Calling all artists

The newest rage, and I mean RAGE, is Old Navy's white cotton sweatshirts that read "Young Aspiring Artist", only, artist is colorfully slashed out with the words president or astronaut written in. Now, before we all get ourselves in a Starbucks red cup tizzy, let's just put down our batons, ballet shoes, and paintbrushes, and take a deep cleansing breath. I saw this ad this morning...before I saw the hubbub...and thought it was perfect. Reason: I took it to mean that we are looking for artists to BE president, astronauts, etc. I saw it as a call for creativity in positions for which artists are seldom encouraged to even consider pursuing. I know we are all artists to some degree, but don't we, now I'm talking to those of us that claim our art as our main profession, often muse on how the world would be a better place if artists and artistry were in the forefront? I wanted to be an astronaut when I was little. That shifted over the years, and, yes, along the way, I've heard the , "Oh, you're a professional singer?...that's nice." What about everything else? I'm a mom, I'm a wife, I'm a baker, a cook, a seamstres--alright, alright, that one is a blatant misrepresentation--an accountant, a peacekeeper, an architect-they're legos, but they're a big deal-a friend, a teacher, a colleague, a co-worker, an actress, a singer, and the list goes on and on. I get it, artists are constantly fighting for validity, I use the term fighting loosely, since most of us are pretty peaceful people. So, let's take a second and think positively. Heaven knows, that's what this world needs. Oh, and I think a few more artists in high places is a phenomenal idea. Heck, maybe I'm gonna go get one of these shirts, you know, to announce my candidacy for POTUS.

Red kale soup: don't let the name scare ya away

There aren't many rainy days in Tucson, especially COLD rainy days, so, when there are, a girl's gotta monopolize on the opportunity. I decided that nothing makes a rainy day better than a great, hot soup. Nom.

I'm not one for specificity in measuring, but I'll tell ya exactly what I did...you go from there.

2T avocado oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 yellow pepper, small dice
2T minced garlic
*Sautee until onion and pepper are soft
Add:
2T Thai red curry pastefile://localhost/Users/mackenzieromriell/Desktop/0108151708.jpg
1-2 tsp ginger (fresh would be great, but I didn't have any on hand)
10 jalapeno rings, diced (again, fresh would be great, but ya do what cha gotta do)
Stir together 'til veggies are evenly coated.
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes w/jalapenos
1 can tomato sauce
7 c water
2 c Turkey broth from Christmas turkey
8-9 carrots, sliced
Stalk of celery, chopped
Stems from 1 head of broccoli, sliced
1 bunch red kale, coarse chop
2T Red Boat fish sauce
Bring to boil. Cook until veggies achieve desired tenderness.

Add:

1 can coconut milk, return to boil.

*Optional and highly recommended:
Cook 1-2 chicken breasts up as prepping your soup. Let sit 5-10 minutes. 

Dice and add to finished soup.

Dish.

Delish.