Commonplace Book
"Commonplace book?"A notebook; a journal; a collection of thoughts, ideas, observations and practicalities. My commonplace book is less organised than most; perhaps chaotically organised. I first came across this concept on the welcome page of Matthew Graybosch at starbreaker, so my thanks to him. |
CurryI found myself in need of sustenance, but lacking the required appliances I needed to become resourceful. A simple concoction of tomato purée, curry spice and flaxseed, mixed with boiled water, was all that I needed to produce an exotic sauce to go with my lentils and tinned fish. JRH, London |
ApellesI discovered a glorious olive green from mixing vine black with earth yellow. This is the palette of the ancients and I shall explore further. JRH, London |
PineThe pine tree outside my house has magpies in the morning and owls in the evening. These are nice bookends to the day, accompanied by the call of the wild fox. JRH, London |
JupiterI couldn't believe that I was looking at Jupiter with a naked eye. The horns of The Bull marked it clearly in the sky as it hovered above Orion. By that time, Sirius had risen and beckoned like a home-coming beacon just above the tree line. JRH, London |
MableShe was a good dog, wearing her red bandana and staring at me as we travelled the great highways of the Americas. We would stop at isolated Inns, and they were kind and allowed Mable and me to rest. She had been scorned in the past and had lost her voice, until I taught her the art of barking. From that point on, she sang with the coyotes. JRH, London |
AnchoviesI discovered a delicacy that is simple to make. Spread tomato purée over Greek flatbread and add a layer of the finest anchovies. When folded and placed upon a heated receptacle, it makes for a fine dinner; especially with a small glass of warmed, red wine. JRH, London |
WinterThis year, I shall celebrate the Winter Solstice; the birth of the Sun, rather the son. A whole orange, spiked with many cloves, creates a wonderful aroma of exotic spice when placed upon a warmer. JRH, London |
HealingA few days ago, I embraced a lady who was facing her own death. I saw her today and she looked better. JRH, London |
FoxIt was approximately three in the morning when I awoke on the cold park bench. As I looked into the darkness, a fox appeared and we both stared at each other. He then ran off to his burrow, and I was left without a place to rest my head. JRH, London |
LinguiniLinguini, cooked, and then mixed into melted butter with chopped anchovies is a most comforting meal. An addition of black pepper and a little oregano are the only other additions, other than the wine of choice. JRH, London |
DesertA most notable moment was witnessing the bedouin tribes in Wadi Rum retrieve a large cooking pot that had been buried in the sands of the desert. At first, it did not seem big enough to feed our group, but as they continued to pull it up from the sand, I could see that it was deeper than I thought. That night, we all dined well in our makeshifts tents. JRH, London |
StormsIt has been a noisy day. I seek the sanctuary of the evening away from it all despite the howling storm. In fact, the gales are a welcome relief, as they seem to have purpose. JRH, London |