Tommia's Tablet

Illuminating notice

Posted on May 30, 2012 by TommiaW

Illuminating Blogger Award

I will admit it is fun to discover new readers, roamers and browsers who stumble upon the tablet.

It is a pleasant surprise when someone nominates me for an award. Such is the case thanks to sweet Sheri Kennedy of SheriJKennedyRiverside. Thank you for nominating me for the Illuminating Blogger Award.

The rules state the following:

One random thing about myself: I love learning languages. Remembering what’s learned is another story.

Five Bloggers who are illuminating:

Writing Wildly by Linda Garcia. Wonderful, witty and always uplifting.
Instantes by gomezcanaan. A reminder of never taking things for granted, of finding joy in the little things.
Creating Charlotte’s Web by Charlotte is a wonderful weaving of art (gems and wires) and words.
Vanessa Grassi is definitely a writer as she shares her stories in progress and words of wisdom.
Shards of DuBois includes great stained glass artwork in progress, poetry and photos to enjoy.

There are other illuminating word-weavers and blog-builders. Thank you for the enlightening reads!

Posted in Mischief, Anything, Yammering, Ponderings | 5 Comments

Take Two

Posted on May 29, 2012 by TommiaW

Second Take by Tommia Wright

A successful second shot of my breakfast companion.

And a reminder to slow down every once in a while.

Posted in Photos | Tagged humming bird, photo | 1 Comment

Remember

Posted on May 28, 2012 by TommiaW

May we remember

Those who served

Who paid the price

Of how our freedom was earned.

Posted in Mischief, Anything, Yammering | Leave a comment

Sunday Snapshot – Portland

Posted on May 27, 2012 by TommiaW

Portland Church by Tommia Wright

Granted, a part of the church is ‘under wraps,’ but the structure and stained glass successfully stopped me mid-stride during my stroll through Portland.

Posted in Photos | Tagged church, photos, Portland | 3 Comments

Hopping into Hippo Hardware

Posted on May 26, 2012 by TommiaW

Light Row by Tommia Wright

A.K.A. the Saturday Snapshot.

Wandering around Hippo Hardware was a fun exploration. Located in Portland, the family-feel establishment has friendly staff, and a wealth of things to browse through. Three stories of practical items from decades back and relatively newer, it reminded me of two stores I had enjoyed as a child.

The “Browse and Barter” was a similar shop in the Cascade Foothills where one could go through dresser drawers to find an assortment of buttons, cards, keys and other small things. And just as the name implied, one could barter for what was within.

The other store I remembered closed its doors not long ago. A second-hand store with two stories to explore. The upper level was the best because that was where the books were. That and one could see the lawn furniture and equipment for sale in the yard nearby.

With a ‘throw-away’ mentality, in good times and bad, what have we readily thrown away that may have been better off kept? What things have we tossed – accidentally, purposefully – that we regret? What things should definitely find their way to such a thrift shop for someone else to use?

Posted in Mischief, Anything, Yammering, Ponderings | Tagged Hippo Hardware, thrift shops | 2 Comments

Friday Ficlet – Tea Tapping Time

Posted on May 25, 2012 by TommiaW

Hippos on Parade by Tommia Wright

Tea Tapping Time

Hopping with hippos had been the precursor.
The object – who would feel ‘worser’
After ‘hours and hours’ of spinning around:
One singing jibberish; the other smiling, not making a sound.
A silly dance on wobbly feet,
While attempting to clap an off-rhythm beat.
When ‘older and taller’ the smallest became.
So set the first change in the old game.

Tea tapping time, the ‘dance’ came to be:
A focused moment of ‘watch and see.’
Saucepan – centered on the table – turned upside down,
The only rule: At tea-time, no frowns.
The game had begun with a song found by one.
One played while the other got the feel,
Music of new, of old, that was the deal.
Tempo tapped by teaspoon: one, two, three.
The other’s turn and challenge: perfect mimicry.

Decades had passed since the games began.
Time had come to train a younger fan:
Hopping with hippos was step one,
Followed by tea tapping time and other such fun.
With flutes, keyboards, trumpets, violins, drums
And the chorus of family providing accompanying hums.

Posted in Ficlet/Fragment, Mischief, Anything, Yammering | 2 Comments

Sweet Serenity of Sushi

Posted on May 24, 2012 by TommiaW

Layers of Green by Tommia Wright

What does the photo have to do with sushi? Nothing – directly. Yet if you think about it, the way the individual layers create a unique whole is something fun to discover and enjoy (as well as indulge).

The presentation of the ingredients, rolled together, inviting to the eyes, tempting to the taste buds. The delicate balance of the roe (fish eggs) or petals on top conceal the main feature of the roll in question. The wrapping of the rice (with or without the dark green of seaweed, with or without the crunchy texture of tempura) when combined with what is inside and atop is to be taken in one bite. The mingling of flavors, textures and scents are mini-symphonies for the soul. The popping of roe at the tip of the tongue, the crunch of the lightly fried batter… Finding the proper words to describe it escape me.

Then there are the desserts, presented in appearance of the preceding meal – cakes colored and cut the way a roll would, a strawberry slice mimicking the roe, a few edible petals in place of the herbs. Or the subtle combination that makes a coconut custard, topped with finely diced fruits, such a kiwi or mango. Endings to a perfect meal small enough to enjoy at a lingering pace, again, a coda of flavors of delight.

My hat’s off to those behind the scenes who can create a culinary masterpiece with patience, passion and share it in a personable manner.

Ever have a meal that moved you so? When have you pondered all that went into creating the repast last enjoyed? What foods and meals do you lose yourself in creating, in sharing?

Posted in Mischief, Anything, Yammering | Tagged dining, enjoyment, food service, sushi | 2 Comments

Wobbly Wednesday

Posted on May 23, 2012 by TommiaW

Hum-still by Tommia Wright

Going to the Google homepage today led to a fun discovery: Robert Moog’s 78th birthday remembered with an interactive synthesizer. A link to a Christian Science Monitor article led to clips and ‘notes’ on how to play some of the popular songs of the 70’s and 80’s.

What does this have to do with today’s photo choice? Not much except that a lesson was learned in trying to capture something always moving.

Hum-blur by Tommia Wright

Trying to get a snapshot of my breakfast companion proved…blurry at best, very ill-timed at worst. Might have to try a different means of framing this shot.

In regards to the Interactive-Moog Google logo, the notes sounded just as off-kilter. Adjust a knob or two the wrong way and oy vey.

Posted in Mischief, Anything, Yammering | 4 Comments

Taking a Turn

Posted on May 22, 2012 by TommiaW

Mountain Meets the River by Tommia Wright

Otherwise known as killing time between work and appointment. Oh, there were practical things to get done (dinner, errands), but there’s something said for taking a detour between “Point A” and “Point B.”

The ‘shawl of sunlight’ on the left side of the mountain could not be ignored on this typical gray day.