The song City of New Orleans written by Steve Goodman and made into a folk hit by Arlo Guthrie describes a train journey across America and all of the sights and sounds within. While New Orleans is the destination, the ballad only refers to the experience of arriving with well-crafted descriptions of the passengers and the scenery passing by. At one point, the lyrics reference “changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee”.
photos/krikit/2723721661/#cc_license
Posted by Tammy on June 27, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/06/27/enjoy-the-journe/
I had a meeting about 90 days ago with a knowledgeable woman who specializes in placing people on Corporate Boards. She works with individuals to build their resumes, coaches them on the types of opportunities that would make them more attractive candidates and ultimately puts them in touch with the networks where Corporate Board of Director searches take place. It’s a fascinating field and a growing need as corporate America ages and the need for succession planning takes place at all levels. We had a great meeting and while I don’t see myself seeking a role on a Corporate Board in the short term, it’s an interesting long-term prospect. As we concluded our meeting, I asked her for a realistic assessment; In 5 – 10 years would I be a viable candidate for a Board of Directors? Her reply?
My Oldest Son shows off his feminine side
Yes, you can definitely be a strong candidate. You’re different from most women I meet. You’re confident like a man.
Whoa! (more…)
Posted by Tammy on June 20, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/06/20/confident-like-a-man-fathers-day/
This is a delightful moment. I am co-authoring this blogpost with guest blogger, Calvin H. For those of you who do not know, Calvin is my middle son who turned 11 this week. His birthday and the activities that surrounded it are something that we’d like to share.
My Middle Child
Posted by Tammy on June 12, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/06/12/kids-learning-buy-local/
Several years back I was in a dinner club. On one occasion I opened my assigned recipe the day of our meal and realized that my dish was supposed to have marinated overnight. Problem! I don’t remember how I resurrected the food item but I certainly learned a lesson. Read the recipe in a timely fashion.
Photo by Kevin Dooley FlickrCC
Posted by Tammy on June 5, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/06/05/civil-discourse-sb1070-arizona-farm-labor/
You already know that Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones is a favorite book of mine. In it she speaks of filling spiral binders with her words consistently – one notebook per month. She writes that her efforts to get her thoughts on to paper actually translate to greater mental health for herself. I began blogging as a way to get myself to write more consistently and while it has done that, I also find myself spending an inordinate amount of time reading other blogs, commenting and analyzing traffic stats.
Sushi Ina's food journal
My friend Preston, a personal trainer, recently suggested that I begin writing something else down on a consistent basis. He recommends that I start keeping a food journal. All I have to do is write down what I eat all day long and add a few other ancillary comments about how I’m feeling after each meal or snack. That’s simple enough since I’m a healthy eater and of course I’m easily drawn in because it sets up a structured framework for me to operate within. (more…)
Posted by Tammy on May 30, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/30/keeping-a-food-journal-weight-loss/
It’s probably no surprise that my kitchen sports a healthy cookbook collection. I love the colorful images and flavorful descriptions. I have those specializing in regional cuisine (Louisiana, China the Beautiful, A Spanish Village), restaurant collections (Coyote Cafe, Greens, Manhattan Chili Company), food themes (Vegetarian Nights or Raw Food) and those describing individual specialty foods like Waffles, Pizza or Ice Cream.
Cookbook Corner in My Kitchen
I also have a pile of favorites stitched together by various school groups or women’s organizations such as Harstine Island Cooks or Seasoned with the Sun. Today as I’m flipping through the pages of the Silver Palate Good Times, I’m smiling at the occasional kitchen splatter and the comments that I’ve scratched in the margins over the years. (more…)
Posted by Tammy on May 23, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/23/performance-feedback-employee-engagement/
There’s no denying that I’m a morning person. I love to rise early and if I’m well rested, it’s easy to do. Waking before the sun. Sneaking into the kitchen. Turning on the espresso machine and lighting a candle. It’s one of the quiet times in our busy household. I can spend a few silent moments reading and remembering what I’m thankful for. Or I can take a walk during the time when the sky is the most amazing. Those moments really ground me for the entire day and I’ve come to depend on them. When I skip my morning ritual, I really miss it and I feel out of sorts. It’s one more form of structured framework that I live within and benefit from.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturalmom/ / CC BY 2.0
Posted by Tammy on May 16, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/16/early-morning-ritual/
It’s Mother’s Day and even if you aren’t a mother, we all have a mother – a woman who blessed us into this world and for most, someone who has nurtured our very existence. Oh, I could write a long and sappy ode to motherhood but as I look around my house at baseball cleats, smelly socks and gum wrappers, I choose to use this day instead, to celebrate women.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chleong/ / CC BY 2.0
I’ve been extremely fortunate over the last few years to meet extraordinary females. Some of you read my blog about meeting Sandra Day O’Connor. My early writing instruction came from Australian author, Kate Grenville. I’ve dined with Jay Parry, Esther Dyson, and Janet Napolitano and thousands of other women family members, friends, work colleagues, and amazing acquaintances. So without driving myself into an analytical frenzy, I’ve compiled a short list of 10 living women I’d love to meet. I can tell you with certainty that the moment that I hit the publish button, I’ll think of 20 more but right now, these women regardless of their politics, their religion and what sometimes appears as ill-fated publicity are women I’d love to take to lunch.
Posted by Tammy on May 10, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/10/the-girls-you-wish-you-knew/
I heard the Chairman of Petsmart speak at a press conference this week. He said, “Folks, these are not tough times. This is the new normal.” With uncharacteristic pessimism but dependable pragmatism, I picked up my blackberry and tweeted his comment to my followers.
T_McLeodPosted by Tammy on May 3, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/05/03/on-being-local/
Here in the desert the days are teetering between hot and cool. Just when I think summer temperatures are here, a cold front blows in and puts me back in sweaters. Growing up in Colorado, springtime was a bit different. I watched for the first crocus to lift it’s head against the late spring snow and my grandmother would announce that it was time for spring cleaning. Spring cleaning wasn’t just dusting and running the vacuum. It was the deep cleansing that eliminated winter cobwebs and sometimes sent a pile to the thrift store.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayr/ / CC BY 2.0
I have to admit that I haven’t kept up the ritual but when I do, it’s deeply satisfying. I love the feeling of having an organized closet or a clean car. It’s so nice to purge unused items that have collected over the past months or even years. I think it causes me to sleep better. (more…)
Posted by Tammy on April 27, 2010
https://agrigirl.com/2010/04/27/spring-cleaning/
A wife, a mom, an executive, a certified leadership coach and a breast cancer survivor. I love learning and I love to write and I'm often fascinated with the life lessons that come from my kitchen. Focusing on community-based Placemaking is the way that I work towards creating a healthier planet.
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