True/False Film Fest

I have always wanted to attend True/False Film Fest: TRUE
I have a good excuse as to why I haven’t for the past six years: FALSE

Aren’t we all guilty of missing the really cool stuff that comes to our community? There are dozens of events, festivals and happenings on Columbia’s calendar most weeks. We have a GREAT city!

My friend Beth has been telling me, “you know, you really need to EXPERIENCE True/False you would love it!” I know she’s right, what’s not to love about Columbia’s down town, great historic theatres, local restaurants and the energy infused by the independent film community, not to mention I LOVE art, cinematography and people that are passionate about what they do.

So when my friend Barb said, “I think I’m coming into town to check out T/F, do you want to join me?” I knew this was my year to dive in and join the thousands (18,000 in ’08) for this Film Fest Experience.

Join us! Tickets are still available True/False Film Fest. And if you see the festival guide (pictured above) pick it up-it’s an excellent resource for all things T/F. Big thanks to my friend and film fest veteran Robin for giving me this one. I’ve got my LUX pass, a fist full of tickets and a fun friend to join me. Stay tuned to my T/F adventure on twitter. It’s TRULY going to be a great weekend!

In the Kitchen with Billie and Blackstar

Tonight I found myself home with no plans, no guests, no menu and no agenda. I grabbed my apron and decided to take full advantage of one of life’s simple pleasures – cooking dinner. While it would be easier to meet friends out, heat up a can of soup or throw something in the microwave, there’s something magical about being in the kitchen. The chopping, sipping, stirring and mixing while listening to music that speaks to your soul.

After surveying the freezer and pantry I decide on homemade turkey meatballs and whole wheat pasta with red sauce. In the mood for something relaxing I put on Billie Holiday and select a bottle of red. Tonight I am heading out of the state and choose Blackstar Farms 2004 Cab Franc. This interesting Michigan winery has a story all its own, but I’ll save that for another time.

People often ask me about decanting wine. One of the easiest no fuss no muss ways to do this is simply uncork the bottle and pour half a glass. Let it breathe. This allows air to get into the glass and gives some room in the bottle allowing the wine to open up. Take a sip immediately after opening and then return ten minutes later for another sip, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

The meatballs are browning, pasta water is boiling and it’s time for the sauce. While I long for the day that my dear, semi-professional chef, friend Matt teaches me to make his families old-world recipe, I make due using a jar sauce as a starter. Maybe this blog post will encourage him to put me on the Sunday afternoon cooking schedule to share the secret. I know there’s something about a chicken bone!?!

Tonight it will have to be Joe - Trader Joe’s! I love their house brand sauces, I begin with tomato basil. Adding a few spices and ingredients is a great way to make the sauce your own, not to mention a great time saver. While this feels a bit like cheating, I draw the line at some substitutions. I always use fresh garlic and hand grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese they make all the difference!

Cheers to a delicious and relaxing evening!

Making a Difference for the Central Missouri Humane Society

One of the greatest joy's in my life is my best friend Angie's daughter Amanda. She has always held a very special place in my heart. Amanda is beautiful, talented and smart! Growing up her Mother and I have stressed to her that what makes a person truly beautiful is "what's on the inside." After reading her story you will see that she has a beautiful, God giving heart. Please help Amanda and and her friend Libby make a difference for our local shelter. I am honored to share with you in her words their story...

Hey everybody,

My name is Amanda, I am a volunteer at the Central Missouri Humane Society. Last Sunday alone, we checked in 31 animals. Our Humane Society is an open door shelter, which means that they take any animal that comes through the door. Sadly, it is a kill shelter and they have to put many dogs to sleep every week. My friends and I really wanted to help. We went on the Internet and found a website called zootoo.com. This is a FREE website that lets you register your shelter and pets and earn points for a million dollar makeover to our local humane society. You make an account and register your shelter as the Central Missouri Humane Society. All of the points that you earn will go to the shelter. At the end of the 50 days the top 20 shelters that have raised the most points will go into the 2nd part of a contest that leads to a million dollar make over. Then they select the top 10 of those 20 shelters. For the last 10 shelters America votes! We have a shot at winning but I need you and everyone you know to make an account and register our shelter and get points towards the Central Missouri Humane Society. Here are some pictures I took myself and a poem I wrote:

If I were a Dog

If I were a dog I would prance and play
If I were a dog I would do so all day
I would run around with my tail up high
And then my eyes would meet the sky
To see the tufts floating right there
And jumping so freely and leaping through air
And have someone who loves me
And to come home the a place that’s always warm and fuzzy
Where the people would love me
And the children would hug me
I would give them endless kisses
And when they leave I am the first who misses
If I were a dog I would live without a care
And for the ones who need me, I would always be there
My job as a dog is more important than it seems
Because I will always have someone relying on me
Through thick and through thin
I will be there until the end
I will always be loyal as mans best friend

Written by: Amanda Age 13