Stuffed Mushrooms

This has become a go-to recipe when Tiana is home/visiting, and as shown in the picture, was specially requested to be made as an appetizer for Ariana’s wedding. If you have the ingredients (miso might require a trip to the health food store if you’re not a hippie like me, though if you make any…

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In (non-homophobic) Defense of Marriage

On Labor Day weekend I got to have the profound joy of walking Ariana down the aisle as she married a wonderful guy. Meanwhile, 2012 has been a year of upheaval for loved ones unlike anything I’ve ever experienced – people moving great distances, major professional transitions, physical and mental health struggles (including a wave…

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Nurturing vs. Butt-Whoopin’ in Teaching

As a teacher I am always working to figure out where to frame up on the continuum between being nice and encouraging vs. “keepin’ it real” in a way that might come off as harsh to students. I discuss this in the context of music study, since that’s what I do, but I think that the principles apply in many (though admittedly not all) other areas.

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Carrot-Ginger Dressing

I first had Japanese carrot-ginger salad dressing at a sushi place in New Haven maybe 20 years ago. This style of dressing has become a staple in our kitchen. It’s a versatile dressing, so if you’re not too much of a purist, any of these variations can be enacted depending on what’s in your pantry and still with positive results.

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I ‘Preciate Ya

Fourteen years ago today Kate and I got married. Last year I wrote about our vows, stating then that we succeeded in identifying principles that would make up a code of ethics for our married life, but the vows didn’t include overtly appreciating each other. I get it now.

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