Storytelling Runs in Our DNA

Last week my mom sent me a post from VegWorld magazine. 

Turns out the article was written by my cousin Haleyna Kociuk-Garza. 

Storytelling, writing, creativity, runs in our DNA. 

-thInQ 

New Website for a New Project

Tarts of the Saints is up and running. 

For those of you who enjoy history, baking, and creative inspiration head over to our website: Tarts of the Saints. 

We can be found on most social media platforms except Facebook. Here is our handle:  @tartsofthesaints

New Adventure - Tarts of the Saints

November 1st is not just my sister's birthday or my departed Uncle John's. It is All Saints Day. It is also the day my friends and I have, as providence unfolded, launched a new project called: Tarts of the Saints. A little bit of creative spark between us; breaking free from the insufferable cloistering of the cornie-19 cycle, empowering our resilience and inspiring ourselves and each other; moreover serving, as we hope to remind you, the reader, of your own natural creative inheritance. 

What exactly are the Tarts of the Saints? 

Our team, if you will, picks a Saint. Over the course of a week, we learn about that Saint, and from our discovery, we choose a tart recipe that we believe best represents the story of that individual and their contribution to our world. We put on our cornie-19 gear and proceed to bake; on Sunday evening we exchange our samples in a cornie-19 safe environment. Then we review each other's point of view about the Saint, why we chose the recipe, and how we made our tarts. Then we vote. 

Once our website is up and running the chosen tart recipe will be posted publically. One part of this experiment is learning and another is about standing our own creative ground. My perspective only. The others will have their own and will share their own thoughts. 

There is no competition. That is a lie. We are all incredibly competitive. Each one of us, like you the reader, is also very talented; holding a unique and richly inspired point of view.

So, who is our inaugural Saint? Why none other than St. Frumentius; an obscure Ethiopian Saint from the 4th Century. 

Here is what he looks like: 

Creator: Father Pachomius  
Copyright: © Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA

I like his hair. 

The story of St. Frumentius's journey to sainthood begins in the fourth century (around 340 AD) as a young Lebanese lad who was on a sailing expedition with his brother, Aedesius, and Uncle. Sailing East on the Red Sea the party stopped at a harbor in Ethiopia, there they were ambushed; the entire party was lost except for Frumentius and his brother Aedesius. They were taken to the royal court in the Kingdom of Axum where they won the favor and the trust of Ousanas, known as King Ella Allada. Before the King died he granted both brothers their freedom. At the request of the widowed Queen, they remained in the court until their son, Ezana, became of age and was crowned King. Aedesius returned to Lebanon. Eventually, Frumentius joined him for a time; traveling throughout the region.  Both brothers became ordained priests. While in Alexandria, Frumentius was consecrated as Bishop of Ethiopia. It was during his stay there he also requested missionaries to accompany him back to the region. Upon his return, Frumentius baptized King Ezana, and the first monastery, Dabba Selama, Doga Tembien was built. Frumentius was known as Kesate Birhan (Revealer of Light) and Abba Salama (Father of Peace).

There is little additional history about Frumentius other than there is some confusion over the country of India vs. the country of Ethiopia. In ancient times, the country of Ethiopia was known as India. 

Now, what to do about the tart? 

After spending some time researching Ethiopian desserts, fruits, vegetables, and scanning my numerous cookbooks I decided to place my efforts on a Fruit Mince and Apple Tartlets from one of my favorite cookbook series Women's Australian Weekly. Adding to the experience I decided to make my own fruit mince. 

What was it that made me migrate to this particular recipe? Sultanas. While this story is about a Saint, the real curiosity for me is the King of Axium or otherwise probably known at that time in history the Saltan. (I can hear it now. Yes, a raisin inspired me. Raisins are grapes, grapes make wine, wine is inspirational, therefore grapes are inspirational, Jesus liked wine, work with me here.) Plus they are a healthy food choice. And another thing: (there is always another thing) a song popped into my head - wait for it!

It was during the reign of Ousanas that Christianity was introduced into the region of Axum or what in modern times we know of as Eritrea. His son Ezana was the first King to embrace the religion; he was baptized, he built churches and he encouraged the spread of Christianity. There is little know about Ousanas or Ezana but, what is clear is their lives, and the lives of  Frumentius and his brother, Aedesius were deeply intertwined with reciprocal and mutual respect. Thus, these relationships poked at my curiosity. 

As I started working with the recipes I attempted to channel or imagine what and how people of the 4th century would have prepared a tart; what they may or may not have had access to including the potential flavors and ingredients. What would be the goal? Imagined it would involve more emphasis on the flavors of the ingredients and less on sugar. 

The Soaking

Before starting on the Fruit Mince recipe I soaked the prunes, sultanas, currants, and instead of using raisins, I used an apricot/cranberry/cherry/mulberry dry fruit mix in saltwater. Generally, I soak/rinse dried fruit when baking; salt was added for two reasons: to tone down the strong flavors of the prunes and currants, and in the region, during that time, I assumed, salt would have been included in many products for preservation, transportation, and storage. 

Recipe for Fruit Mince: 

1 green-skinned apple, peeled and coarsely grated

1 cup sultanas

3/4 cup pitted prunes, chopped

3/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup currants

1/2 cup red glace cherries chopped

1/4 cup dry sherry or dark rum

1 orange, rind finely grated and juiced

1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice

50 g unsalted butter

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Thickened cream to serve

Combine apple, dried fruit, sherry, orange rind and juice, mixed spice, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Cook on low heat stirring until the liquid has been absorbed. 

Let stand for 40 minutes. 

Coarsely grate the butter over mince, add brown sugar and stir well to combine. 

Didn't exactly follow the recipe.

The Mince
Photo and copyright thInQlots

Adaptation: Instead of using brown sugar I used honey. Don't ask how much, not much I just squeezed the bottle. I also added slices of lime, lemon, ginger, and a discarded orange section. I did not include the water. I may have added more rum, who knows, I can't remember. Instead of allspice, I used cinnamon sticks, and you can see a loose leaf tea strainer on the right in the photo, in this case, it contains whole cloves. This is a preferred method for me, as it seems a more natural way of infusing flavor. I did include a bit of ground nutmeg and a splash of vanilla and cinnamon extract. Didn't measure, just added. And, the mixture was cooked much longer than 10 minutes. How long? About as long as it takes to make the pastry, that is how long. Low heat means low heat, in my mind, this is a process that cannot be rushed. The mixture with all the natural fruits will burn easily if your element is too high. You are wanting your flavors to blend together not burn together. (Symbolic suggestion if one is paying attention.) Once satisfied, I removed the pieces of lime, lemon, ginger, orange, cinnamon sticks, and the tea strainer.

Recipe Credit: Western Star

Recipe for Pastry

5 cups pastry flour
1 lb lard
1 can 7up soda

Cut lard into the flour until it is the consistency of coarse oatmeal
Add 7- up and mix thoroughly. 
Place in the fridge for at least an hour. 

(I went had a nap if that helps you with determining how long.)

The Pastry
Photo and copyright by thInQlots

Adaptation: I included a smidge of vanilla flavoring and a tiny bit of honey, like a drizzle, not a dump. The recipe is very sticky and one really has to work with the flour; however, the fussing is all worth it. 

Recipe credit: Young Structural 

Okay, let's get back to the tarts I am getting hungry!

Recipe for Fruit Mince and Apple Tartlets

1 cup fruit mince
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 green apple, peeled and finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon dark rum

Combine fruit mince, walnuts, apple, lemon rind, and rum in a bowl. Then spoon the mixture into the pastry shells that you have already prepared. (Surprise, didn't tell you to prepare the pastry shells, applying discernment here.) Bake in a moderate for about 10 minutes. Dust with icing sugar before serving. (I did not use their suggested pastry as per the recipe I used the one included in this post.)

Apple and Mince Mixture
Photo and copyright thInQlots 

Adaptations: Certainly! Before putting the filling into the tart shells, I sprinkled just a bit of brown sugar on the bottom of the shells, then I added the filling. While the tarts were cooking in a saucepan combine some berry sugar (1/4 c), butter (1-3 tablespoons), the lemon juice from the lemon in the recipe,  vanilla, and a cinnamon stick. The amounts are guesses, I just used my eyeballs and instincts. Warm on low heat until the butter is melted. When tarts come out of the oven, glaze the tarts with the mixture while they are still warm. Why did I do this? Well, I excluded the sugar from the recipe, the suggested pastry recipe was made with butter, an egg yolk, and lemon juice and I was adapting and concentrating on the expectation of flavors. 

Recipe credit: Australian Women's Weekly

Tart of Saint Frumentius
Photo and copyright thInQlots

The Tart of Saint Frumentius is all about relationships, balancing the sweet with the pungent strength of the prunes and currents; ensuring the flavor of the apple and walnuts could be enjoyed against the base tones of the pastry. I really like this recipe combo; it's not too mincey in flavor, it's fun and different, and I have a lot of confidence in it. 

A recipe is a set of instructions to prepare for a particular outcome. 

This particular experience seems to me to parallel Frumentius's relationships within the Sultan's court, with his brother, the Kingdom, and his Christian faith, especially after such a traumatic beginning. He clearly has had a set of instructions provided to him over the course of his life and working within those instructions, adapting here, and there, he experienced his calling. His contribution must have been more significant than the storytelling of history can reveal for he is called the Father of Peace; a title that carries a great deal of responsibility. 

Before closing, and for those who have followed me for a while, this will not be a surprise, but gosh, one must have a baking song, and of course, as I was reading the recipe one popped into my head, a special one just for this occasion. (extra link as Blogspot is being silly about youtube links: https://youtu.be/0fAQhSRLQnM )

Enjoy! 

Update: Here are the tarts

Contemplation, Echoes, and Reflections - Capstone Project MSU

It is my perspective that our world reflects back to us, whether we like it or not, who we are by giving signs and symbols as we go about our daily lives. We may or may not recognize these echoes depending upon determined how engaged one is as the observer. Contemplation, Echoes, and Reflections are about capturing the signs and symbols of the “twin flame” experience through the realms of portraiture, conceptual, and the artistic featuring the vernacular in black and white photography.

A twin flame is a delicate balance between male and female energies expressing through relationships and experiences between ourselves and our Creator. Every living cell in our natural world consists of this symbolic dance between the Divine, male, and female energies. In some cases, there is an expansion of this relationship and it is known as the sacred twin soul. In its simplest form, it means one soul two bodies.

By choosing black and white photography, I have tapped into the "twin" symbolism of balancing white (reflects light) and black (absorbs light). Each photo represents the symbolic discovery of the "twinning" story through relationships, and signs.

There was no staging of the subjects in this series.  The photography showcases a variety of subjects including landscape, animals, plants, and people.  These are the final ten in the capstone project. Below includes vignettes of the photos should you wish for deeper insight into the capstone selection process. 

All photos are copyright of Lisa I. McCausland @thInQlots 

Echo – Leo Mol Sculpture – Assiniboine Park. July 8, 2020, 5:26 pm. 833x1000 pixels. 1/60 sec f5 35mm ISO800. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

Starting off the capstone series and appearing somewhat disheveled a photograph features Echo, the Oreiad-nymph of Mount Kithairon. In this depiction, I wonder what she is reacting to as something has caught her attention. Has she just sent out a cry or she is about to respond to the long-awaited call of the fait accompli Narcissus? A familiar theme within the twin phenomena, the trigger, the false twin, the runner, and the chaser. 

The Lions Above the Gateway - Boniface Cathedral. July 2, 2020, 9:19 am. 1400 x 1000 pixels. 1/100 sec, f5 29mm ISO100. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

 

Folk stories are woven within our cultural, spiritual, and religious norms. The mystery of the sacred twin souls may have its origins with those known as the lion people or those from old Lyra. The symbology of this legend can be seen in the finely crafted stone architecture of the Cathedral’s ruins. Of particular interest are the two lions, supported by the 3 keystone archways, along with the triangles, diamonds, and the lamplight.

The Arrow’s Crossing – Wild Flowers. July 11, 2020. 9:05 am. 1500x1000 pixels. 1/100 sec. f5.6 35mm ISO100. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

 

The cross is the meeting place within the heart; as above, so below, as within so without. A place of balance and of light. The arrangement of the wildflowers showcased in this photo reflects the shape of a cross and as well an arrow, another commonly used symbolic feature in the twin experience. The arrow points towards the traveler home to the other side the twin flame’s self. 

A Girl and Her Dog. July 4, 2020. 11:05 am. 666X1000 pixels. 1/250 sec f4.5 32 mm ISO10. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

 

The relationships between people and their pets are as precious and as heart-centered as the relationship between people; guiding and nurturing each other for a period of time in one’s earthly journey. Often throughout history Saints and Sages, Kings and Queens is often depicted in artwork with their sacred pets. 

Shiva and Gifts – Trappist Monk Ruins. June 24, 2020. 5:24 pm. 965x1000 pixels. 1/100 sec f5.6 33mm ISO 100. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

 

In the Hindu religion, Shiva is known as a twin of Shakti. Shiva is the unmanifested and Shakti is made apparent; the unity of the unchanging and the changeable; creators in divine motion. Here, Shiva is featured beneath a peace pole with a gift of two oranges and two candles to shine upon the meditation. 

Bridging the Towers – The Forks. July 2, 2020. 8:55 am. 1314x1000 pixels. 1/200 sec f7.1 28mm ISO100. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

 

When twins unite through their hearts and mind, they are masters of creation, the greeters of change, and the stabilizers of love’s vibration. Symbolizing and mirroring 11:11 the past and the future, the light, and the dark, male and female energies are bridged together in this photo is the Esplanade Bridge commemorating Louis Riel (a black mark in Manitoban and Canada’s history) and in the background is the Canadian Museum of Human Rights with its Tower of Hope reaching towards the future.  

Blue Bells Chime - July 11, 2020. 9:01 am. 621x1000 pixels.1/80 sec f4.5 35 mm. ISO250. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

 

Delicate bells, dance a silent dance on a summer’s morning. Bells call us to a place to center. The relationships between the twins is a finely tuned quantum field mechanism. At times electric, intense, sturdy, at other times fragile, easy, and gentle. The twin’s relationship is a never-ending ballet of self-discovery; each providing a glimpse into the other’s experience.

Babies Amongst the Muck – St. Vital Park. June 16, 2020. 5;19 pm. 1562x1000 pixels. 1/1600 sec f5 210mm ISO1600. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

 

The sacred twin relationship is a partnership, working together. It is not always easy employment. The sacred twins will experience intense drama throughout their lives keeping them away from their destiny call. They are highly instinctual and their call no matter is to create and survive. Here a darker side of the story is presented with two goslings eagerly feeding for their survival within the muck and the garbage. 

Hanging on a Wire. July 11, 2020. 8:56 am. 665x1000 pixels. 1/80 sec f5 35mm ISO320. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

The 11:11 symbology representing balance and the whole halves, the soul communication between the divine trinity of heaven and earth appears again randomly on a clothing line at a friend’s cottage. 

Can you hear the Echo’s Call? – St. Vital Park. July 17, 2020. 10:04 am.1500x1000 pixels. 1/60sec f5.6 50mm ISO100. Canon EOS Rebel T7.

Are you listening for the echo? How often did they call? Did you move towards the ripping sound that only your heart would know? Or, did you allow the chaos waves carry you far away? The photo is symbolic of the vital balance required within the twin relationship the observer and the observed, the place of stillness, where only the heart will hear the echo of the call to return home to self.

 

Lead Up to the Photography Project - Twin Flame

Here are the lead-up photos to the final Capstone Project (MSU) that I spoke about in my previous video. I will share the final project in a few days. In the meantime here is a bit of a glimpse into the decision-making process and creative experiment. 

There was no staging for this project. I simply picked a location and took photos as the theme appeared.

 The theme of the project was the 'twin flame'. 

(I should note by choosing black and white photography, I tapped into the "twin" symbolism of balancing white (reflects light) and black (absorbs light). )

All photos are copyrighted to Lisa I. McCausland @thInQlots

Park Bench

While tramping around a local park, I was looking for a heart with initials carved into a tree. What I found instead was a heart, with initials and an infinity sign drawn with a marker on a metal bench. By using this perspective, I wanted to capture what these two potential lovers were looking at when they put their initials on the bench.

The challenge of working with the bench is it is highly sensitive to light and is covered in textured paint. Evening though it was a very cloudy day, with the editing I was able to enhance a rather misty dream-like state; albeit I am concerned about the light being overexposed.

Ducks

On the same day at the park, believe it or not, I was also followed around by a pair of ducks. These two tramped alongside me for quite a distance and even photobombed one of the pictures of the bench. Which was hilarious. Eventually, we made it back to the pond and they went for a swim. The challenge with this photo is because the water table is so low, the algae are out of control; thus, the photo is quite dense with additional texture, creating a great deal of noise.

The Photo Bombers

Ant and Peony

Taken in a friend’s garden at around 9:45 pm the ant and peony, albeit an unlikely pair to be featured as a twin – where there are peonies there are ants. And in the discussion about twin flames, the pairing of a twin is unpredictable and is not identical in DNA or looks etc. This particular photo was taken as a black and white. Undecided if it fits into the theme. 

 

Duck and Gosling

The relationship between the parent (elder) in teaching the child how to survive and the role of the child (junior) learning from the parent on how to survive.

Sacred Cross

The cross is a consistent symbolic feature of the sacred twin soul. It is the meeting place within the heart; as above, so below, as within so without. The place of balance and of light and two crosses in one. 

Grandma Knows Best

Increasingly grandparents are becoming more significant in the raising or teaching of children. Theirs is a relationship that is unique to grandparents and their grandchildren; grandmothers with their granddaughters, grandfathers and their grandsons.

The Angels

Angels, divine guiders for both good and bad decisions are a paradox unto themselves. Here at the Trappist Monk’s ruins, I was shocked when I exited my car and the first thing, I discovered was a pair of angels.

The Nuns

A sculpture of two Sacred Heart Nuns focused on their mission as what could be the “river of life” flows between them. The photo zeros in on the concept that the sacred twin relationship is how you relate (work together).

Sun Flowers

Two sunflowers, basking in the summer day. The twin of the flower is actually the sun. The head of the flower follows the sun each day and at night returns to an easterly direction to greet it in the morning.

The Musician

The man holding the lyre in this photo symbolizes the craft; within the twin flame phenomenon self-development and empowerment of self must occur before the souls unite. In this intimate photo of Leo Mol’s statue at Assiniboine Park, there is the delicate balance of light, greys, and soft shadows without losing the details in the artwork. On the left brow, there is a touch of bright light which allows the viewer to wonder is he outside or playing in front of a bright window; moreover, is he alone or playing for others.

Stepping Into Love

Just as a Flower Opens

Just as a flower opens to the sun surrender into love’s trusting grace. What is being created brings forth the true desires of the heart. All you have to do is ask. 

Hint: It’s going to be really cool. Promise.

#SavetheChildren

 

I am Canadian. I am.

I am Canadian.
I am. 

The ground beneath my feet. 

The air from which I breathe.

The rays from the sun fills my soul. 

The water nourishes me where I go. 

I am Canadian. 

I am. 

My heart beats strongly for this land. 

From rocks to trees, in every single grain of sand. 

I am Canadian. 

I am.

The sound of thunder as it roars. 

The wind and rain as lightning soars. 

The gentle snow as it falls.

Each flake unique, God knows them all. 

I am Canadian. 

I am. 

My heart sings songs as men of old. 

For they saw what they now foretold. 

I am Canadian. 

I am. 

A single leaf bares our claim.

No coat of arms, no fancy sword will ever do the same. 

Unite the hearts for those who know.

What yea shall reap, you too shall sow. 

I am Canadian. 

I am. 

There is a leaf, all but one. 

Whose time has just really become. 

I am Canadian.

I am.