Oh hey! Hi! Pull up a chair. Let's chat about a few interesting things. But before we do.... I have 3 original abstract paintings ON SALE 50% OFF Yes indeed! I'm making room for new work and these beauties must go to new homes! Have a peek here. READ MORE...... The Newsletter COPYRIGHT 2007-2024 Patti Friday b.1959 ..read more

Anthony Bourdain was an American chef, author, and television personality known for his influential work in the culinary world.  Here are some key aspects of his life and career: HIS LIFE 1. Career as a Chef: Bourdain began his career as a chef and worked in various restaurants, eventually becoming the executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York City. His culinary career laid the foundation for his later work in media. 2. Authorship: He gained widespread recognition with his 2000 book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. The book offered a ..read more

"Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" was a documentary-style travel and food show.  The format of the show included: 1. Travel and Exploration: Anthony Bourdain traveled to various locations around the world, exploring diverse cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Each episode focused on a specific destination or region. 2. Food and Culinary Experiences: The show highlighted local food and dining experiences, often featuring traditional dishes, street food, and unique culinary practices. Bourdain frequently dined with locals and explored the cultural significance of the food. 3. Cultu ..read more

The idea of creating space for peace before asking for it is a profound concept. It suggests that peace requires preparation and intention. This aligns with the teachings of many spiritual traditions, including Judaism. In Jewish practice, taking three steps back before saying “Shalom” (peace) during prayer symbolizes creating a physical and mental space to invite peace into one’s life. This act of stepping back can be seen as a way to pause, reflect, and prepare oneself to genuinely embrace and offer peace. Rabbi Zachs’ reference to this practice highlights the importance of intentionality ..read more

Key Buddhist practices focus on developing mindfulness, ethical behavior, and wisdom to achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment. Here are some central practices: 1. Meditation (Bhavana): Practicing meditation helps cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Common forms include:    - Mindfulness Meditation (Vipassana): Observing thoughts and sensations to understand their impermanent nature.    - Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta): Developing compassion and kindness towards oneself and others.    - Concentration Meditation (Samatha): Focusing the m ..read more

Tabletop items generally refer to objects that are commonly placed on tables for various purposes, including dining, decoration, or utility. Here are some categories of tabletop items: 1. Dining and Serving Items:    - Plates, Bowls, and Dishes: Dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, serving platters.    - Glassware: Drinking glasses, wine glasses, champagne flutes.    - Cutlery: Knives, forks, spoons, serving utensils.    - Serving Pieces: Trays, pitchers, bread baskets.    - Napkins and Napkin Rings: Cloth or paper napkins, napkin rin ..read more

Charles Macnamara (1870 – December 23, 1944) was an amateur photographer, entomologist, historian, and field naturalist born in 1870 in Quebec City, Quebec. He had a twin brother named Richard (Dickie), who died at the age of 10 due to typhoid fever. In 1880, his family moved to Arnprior, Ontario. When Macnamara left high school at the age of 14 in 1885, he joined his father in working for the McLachlin Brothers lumbering firm until 1936 where he worked six days a week as a bookkeeper. Despite his busy work schedule, he managed to maintain meticulously detailed docu ..read more

I went back! Recently I visited Ottawa, Ontario. As is my tradition, I had to make a visit  to my favourite Chinese food restaurant. Golden Palace. I said 'HELLO' to my two pink beauties..... My abstract paintings (2012) are still hanging on the back wall. I am so honoured! My hope is that the guests find that they add to the authentic decor of this must-eat-at restaurant! One word: Delicious! Golden Palace, a third-generation family-owned restaurant, holds the title of Ottawa's oldest Chinese Restaurant. For 64 years, guests have trusted them for the quality of their food and th ..read more

The Shanny COPYRIGHT 2007-2024 Patti Friday b.1959 ..read more

I woke up this morning to hear of the devastating forest fire that quickly swept through the town, with brave firefighters battling 300 ft. high flames. My heart broke. Jasper Park Lodge was probably one of my Father's top 3 places on Earth, filled with precious family memories. July 24, 2024 Dear Guests, At approximately 10:00 p.m. MT on July 22, 2024, the Municipality of Jasper declared a state of emergency. Residents and visitors in Jasper were ordered to evacuate the area due to the threat of a nearby wildfire. We are devastated by the situation that our Jasper and ..read more