In memory of my dear friend Emily. This is the first time I've blogged since she passed away. Not only was she of my most avid blog readers, she was also one of the people that I spent many of my blog adventures with and I miss her like crazy. This piece is one that we talked about often and that I threatened and she dared me, on more than one occasion to blog about.
This adventure is one that happens about once a month. Although, whose actual adventure it is remains unclear. I suppose it depends largely on the perspective of the person who either is the party or, the the person who is party to the adventure.
From the perspective of being an actual participant, it's kind of more like an out of control Carnival ride, with salty chips, soda, loads of chocolate, and sometimes cotton candy.
This is also dedicated to all the women who have had 'life" happen to them, and the men who happen to witness the happening and those who have lived through it to see it repeat itself....and when I say happen, I just mean that there are times (Men pay close attention) when a woman really has no control over her emotions. We're not talking about shopping for new houses with pretty kitchens and bathrooms, or for new shoes. Coincidentally, these are both extremely 'emotional' situations for most women....just saying. If what I just said sounds confusing, that's a mere glimpse into the wonderful world of unbalanced hormones.
Boys, let me be candid in saying that your girl probably isn't demon possessed, even though you may feel at the end of the day that an exorcism could be in order. You may even find yourself 'googling' the nearest Clergyman.
And contrary to an ever growing and popular belief, not all women are riding on the bi-polar coaster. ;although, there are times when it may seem that there is no other reason for the way they are acting.
The good news is, that there is a reason, and you've met her (the reason), the one who isn't always reasonable; we've all met her at one time or another (some have met her more times than others) Allow me to introduce you to the one I like to simply call "Goth Girl." There is a great possibility that she is a distant cousin to "Hell Boy."
This is the girl at that certain time of the month that takes over your wonderful angelic girlfriends and wives and changes them into a wicked fire breathing dragon lady. Goth Girl is not a bad girl, she's just mostly dark, brooding, lamentatious; and seemingly strange and unusual.
There are a few reasons for her to show her dark spirit, one being that helpless feeling of her body being taken over by an unseen force, sometimes driving her into excruciating physical pain or even making her feel like a completely different person altogether. Even the most "together' gals can quickly become a "Goth Girl" and some will go a little further and become an "Evil Goth Girl." She is a force to reckoned with and, might I add, that one should use great caution when approaching the latter, as she can be volatile hot mess.
As many of us know, most experiences with Goth Girl Syndrome is quite temporary, lasting three to five days per month. Be advised that it is best not to anger or upset the delicate balance of the Dictatorship role that your woman has taken during this time of the month....that's just asking for trouble.
The best news is that within a few days, all should return to normal, at least for the next 28 days. :)
Cheers! Until the next adventure.
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Keep the Blog Alive
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Sunday, 20 July 2014
Sunday, 8 June 2014
Cowboy of the Rings
Many of you have already had the pleasure of "Meeting the Marlboro Man." For those of you who haven't, please simply click the link and meet him. As always all yellow areas are links
Meet the Marlboro Man
For Rob - some things I never say out loud and some things have to be said because someone else needs to hear them.
"Some People feel the rain....others just get wet."
~ Bob Dylan
This is a story that is very near and dear to me; it gets me emotional. It reminds me that timing is everything. It's about a sincere gift of hope from one of the most honest men that I know on this entire planet.
Some people ask me about them; others simply respect my privacy.
I wear two identical rings on either hand. Both on my ring fingers. It has been mistaken and misinterpreted that I am married, which I am not.
My friend, Nick, whom I call the Marlboro Man, gave me these rings about four years ago.
The rings spin and have three things written on the bands - BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH.
Nick gave them to me, and told me that they symbolize HOPE. That they are for the days when things weren't going right; when I'm not sure what I'm doing or why I'm doing it.
He said they would line up whenever I was helping someone who needed me, teaching them to still BELIEVE in things, showing them that people can still TRUST other people, or simply quietly waiting with them to rediscover their FAITH in themselves, love or life.
"It's how you will know you're in the right place, Cupcake. The one on the left is yours, the one on the right belongs to the person who needs you." He said, as he gently placed each ring on my finger. His worn hands, rough and leathery were gentle, and his touch as soft and kind as his deep blue eyes.
We met at a time when neither of us knew we were gonna need each other so much; His wife had recently passed away, and I was still licking my too fresh divorce wounds. His nephew, Wade introduced us, and he instantly welcomed me into his family.
Marlboro Man (Nick) says I remind him of his deceased wife Oliva, whom he fondly refers to as Livvy. "She was spunky like you. Nothing got in the way. She was hard to catch and keep. But I got her eventually." He says, chuckles, lights another cigarette, and then tugs on the chain around his weathered neck, where two identical rings like ones he's given me hang.
He continues after what seems on his face like a hard thought to put into words. He points his nicotine yellowed finger tip at me, the cigarette still clenched between them and says
" Losing your love to death, like mine or to divorce like yours, steals our thunder, humbles us into knowing we can't control the universe even if we think it's ours to control. You follow me Cupcake?" I nod. "The place where the pain begins is the place it always ends..with you....Find YOU, get back on the horse and keep riding. Keep the good memories for when you need them. Lose the bad ones."
I always say that I got the better part of the deal. He always says "Friendships that know what they have, never let go."
The first time he said that, I must have looked at him funny because he added, "Opening yourself up to let someone in, to simply trust someone, especially after a tragic incident in your life, is a condition that we, as people, haven't been used to for so long, it's damn near a lost art form....just an old cowboy's oh two."
Standing in front of him then was a feeling of pure presence that I cannot easily shake and one that I will never forget, like meeting the ultimate role model.
When Nick first handed the rings to me, and I attempted to accept them, palm up waiting...he snatched them back quickly, and it reminded me of the Hobbits, in the Lord of the Rings..This man was bestowing me with the power of these 'precious' rings. As he placed them in my up turned palms he said "Be a good steward over what you've been given. It's what's in your heart, at your core, that's pure gold. Not much else matters."
Cheers until the next adventure!!!
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Meet the Marlboro Man
For Rob - some things I never say out loud and some things have to be said because someone else needs to hear them.
"Some People feel the rain....others just get wet."
~ Bob Dylan
This is a story that is very near and dear to me; it gets me emotional. It reminds me that timing is everything. It's about a sincere gift of hope from one of the most honest men that I know on this entire planet.
Some people ask me about them; others simply respect my privacy.
I wear two identical rings on either hand. Both on my ring fingers. It has been mistaken and misinterpreted that I am married, which I am not.
My friend, Nick, whom I call the Marlboro Man, gave me these rings about four years ago.
The rings spin and have three things written on the bands - BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH.
Nick gave them to me, and told me that they symbolize HOPE. That they are for the days when things weren't going right; when I'm not sure what I'm doing or why I'm doing it.
He said they would line up whenever I was helping someone who needed me, teaching them to still BELIEVE in things, showing them that people can still TRUST other people, or simply quietly waiting with them to rediscover their FAITH in themselves, love or life.
"It's how you will know you're in the right place, Cupcake. The one on the left is yours, the one on the right belongs to the person who needs you." He said, as he gently placed each ring on my finger. His worn hands, rough and leathery were gentle, and his touch as soft and kind as his deep blue eyes.
We met at a time when neither of us knew we were gonna need each other so much; His wife had recently passed away, and I was still licking my too fresh divorce wounds. His nephew, Wade introduced us, and he instantly welcomed me into his family.
Marlboro Man (Nick) says I remind him of his deceased wife Oliva, whom he fondly refers to as Livvy. "She was spunky like you. Nothing got in the way. She was hard to catch and keep. But I got her eventually." He says, chuckles, lights another cigarette, and then tugs on the chain around his weathered neck, where two identical rings like ones he's given me hang.
He continues after what seems on his face like a hard thought to put into words. He points his nicotine yellowed finger tip at me, the cigarette still clenched between them and says
" Losing your love to death, like mine or to divorce like yours, steals our thunder, humbles us into knowing we can't control the universe even if we think it's ours to control. You follow me Cupcake?" I nod. "The place where the pain begins is the place it always ends..with you....Find YOU, get back on the horse and keep riding. Keep the good memories for when you need them. Lose the bad ones."
I always say that I got the better part of the deal. He always says "Friendships that know what they have, never let go."
The first time he said that, I must have looked at him funny because he added, "Opening yourself up to let someone in, to simply trust someone, especially after a tragic incident in your life, is a condition that we, as people, haven't been used to for so long, it's damn near a lost art form....just an old cowboy's oh two."
Standing in front of him then was a feeling of pure presence that I cannot easily shake and one that I will never forget, like meeting the ultimate role model.
When Nick first handed the rings to me, and I attempted to accept them, palm up waiting...he snatched them back quickly, and it reminded me of the Hobbits, in the Lord of the Rings..This man was bestowing me with the power of these 'precious' rings. As he placed them in my up turned palms he said "Be a good steward over what you've been given. It's what's in your heart, at your core, that's pure gold. Not much else matters."
Cheers until the next adventure!!!
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Monday, 26 May 2014
Interview with the "Recruiter"... If a JOB could see me now.
This adventure begins where most of hope us it ends, with the employment recruiter. That is, the employment recruiter telling us that we are perfect for their client, exactly what they are looking for, ecetera ecetera....visions of sugar plums, delusions of grandeur and all that stuff.
Unfortunately, that is not his demeanor today. This interview has begun badly. You had everything, and I mean everything planned. You did everything you were supposed to do the night before to make certain that everything was perfect and would go smoothly.
What made this interview go so badly? What made the 'recruiter' act as if you were divorcing him rather than simply interviewing for employment? We may never know, but let's have a look at the events leading up to the demise of your new found potential future employment.
The night before, you carefully chose the perfect 'interviewing outfit'; black slacks, a white shell and light black jacket (the summer kind) matched with a pair of heeled short boots, that are smashing on you, Darling. You add earrings and a pendant.
In addition to having the perfect 'interviewing outfit' pressed and ready to go; you have all of your documents in order:
1. Copies of your resume, that were emailed to you from a recruiter you interviewed with the previous week.
2. Copies of your certifications in your specified field.
3. The three questions that the recruiter asked you to bring with you; written on a small legal pad and answered in your
same neat hand.
You have meticulously filled out the online portion of the interview with the exception of creating a video, which you will do at the recruiting office.
There was one thing that you did put off until your actual arrival at the recruiting office and that was the 'taxman' forms.
You arrive at the recruiting office and the gal in the front takes your identification and hands you even more forms to fill out. After you have finished that portion, she disappears into the back and emerges, followed by the "recruiter." Who on the outside and at first hand shake appears to quite normal. You follow him down the hallway to his 'office' which you will soon come to refer to as his lair, for reasons that will unfold accordingly.
You can't stop thinking of this man as the Vampire Le Stat from Anne Rice's epic novel. He's not really a vampire.....or is he? He seems quite nice at the beginning of course, until he gets you in his office, then the gloves are off so to speak.
The initial greeting was pleasant, however, once the 'meet and great' was over and the door was closed, you couldn't have been more displeased with his behavior.
First he leaned in a little too close with his bad breath and remnants of his breakfast toast still stuck like glue between his front teeth. You can tell it was white bread.
Next he told you just how important his clients are and you had an immediate flash back of a bad date with a guy who thinks that the world revolves around him. You see a problem beginning; You're Spidey sense is tingling.
He asks for your resume which you proudly hand across the desk to him. If anything, you are over qualified for this position.
The look on his face is less than pleasant and his lips begin to move. He's asking why your phone number is not on the resume?
You answer "Aren't you a recruiter?" Apparently that's the wrong question to ask a vampire who's last meal was white bread. His face twists and he lifts his brow, allowing you to continue.
"Shouldn't the client be contacting you?" His lips purse and you quickly make a note to self - 'don't be smarter than the recruiter.'
If the interview hadn't gone South yet, it's now taking a nose dive. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a parachute with me, so I'm gonna hit the ground. Hopefully, like Spider Man, or at least like Cat Woman, who lands on her feet.
Lets have a look at what we mostly know about vampires..the suck blood, therefore draining you of energy. Check.
They mesmerize you, bringing you first into their hypnotic state and then using mind control on you. Check.
Not sure I even heard his last question. I just kept staring at the white bread lodged between his teeth and then I heard my voice saying " Yeah, I don't think is gonna work out." I was getting up and putting my resume back into my brief case.
The vampire recruiter's face had turned to utter disbelief that I was ending this interview and walking out of his office. I thanked him for his time, turned and went to pick up my identification that I had left with the gal at the front desk.
A smidgen of dignity still left in tact. Check. Onto to something more suitable and less Vampirish. And away I went smiling all the way. Knowing I wasn't going to be working for that guy.
Cheers, until the next adventure!!!
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Keep the Blog Alive
Unfortunately, that is not his demeanor today. This interview has begun badly. You had everything, and I mean everything planned. You did everything you were supposed to do the night before to make certain that everything was perfect and would go smoothly.
What made this interview go so badly? What made the 'recruiter' act as if you were divorcing him rather than simply interviewing for employment? We may never know, but let's have a look at the events leading up to the demise of your new found potential future employment.
The night before, you carefully chose the perfect 'interviewing outfit'; black slacks, a white shell and light black jacket (the summer kind) matched with a pair of heeled short boots, that are smashing on you, Darling. You add earrings and a pendant.
In addition to having the perfect 'interviewing outfit' pressed and ready to go; you have all of your documents in order:
1. Copies of your resume, that were emailed to you from a recruiter you interviewed with the previous week.
2. Copies of your certifications in your specified field.
3. The three questions that the recruiter asked you to bring with you; written on a small legal pad and answered in your
same neat hand.
You have meticulously filled out the online portion of the interview with the exception of creating a video, which you will do at the recruiting office.
There was one thing that you did put off until your actual arrival at the recruiting office and that was the 'taxman' forms.
You arrive at the recruiting office and the gal in the front takes your identification and hands you even more forms to fill out. After you have finished that portion, she disappears into the back and emerges, followed by the "recruiter." Who on the outside and at first hand shake appears to quite normal. You follow him down the hallway to his 'office' which you will soon come to refer to as his lair, for reasons that will unfold accordingly.
You can't stop thinking of this man as the Vampire Le Stat from Anne Rice's epic novel. He's not really a vampire.....or is he? He seems quite nice at the beginning of course, until he gets you in his office, then the gloves are off so to speak.
The initial greeting was pleasant, however, once the 'meet and great' was over and the door was closed, you couldn't have been more displeased with his behavior.
First he leaned in a little too close with his bad breath and remnants of his breakfast toast still stuck like glue between his front teeth. You can tell it was white bread.
Next he told you just how important his clients are and you had an immediate flash back of a bad date with a guy who thinks that the world revolves around him. You see a problem beginning; You're Spidey sense is tingling.
He asks for your resume which you proudly hand across the desk to him. If anything, you are over qualified for this position.
The look on his face is less than pleasant and his lips begin to move. He's asking why your phone number is not on the resume?
You answer "Aren't you a recruiter?" Apparently that's the wrong question to ask a vampire who's last meal was white bread. His face twists and he lifts his brow, allowing you to continue.
"Shouldn't the client be contacting you?" His lips purse and you quickly make a note to self - 'don't be smarter than the recruiter.'
If the interview hadn't gone South yet, it's now taking a nose dive. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a parachute with me, so I'm gonna hit the ground. Hopefully, like Spider Man, or at least like Cat Woman, who lands on her feet.
Lets have a look at what we mostly know about vampires..the suck blood, therefore draining you of energy. Check.
They mesmerize you, bringing you first into their hypnotic state and then using mind control on you. Check.
Not sure I even heard his last question. I just kept staring at the white bread lodged between his teeth and then I heard my voice saying " Yeah, I don't think is gonna work out." I was getting up and putting my resume back into my brief case.
The vampire recruiter's face had turned to utter disbelief that I was ending this interview and walking out of his office. I thanked him for his time, turned and went to pick up my identification that I had left with the gal at the front desk.
A smidgen of dignity still left in tact. Check. Onto to something more suitable and less Vampirish. And away I went smiling all the way. Knowing I wasn't going to be working for that guy.
Cheers, until the next adventure!!!
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Keep the Blog Alive
Monday, 14 April 2014
Real Life MONOPOLY..the Money spends better
Once upon a time... my favorite game (and I still play when I have time) was and is MONOPOLY. The actual board game; Not to be confused with McDonald's win free french fries and a shake. The game where you buy and sell, build and trade, collect rents and hope to own the UTILITY companies; land on FREE parking, avoid going to jail or at least get a "get out of jail FREE" card.
Over many years, I learned how to play MONOPOLY in the real world, and it was just as big an adventure as it was playing the board game as a kid.
The first four years of my real life Monopoly career, were the hardest; the learning years. What the learning years really are is little or no money, long hours and complete dedication. Wow, I think I just described my former job.
It is, it was, it always will be hard work and dedication, but what isn't? My friend once said that "Nothing worth having is easy." I completely agree with him.
The beauty of real Monopoly is that you don't have to be the only employee. Just like in Monopoly, once you actually get those hotels built on Baltic Ave, it is no longer a divey hole; it's a profitable wonderland darn close to Park Place.
What you can hang your hat on is that real life Monopoly is a profitable outfit and most ordinary people will quit when it gets rough or uncomfortable, sell all their properties and head for the comfort of the sofa, a bag of chips and their television, just like in the board game... maybe throw in a beer.
I feel absolutely blessed to have the things that I and many others have hoped to see come to fruition over the years. Like the way Motorola innovated and lead the market with a phone that looked like a "communicator" from Star Trek, Microsoft developed software to make the dream of "a computer in every home" come to life, Apple taught a "team" how to put an "I" it...as in the Iphone, Ipad and Ipod.
Now comes the time when you, me, and others like us can make money and OWN a piece of the Utility companies...
Want Some? (click here)
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Contact Noelle Sangster at https://www.facebook.com/noelle.sangster
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Whoa Whoa Whoa!!..Sweet Talker.. Rant
"Genuinely" speaking..Yeah, let's talk about this for a minute.
Lately, I've been running into loads of gents, who when they speak to me, use terms that I have always associated with someone that you have been in a relationship with for a period of time.
It apparently is not so uncommon, and possibly even acceptable? (Yes I find that quite curious as well) to speak to a woman you barely know and call her "Hun, Sweetie, Cutie, Baby." and the like.
I personally find it to be patronizing, for the simple fact that YOU ,quite possibly, have absolutely NO IDEA who I am. How do you suddenly meet me one day and the next act like we've known each other for years?
Of course, I have a plethora of my own theories about this; some of them a slight bit Freudian, others not so much. Let's have a look at a few.
1. Lack of respect - There are unfortunately so many men who just have no respect for women. But not just men, people who have no respect for other people. It's heart breaking at best.
2. No clue - This literally piggy backs on my first response; guys (and gals) get a clue. There are some terribly fabulous people on this planet. Get to know someone, give a little of yourself, listen to the other person. Seriously take interest in someone for something other than their outward beauty.
3. So used to calling their wives "Hun, Sweetie, Cutie or Baby." It just sort of pops out in conversation. That should be a complete 'crimson colored triangle' (see my previous Rant on 'red flags')
4. They can't remember your name. - Self explanatory...and at least my 'rant' has ended with a cool song :)
Cheers!!! Til the next rant or adventure .......
Stay tuned for more 'Relationship Ninja" blogging.
Keep the Blog Alive
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Lately, I've been running into loads of gents, who when they speak to me, use terms that I have always associated with someone that you have been in a relationship with for a period of time.
It apparently is not so uncommon, and possibly even acceptable? (Yes I find that quite curious as well) to speak to a woman you barely know and call her "Hun, Sweetie, Cutie, Baby." and the like.
I personally find it to be patronizing, for the simple fact that YOU ,quite possibly, have absolutely NO IDEA who I am. How do you suddenly meet me one day and the next act like we've known each other for years?
Of course, I have a plethora of my own theories about this; some of them a slight bit Freudian, others not so much. Let's have a look at a few.
1. Lack of respect - There are unfortunately so many men who just have no respect for women. But not just men, people who have no respect for other people. It's heart breaking at best.
2. No clue - This literally piggy backs on my first response; guys (and gals) get a clue. There are some terribly fabulous people on this planet. Get to know someone, give a little of yourself, listen to the other person. Seriously take interest in someone for something other than their outward beauty.
3. So used to calling their wives "Hun, Sweetie, Cutie or Baby." It just sort of pops out in conversation. That should be a complete 'crimson colored triangle' (see my previous Rant on 'red flags')
4. They can't remember your name. - Self explanatory...and at least my 'rant' has ended with a cool song :)
Cheers!!! Til the next rant or adventure .......
Stay tuned for more 'Relationship Ninja" blogging.
Keep the Blog Alive
Copyright 2014 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Salad and a New Relationship -Vol 1
(cooking with the Relationship Ninja) vol 1
I'd like to introduce my friend Nina, she's a cooking wiz and has just as much information to offer in the realm of relationships as she does about food and cooking. As a matter of fact she intertwines the two quite nicely.
I've known Nina so long, she's become family. When we started cooking together, quite some time ago, a natural topic of conversation was about our lives, love, family and relationships. People who cook with their loved ones will completely understand what I mean here.
There's an amazing bond that comes from cooking together. Maybe it's the art of creating something wonderful and delicious together, or maybe it's as simple as spending time together; for me it's a culmination of both.
Nina became the "Relationship Ninja" to me, about six months after we met. Her 'ninja like' skills are as equal in relationship advice as her 'ninja like' culinary skills are in the kitchen. Be advised that Nina has been married for over 40 years (she won't let me say exactly how long), and has been cooking food with family much longer than that.
She swears that every relationship has a partner food that can relate to any situation. And through the years she has shared her wealth of information. One that is no match for even the best marriage counselors... just saying.
My ninja has asked that I make it very clear that she in no way advocates emotional eating binges, or just macking on comfort food to soothe your sorrows away. She always says, "Just cause you cook it, don't mean you gotta eat it." Side note: She does not waste food either. Someone always eats what she cooks.
Today we are building a simple salad. According to the Relationship Ninja, this salad relates closely to a new relationship...
"Building a solid relationship," she says "is like the foundation of a good salad." She carefully removes one head of lettuce and a bag from the bottom drawer of her fridge. They are romaine and fresh baby spinach. She explains that both have many vitamins and minerals. "Relatively speaking" she adds, as she chops the lettuce, "a good foundation in the relationship are truths and values. Just as important as putting good vitamins and minerals into your body."
She tosses the chopped romaine in the bowl and says "truths" then tops it with a bunch of fresh spinach, mixes them quickly and says "and values," then smiles at me. "Building a relationship based simply on sex is like using ice berg lettuce for the base of a salad...."
"Why?" I wanna know.
The ninja tells me "Ice berg is mostly water. Which means it may be satisfying for the moment, but you get nothing from it once the water is used up."
We add cucumbers, tomato, colored bell peppers, raisins and walnuts. It's what my ninja friend calls "the fun stuff, after a good foundation."Then we top it with a favorite dressing (mine is a fig & walnut balsamic vinaigrette) and voila! LUNCH.
Read More Sangster Here :)
Copyright 2014 - 2016 Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
The Relationship Ninja Vol 2 - Bread & Love
The Relationship Ninja Vol 3 - Famil y & A Breakfast Casserole
The Relationship Ninja Vol 4 Part 1 - Marriage
The Relationship Ninja Vol 4 Part 2 - Marriage
The Relationship Ninja Vol 5 - Equally Yolked
The Relationship Ninja Vol 6 - Salmon Ceviche & Rebound Sex
The Relationship Ninja Vol 7 - Curing Olives
Keep the Blog alive
I'd like to introduce my friend Nina, she's a cooking wiz and has just as much information to offer in the realm of relationships as she does about food and cooking. As a matter of fact she intertwines the two quite nicely.
I've known Nina so long, she's become family. When we started cooking together, quite some time ago, a natural topic of conversation was about our lives, love, family and relationships. People who cook with their loved ones will completely understand what I mean here.
There's an amazing bond that comes from cooking together. Maybe it's the art of creating something wonderful and delicious together, or maybe it's as simple as spending time together; for me it's a culmination of both.
Nina became the "Relationship Ninja" to me, about six months after we met. Her 'ninja like' skills are as equal in relationship advice as her 'ninja like' culinary skills are in the kitchen. Be advised that Nina has been married for over 40 years (she won't let me say exactly how long), and has been cooking food with family much longer than that.
She swears that every relationship has a partner food that can relate to any situation. And through the years she has shared her wealth of information. One that is no match for even the best marriage counselors... just saying.
My ninja has asked that I make it very clear that she in no way advocates emotional eating binges, or just macking on comfort food to soothe your sorrows away. She always says, "Just cause you cook it, don't mean you gotta eat it." Side note: She does not waste food either. Someone always eats what she cooks.
Today we are building a simple salad. According to the Relationship Ninja, this salad relates closely to a new relationship...
"Building a solid relationship," she says "is like the foundation of a good salad." She carefully removes one head of lettuce and a bag from the bottom drawer of her fridge. They are romaine and fresh baby spinach. She explains that both have many vitamins and minerals. "Relatively speaking" she adds, as she chops the lettuce, "a good foundation in the relationship are truths and values. Just as important as putting good vitamins and minerals into your body."
She tosses the chopped romaine in the bowl and says "truths" then tops it with a bunch of fresh spinach, mixes them quickly and says "and values," then smiles at me. "Building a relationship based simply on sex is like using ice berg lettuce for the base of a salad...."
"Why?" I wanna know.
The ninja tells me "Ice berg is mostly water. Which means it may be satisfying for the moment, but you get nothing from it once the water is used up."
We add cucumbers, tomato, colored bell peppers, raisins and walnuts. It's what my ninja friend calls "the fun stuff, after a good foundation."Then we top it with a favorite dressing (mine is a fig & walnut balsamic vinaigrette) and voila! LUNCH.
Read More Sangster Here :)
Copyright 2014 - 2016 Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
The Relationship Ninja Vol 2 - Bread & Love
The Relationship Ninja Vol 3 - Famil y & A Breakfast Casserole
The Relationship Ninja Vol 4 Part 1 - Marriage
The Relationship Ninja Vol 4 Part 2 - Marriage
The Relationship Ninja Vol 5 - Equally Yolked
The Relationship Ninja Vol 6 - Salmon Ceviche & Rebound Sex
The Relationship Ninja Vol 7 - Curing Olives
Keep the Blog alive
Sunday, 7 July 2013
A Saturday Adventure in South Phoenix
Links are always in Yellow
Once upon a time...well okay.....a few weeks ago......
It is a gorgeous Saturday morning. It is early enough both in the season and in the morning, that it's not yet blazing hot. I'm going for a horseback ride on South Mountain at the Ponderosa Stables Like many of you, when I think of horseback riding... I think of wide open desert spaces, or beautiful wooded trails far away from the city, with streams of cool water bubbling effortlessly over river rocks....not here.
The drive to the Ponderosa Stables is through so much city and concrete you wonder how there could possibly be any kind of wildlife (other than the kind you don't want to run into on a Friday night..lol).
I find my destination at the absolute end of Central Avenue. If the road didn't curve I would have driven straight into South Mountain. This stable has been hosting trail rides on South Mountain for about 40 years.
I arrive about 30 minutes prior to my scheduled ride and watch as riders and trail guides are coming in from their early morning rides.
Most of them are obviously tourists; I can tell because they are wearing shorts and running shoes (and their cameras give them away); improper attire for a horseback ride, let alone one through desert vegetation where there are venomous critters.
The Cowboy that runs Ponderosa is a Massachusetts Cowboy? I know, right? That's exactly what I thought. But let's be honest, as we learned from the Marlboro Man; a Cowboy is such because of his heart, not his state of residence.
It's a great ride for the scenery and South Mountain is a site you absolutely have to see while in Phoenix.
The Ponderosa does offer more rides that include a breakfast ride and a steak dinner ride. It's a great way to get out and see some of the natural desert areas of Phoenix. The prices are reasonable, and the company is good. The trail cowboys and cowgirls work for tips, so please be generous.
Bring some sort of hat , bring water, and wear cowboy boots if you have them. Remember: we are a guest in nature's domain, please use manners. Sun poisoning is not fun :( and I can't imagine rattlesnake bites are either.
Cheers, until the next adventure!!!
Copyright 2013-2016 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Keep the Blog Alive
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
Once upon a time...well okay.....a few weeks ago......
It is a gorgeous Saturday morning. It is early enough both in the season and in the morning, that it's not yet blazing hot. I'm going for a horseback ride on South Mountain at the Ponderosa Stables Like many of you, when I think of horseback riding... I think of wide open desert spaces, or beautiful wooded trails far away from the city, with streams of cool water bubbling effortlessly over river rocks....not here.
The drive to the Ponderosa Stables is through so much city and concrete you wonder how there could possibly be any kind of wildlife (other than the kind you don't want to run into on a Friday night..lol).
I find my destination at the absolute end of Central Avenue. If the road didn't curve I would have driven straight into South Mountain. This stable has been hosting trail rides on South Mountain for about 40 years.
I arrive about 30 minutes prior to my scheduled ride and watch as riders and trail guides are coming in from their early morning rides.
Most of them are obviously tourists; I can tell because they are wearing shorts and running shoes (and their cameras give them away); improper attire for a horseback ride, let alone one through desert vegetation where there are venomous critters.
The Cowboy that runs Ponderosa is a Massachusetts Cowboy? I know, right? That's exactly what I thought. But let's be honest, as we learned from the Marlboro Man; a Cowboy is such because of his heart, not his state of residence.
It's a great ride for the scenery and South Mountain is a site you absolutely have to see while in Phoenix.
The Ponderosa does offer more rides that include a breakfast ride and a steak dinner ride. It's a great way to get out and see some of the natural desert areas of Phoenix. The prices are reasonable, and the company is good. The trail cowboys and cowgirls work for tips, so please be generous.
Bring some sort of hat , bring water, and wear cowboy boots if you have them. Remember: we are a guest in nature's domain, please use manners. Sun poisoning is not fun :( and I can't imagine rattlesnake bites are either.
Cheers, until the next adventure!!!
Copyright 2013-2016 - Noelle Sangster/Sangster Entertainment LLC - All rights reserved
Keep the Blog Alive
Noelle Sangster on Amazon
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