Blog No. 282: Theo of Golden, Singing Bowls, Ajo Blanco Gazpacho Soup

Theo of Golden
by Allen Levi

“Stories cast spells.” And this one certainly does… I just finished the New York Times bestseller Theo of Golden this morning and decided to toss aside all my plans for this lead story on my blog and write about this book. I am not going to say much because I was in many ways left without words upon finishing it and I want the book and the author Allen Levi to speak for themselves...

What I will say very broadly is that the central character is an 87 year old man from Portugal named Theo who shows up in the southern town of Golden, Georgia and gets to know many of the townspeople.

I found the book very inspirational although the author insists it is not a book about idealism--he is convinced that it is realistic... Allen Levi reminds us that life is all about choices.

I just want to encourage you to read it and then please come back to this blog entry and comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I hope you like it as much as I did.

If, when you finish, you don’t want to see it end or you have questions and want more information, there is a great conversation between Levi Allen and his old friend, bookstore owner Ben May. Well worth the listen!

Singing Bowls for Stress Relief

To follow Tseyang, click image above

There is so much free floating anxiety in the air these days that we can't help but be affected. As an antidote, I find meditation and listening to these singing bowls from time to time as a way to ground and center myself and release some of that anxious feeling deep in my gut when I think of the state of the world.

I hope this eleven minute video from Tibetan yoga teacher Tseyang helps to reduce some of the stress...Get comfortable and spend the next ten minutes just letting go...

White Gazpacho Soup

Ingredients for this delicious soup

Babbo-Style White Gazpacho (Ajo Blanco Inspired)
Serves 4–6

Ingredients
* 1 cup blanched almonds (Marcona if possible)
* 2 cups seedless green grapes
* 1 English cucumber, peeled and chopped
* 2 slices rustic white bread, crusts removed
* 2 garlic cloves
* 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
* 2–3 cups ice
* Kosher salt
* White pepper

Garnish ideas
* Halved green grapes
* Toasted almonds
* Chive oil or olive oil drizzle
* Tiny cucumber dice
* Croutons

Instructions
1. Soak the bread in a little cold water for 5 minutes, then squeeze dry.
2. Blend almonds, garlic, grapes, cucumber, and bread until smooth.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending so it emulsifies.
4. Add sherry vinegar and enough ice water to reach a silky soup consistency.
5. Season with salt and white pepper.
6. Strain through a fine sieve for a restaurant-style smooth texture.
7. Chill at least 3 hours before serving.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow Fish House. mixed media on canvas. 60” x 40”. in progress

Charity of the Week:
ACLU

Book of the Week

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About The Author
New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.