Author: Annelies

The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman

Many years ago, I found myself guilty of a particular kind of deceit: that of giving a gift and then taking it back. At the time, one of my roommates in our overcrowded apartment bordering Ocean Beach had just entered the culinary program of one of our local San Francisco colleges. Her aspirations of being… Continue reading The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman

Open-Faced Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Goodbye. See you later. The difference is infintesimile but huge. One infers a finality, a wish that in Spanish conveys the person to God, adios. The other is more casual, connotes opportunity and potential for future meetings. If 2010 seemed to be the year of big changes, then 2011 is merely riding out the coat… Continue reading Open-Faced Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Lagarta Lodge Ensalada de Palmito

A former roommate of mine, Lisa, first introduced me to hearts of palm years ago. Picking my way through eating all during childhood, I missed a lot. When I first caught sight of the heart of palm in one of her salads (Lisa has the gift of salad-making), I was skeptical. Perhaps downright dubious. I… Continue reading Lagarta Lodge Ensalada de Palmito

Nosara, Costa Rica: Lagarta Lodge

I come from a long line of people who enjoy experiencing life through the olfactory and taste senses (aka “foodies”). Before me, there was Tia Berta. Before her, came my mom. At any given meal out, you can find any of us commenting to the other: “What’s that- coriander?” *Taste sauce again* “No, that’s definitely… Continue reading Nosara, Costa Rica: Lagarta Lodge

Pura Vida: an introduction to Nosara, Costa Rica

Pura Vida:  It’s a way of life. In Costa Rica, it kind of sums everything up. This catch-all phrase elicits smiles, nods, general agreement that in the end, it’s pure life. Costa Ricans get that distinction between living life and letting it pass by. We’re smitten. The Costa Rican (Tico) way of honoring life resonates.… Continue reading Pura Vida: an introduction to Nosara, Costa Rica

Lo and behold

July 2010. For those of you who might still stumble upon this ghost town of a blog, I haven’t stopped writing, but I have moved. Remember, this is called La Vie en Route. Life on the go (& if I have my druthers, I’m a go kind of girl)… Follow me over to La Vie… Continue reading Lo and behold

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Categorized as Spirit

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

My favorite gift to receive is a book. (Hint: it’s my favorite gift to give as well.) This Christmas, among the gifts waiting for me under the tree lay a thin package. Upon unwrapping it, my father-in-law, Bill commented, “that book is a bit old school, but it has some good insight into marriage.” Intrigued,… Continue reading A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

valley of shadow and ash by annelies zijderveld

valley of shadow and ash – first draft  in this valley of shadow and ash, i quake and tremble of the forward, the backward keening out of view. how to move on without losing how to let go without- to be present and awake to life in its simplicity : the iguana crawl, crab scuttle,… Continue reading valley of shadow and ash by annelies zijderveld

Persimmons by Li-Young Lee

A few weeks ago, I met some new friends in a coffeehouse in the South Bay. Cheryl and Beth were people whose acquaintance I’d made at a recent conference and we’d made a point to get together for a holiday catch-up. (Beth brought homemade rugelach; Cheryl treated to tea and tiny cupcakes. Somehow we began… Continue reading Persimmons by Li-Young Lee