Crafts

I recently learned how to knit, and I made these two kind of crazy-looking owls. I’ve also made a few clocks. The best clock I made was set against a backdrop of the NYC subway system in mirror image printed negative-style, with a clock motor that runs in reverse. It’s displayed against a mirror so you have to read the time in the mirror. I made it for my mom with her grandfather (Papa) in mind. Papa was a NYC subway conductor, loved practical jokes, and was a clock maker in his after hours.

Recent creations include ginger-curry carrot soup, empanadas, and a mean homemade pasta with vodka sauce. I also love baking, and have been experimenting lately with different spins on shortbread, such as cardamom-pistachio, cinnamon-almond, and lavender. The ones in this photo are filled with manjar, which is the Chilean word for dulce de leche. Here is my recipe.

I have a few pet volunteer projects, many of which revolve around reading and literacy. One program I’m hoping to get more involved in is More Than Words <http://www.morethanwordsbooks.com/>, a bookstore in the Boston area run by youth in the foster care system. I’m also on the planning committee for the Boston Cares <www.bostoncares.org> annual fundraising event, Summer Nights, City Lights.

Other volunteer projects include: In2Books, Prison Book Program, Recording Books for the Blind and Dyslexic, The Greater Boston Food Bank, The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and others.