HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2010!

DIM SUM YUM YUMS

For those of you not familiar with this pleasurable indulgenece, Dim Sum is the Chinese answer to High Tea. Although I don't know anybody who approaches it as a "late afternoon snack". No, when we go for Dim Sum we go to FEAST! As my friend Tiina once said "How could anyone resist a meal of snacks?"

While its not necessarily traditional fare for Chinese New Year, the restaurants that specialize in Dim Sum are sure to be busy for the next couple of weeks. A couple of my favorite Dim Sum haunts...

If you live in Milwaukee check out:
PEONY 11120 West Bluemound Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226-4125
(414) 443-6080

or Chicago Chinatown:
PHOENIX 2131 West Archer Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60616
(312) 328-0848
www.chinatownphoenix.com/

2010 YEAR OF THE TIGER

Tigers are rebels. They are both colorful and unpredictable. Their energy and love of life are stimulating.They love being the center of attention and never go unnoticed. Tigers are impatient and always look for action.They speak their minds when upset and have suspicious natures.

But in spite of their quick tempers, they are sincere, generous and very affectionate. They also possess a great sense of humor. Tigers like people, involvement,and dedication to humanitarian causes. They seek out adventures, and at certain points in their lives, they will be very rebellious. They must act out some of their ideals and lash out at the wrongs of society. Tigers are so daring that they acquire many admirers. Those who disapprove of what Tigers do still will secretly admire Tigers for their actions.

When Tigers are injured they need all-out sympathy. Logic does not appeal to them. They want to be comforted. They will listen sincerely to the advice you give, and then do exactly as they please. Since they have a lot of spunk, no matter how down and out they get,they never give up. They can always start over again.

People born during the year of the Tiger have super egos. Tread lightly and don't hurt their feelings. They may never forgive you! Tigers are romantic, passionate, and playful. They are also extremely jealous and possessive. If they do not learn to control their emotions, they could cause themselves much trouble.The lives of Tigers are full of emotional situations, but they love it that way. They love life and want to live it to the fullest.

Optimistic, Tigers always bounce back for new and fresh challenges. Tigers are very generous with rewards when you have pleased them. Being delightful hosts, Tigers go all-out to see that you have a good time. They are intense individuals, especially when upset and angry, but Tigers are famous for their ability in influencing others and swaying crowds.

農曆新年

MUSICAL TREAT OF THE WEEK

Furniture History: THE LOVERS SEAT

tête-à-tête

/ˈteɪtəˈteɪt, ˈtɛtəˈtɛt; Fr. tɛtaˈtɛt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [teyt-uh-teyt, tet-uh-tet; Fr. te-ta-tet] IPA noun, plural tête-à-têtes, French tête-à-tête, adjective, adverb

–noun

1.	a private conversation or interview, usually between two people.

2.	Also called vis-à-vis. a sofa shaped like an S so two people are able to converse face to face.

–adjective

3.	of, between, or for two persons together without others.

–adverb

4.	(of two persons) together in private: to sit tête-à-tête.

---

Origin:
1690–1700;

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.

Yes, the tete a tete is by invention a piece of furniture designed for 2. But did you know that during the height of its popularity in the 1700's, it was known as "The Lovers Seat"? This allowed for intimate, face to face conversation during courtship, while avoiding the taboo of sitting too close. We wouldn't want young Francois getting too hot under his French collar now, would we?

Of course today the tete a tete is more of a curiosity, or literal conversation piece in the world of home decor. But its always been a smart looking piece of furniture, and perhaps on occassion, still a very good idea!

FRIENDS AND LOVERS

Last Easter after dinner and a few mimosas, my friend Jeff Lewis said something that gave all of us a serious case of the bellyaches. "You know eventually, we're going to have to rent a hall to accommodate all of Michael's exes." I keep thinking about it. Should I feel blessed to have experienced so much love in my life, or completely bitter for possessing a Teflon heart?

Well of course I feel blessed. I mean let's face it. The fact that I have remained close friends with almost every person I've had a significant relationship with over the last 25 years is rather extraordinary, don't you think? It's kind of a running joke amongst all of us. You know whats even funnier? They've even formed their own friendships with each other, completely independent from me! But it's not just funny, its also tender. And dear to me. The dynamics are so rare and unusual, that I'm sure we could volunteer to take part in a case study or something.

A few years ago I was at the Halloween parade in Chicago with Jeffrey, Kerry, and Jim. A friend leaned in close as he was walking by us and said "How nice. It's the Ex Boyfriends Club." I thought to myself, "Yeah. It is nice."

Its a comfort to know that you don't have to stop loving someone just because the scope of your relationship changes. That a change of heart, or direction can be forgiven because you have treated each other with kindness and respect. That the kinship that brought you together needn't diminish, but grow.

I don't know where I'd be without these guys. They've taught my heart so many things . Mostly that Teflon hearts, have steel cores- and never wear out.
I am grateful to have all of you in my life.
You were my lovers. You are my friends.

5 THINGS I'M IN LOVE WITH

1. VOLUSPA CANDLES

I've been a fan for years...check out the Voluspa website for a retailer near you!
http://voluspa.com/

2. DAVID BACCO CHOCOLATS

I'm one of those freaks who could honestly go the rest of my life without chocolate, and NEVER miss it. I know. I could be burned at the stake for that one. However, I'm simply MAD for David Bacco's out-of-this-world artisan chocolates. For Valentines Day, or ANY day...

www.davidbacco.com

3.GRACE HOME FURNISHINGS

This Los Angeles retailer is oh so chic. And fabulous. And glamorous.
Did I mention chic?
http://www.gracehomefurnishings.com/


4.WRITING

I've never been a journal keeper, and other than contributing to the school newspaper in junior high, I've never written anything that's been published. But writing for the blog has liberated the writer that lived deep down inside of me. I've relished getting to know him better...

5. MORRISSEY
Oh Morrissey. You can throw your arms around me...HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Quite possibly the most inspirational thing I have ever seen...

Introducing: THE VLOG

Introducing: PROJECT NO FEAR

Is fear keeping you from accomplishing the things that you want to, or just plain getting in the way of you taking care of business?

Are you letting fear lord over the dreams you hold hostage in your heart? Well, I have too. But I've come up with a game plan, to set them free...

I'M NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING

There were dozens upon dozens of video entries for Jason Robert Brown's 2008 Karaoke Contest featuring the song "I'm Not Afraid Of Anything" from Songs For A New World. I stumbled across them on Youtube by accident, and became quite endeared to this beautiful song. It's your Musical Treat of The Week, and my mantra for 2010. These are two of my favorites...