Check out my brother’s (Porn Siphanoum) artwork! He is very talented. I am very proud of him. This artwork is in Springfield, MA.

Ingredients:
3 to 4 oz. Valrhona 85% cacao (or any bittersweet chocolate)
12 Tbsp. (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1 1/8 c. sugar
4 eggs
5/8 c. flour
1/8 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
3/4 tsp. baking powder
Pinch salt

Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper and laying out cupcake cups. Preheat oven to 350 F.
Chop chocolate and transfer into the bowl of a standing mixer. Add butter to the chocolate and place the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir until chocolate melts and butter is combined. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Let mixture cool for 10 minutes. Beat in an electric mixer for 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing for 10 seconds between each.

Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the mixture, return to the electric mixer, and mix until blended.

Scoop batter into cupcake cups and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Once let go of the idea of changing others, we must focus on changing
ourselves and pondering thoughts, such as: how long will we put
ourselves in this unhealthy co-dependent relationship? Why do we
forget about our own well-being because we are so emotionally vested
in how well others are doing? Don’t we deserve to be happy too? What
are we getting out of this dysfunctional relationship by being “the
rescuer” all the time? Essentially, are we resistant to change ourselves?

Sometimes we have to zero in on the happiness of others that we
neglect what is going on in our own lives. Perhaps we are afraid of
the truth and what our inner voice will tell us.

It took me 12 years to finally take off my blinders, and I continually
ask myself: why so long? Now I know the answers; I’ve finally heard
and yielded the messages originating from the voice that I’ve
successfully shut out all these years.

No doubt, it hurts to hear your own inner voice, which is why I cried
my heart out when the truth came to pass. All I could do was embrace,
forgive, and love myself again.

In retrospect, I never knew how far removed I was from my own body and
spirit. I’m glad I made it “home” again — like whole person –
spiritually, physically and mentally!

If you are feeling lost or unsure of which direction life is taking
you, I hope you listen to your inner voice and come “home” soon

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, South Deerfield, CT (9/2009).

A Ray of Hope

Do what it takes to be truly happy.
The light inside never goes out until you take your last breath.
I can hear my heart beat.
I’m alive!

Traditionally, tattoos have been used as symbols of:

• rights
• rank and seniority or being juniors and spirituality
• devotion
• religion
• rewards and awards for bravery
• amulets
• talismans
• security
• punishments
• being outcast
• slavery
• conviction
• body arts
• reflect changes in life status
• fashion accessory

I have a tattoo on my right ankle that was inked in my early 20s.  I can’t recall the reason why I got the tattoo back then; perhaps it was because everyone else was getting them in college or it was the “grudge rock-Red Hot Chilli Pepper thing”.  

 Looking back, I understood why I got it: Getting the tattoo was my way of transitioning into adulthood and making a decision on my own to forever “brand” a part of my body.  

But I have no regrets getting a tattoo, and unlike some people, I don’t plan on having it removed. In fact, I still look at the lotus flower, anchored by the tribal design, and feel confident that I made the right decision.

This year I’ve gone through some major personal changes and transitions in my life.  As I move forward, I want to “mark” a new beginning by getting another tattoo. This time it will be on my left ankle as a metaphor to balance my life. 

I’ve been thinking and asking: “What do I want to tattoo of to represent the change and transformation I’ve been through?”  A butterfly is what I came up with.  Why a butterfly, you might ask?  Oh, Phet that is so cliché!  It isn’t to me! 

 Since I was young, I was always drawn to the beauty of butterflies.  I love how they gracefully flutter their wings they move from one point to the next.  To me, butterflies are so free with no cares for the world.  They seem to be in the moment and shining with joy. 

 Butterflies are symbols of transformation and change.  Not just transformation and change of the physical state but also spiritual. 

Now I need you to help me select which butterfly design to permanently “brand” onto my body as I walk the path onto my new life’s journey.

 Design 1

Design 2

 Design 3

Ingredients:

1 loaf of rye bread (round loaf/unsliced)

1 pint of mayonaise

1 pint of sour cream

2 tablespoons of “Spice Island” Beau Monde seasoning

2 tablespoons of dried parsley

1 tablespoon dried dill

1 tablespoon onion flakes

Mix all ingredients together.  Refrigerate overnight.

Before serving:  Hollow out bread and cut up bite sized pieces for dipping.  Put bread “bowl” in the center of a platter.  Put pieces around the bread “bowl”.  Put dip into hollowed bread “bowl” and serve.  Enjoy!