you! Isn't that fabulous? Even though it is hard work we really just have a blast the whole time singing and dancing in the kitchen. I love these boys. Mom's, if you are reading here is proof that your boys do know how to do dishes! Love them!

One quote we throw out often at camp is "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World". This is one of my favorite elements to camp. Each Friday I was able to take the boys to The Thompson House to sing to the elderly. Each week we would make a playlist and bring out guitars, violins etc and bust out our best "Oh When the Saints" or "You are My Sunshine". Afterwards the boys would visit with the residents there. The people were so incredibly grateful for our campers to come and loved visiting with them. This experience totally warmed my heart. I was so proud of the boys and the compassion they showed toward not only these people, but each other during the summer. I couldn't take pictures of the Elderly for confidentiality reasons, but just look how cute these campers are singing!

There is too much written in my journals and in the pages of my heart about these boys and what they mean to me, but as their older sister I will just post a few pics to show you how darling they are. I wish you could all meet them. They will grow up to be world leaders, musicians, scientists, doctors, humanitarians. They will change lives. I am so lucky to have all of these little brother's who I treasure. They inspire me so much!

drivin’, diners and chocolate

One of the best decisions I made all year was to ask my wonderful Mom and cute sister Martianne to drive with me out to New York. Thanks to my other cute sister Judy who works for Jet Blue, they got to fly home practically for free. THE TRIP WAS SO MUCH FUN! We only had four days to get there so we were in a crunch, but we made some awesome memories in the cornfields of Nebraska, Iowa, some states in between and Pennsylvania.

After driving 14 hours in the night, our first stop was Hokes Cafe in Ogallala, Nebraska. We stopped in this diner for what we anticipated to be a delicious meal. Let's just say that with all its charm and the smell of pee in the foyer, I managed to order some Cheerios and orange juice and called it good! We were delirious and laughing hysterically at our efforts to get a "good breakfast". It's funny that it was recommended by two people at the petrol station. Gotta love it!

Next Stop, Nauvoo. We arrived there, and went straight to the temple. It was Gorgeous. My mom had never been there, and it was a really special time for us. The Sunset over the Mississippi was lovely. The LDS Church sites totally make the trip across the USA (which just by the way I have done three times this year) worth it!

Finally, we rolled into Hershey, Pennsylvania. I absolutely cannot get enough of this cute little town. I think I might want to live there! We took Mom on the Trolley Ride and totally sang all of the "Oldies". The best part is that they pass out candy along the way.

I am so blessed to have a family that is so fun to hang out with and so willing to help whenever the need arises. Thank You Mom and Martianne for sharing this experience with me! I had a blast!

i’m off to red hook

for the summer to be a Chef at the boys leadership camp. I touched on this in a previous post, but I just want to say how lucky I am to have this opportunity. Back in 2001 I was introduced to Camp Rising Sun by my dear friend Peter. He was to be the hiking counselor that year and asked me if I'd like to come to the camp and give cooking a shot! I had no idea the amazing lessons I would learn and how much fun I would have cooking. I have mentioned my deep love for cooking and creating and enjoying flavors and spices etc, but on a daily basis I don't get around to it. For one person, cooking can be weak sauce! (no pun intended). I am delighted that get the opportunity to cook for 80 campers and staff three times per day. I plan all of the menus and make most things from scratch. I can't wait to plant my herb garden and have basil, sage, rosemary at my feet within a week. Everything in New York grows bigger and faster. What's better is that I get to cook for literally the most amazing people I have ever met. The campers come from all over the world. About 27 countries and different areas of the United States are represented. They come on scholarship, recommended by teachers and alumni associations. I have countless journal entries of stories from campers that have changed my life. Chopping carrots and chicken for two hours doesn't seem like fun to most people, but when you get the help from a camper from Palestine, telling you what life was like during the conflict, or get to make meatballs with someone from Sweden, and smell real curry from Japan, I really can't think of a better way to spend a summer. Most of these campers go on to do amazing things, be world leaders, and change other people's lives. I know they have changed mine and I will continue to update throughout the summer. Because food is universal, I'm pretty positive being the chef is the best job at camp! I can't wait to get there and start cooking!

This is Peter and I in 2001 after making chocolate chip cookies for the campers. We may have stolen a few to dunk in our milk! So fun!

we had a blast

last weekend at the

white trash bbq

Can I just say how much I adore my friends and family here in Utah? This summer I am turning 30 (whoa, deep breaths), and because I am going to be cooking in New York all summer I won't be here for my birthday. We decided to have a little barbeque to celebrate, but with a catch…we dressed white trash, talked white trash and ate white trash lol. The costumes were hilarious and the food was nasty and I adored the whole thing. Definitely will be repeating this party next year!

I love love love this picture! I love that Mindy is in a dew rag, Melissa has a mullet, and Matt is wearing biker gloves. I love that Courtnee has a Jersey on, that Eliza is in a diaper only and has snot in her nose and is eating a whole peeled carrot. I love that Becky, my little health nut friend has pork rinds in her hands. I love that Bryce and Brian are sporting handle bar mustaches, that Megan is over endowed and that Jessica is wearing hideous stone washed jeans. I love that Sharlene (the manikin head) is in this picture, Vanessa's bum and everything else about it really!

This is my old roommate Eliza, who couldn't be cuter. She's got snot in her nose an punch on her T-shirt but I loved her today because she spoke white trash. Adorable!

Even my mom joined in on the fun! She bought this gold number for a $1 at a yard sale! Smokin' hot Mom, smokin' hot!

I don't have words for my cousin Jessica. These stone washed pants will never leave our family, EVER. Yet, I dare say they really shouldn't be worn anywhere lol. I loved the hot pink lip stick stains on the teeth and the sick sparkly shoes. Remember these plastic horses? This one was rusty, and the springs kept breaking. It was awesome!

Oh Shelly! My darling friend. She almost looked too cute to be there, but the drinking while pregnant scenario was perfect!

Megan and Brandon were a hit! We are seriously going to miss them more than toilet paper on a camping trip when they go to Washington! Good Luck my friends!

I was hoping someone would show up in a Mullet, love it!

Bryce, you are one of a kind! I don't really know what to say lol.

Here's the little Mumford Family, so white trash with Matt wearing the capri's and the gloves and the slicked back hair, Courtnee in the Jersey and the too cute for words Isaiah sporting the Mowhawk. When they walked in I nearly wet myself laughing!

Let's talk about the food for a second. No white trash party would be complete without Chili Mac, Tator Tot Casserole, Wonder Bread with Icing, Hostess Twinkies and Cupcakes, Pork Rinds, Mc Donalds Cheeseburgers, Little Debbie oatmeal pies and cheap soda. Sharlene and an ugly figurine angel made for table decorations, perfect!

This My little nephew Jaxon. He has blue lips from the Slip n' Slide. A nice $5 from Walmart feature.

Overall, it was an amazing crazy party. Thank You so much to everyone who came!