Project 52: Week 9 - Express Yourself

By now, a lot of my regular readers probably would have guessed that one of the ways I choose to express myself is through my clothing.  After all, what one wears really do tell a lot about a person.  And since this blog first started because I was inspired by clothes, it's actually not the most important way I feel I express myself.  Many of you might think, also, that I might use my photography to express myself.  However, I don't feel that way.  I use photography to capture moments for other people.  Rarely do I go out and shoot something based on my mood or take a picture because I feel like I've created a piece of art, on purpose.  Don't get me wrong, I do think a good photo is a piece of art, but when I take pictures, I don't do it thinking I'm going to create art.  I simply want to capture my beautiful subject and make them feel beautiful.

So...this week's photo challenge really got me thinking.  What DO I use to express myself?  And the obvious answer was staring right in the face...err...right under my nose.  Yes, it was the aroma from the yumminess I was creating as I was stirring the concoction while thinking about how I express myself.  Yes, that's right.  I express myself through my cooking.

Unlike me with photography, I was never afraid of cooking.  I've never taken any classes or have I ever asked my mom for help.  What I've learned from making yummy foods came from trial and error.  I am definitely not a chef of any kind...and I don't know how to cook gourmet foods.  I also don't bake!  If you've read my recipes on this blog, you know I don't measure my ingredients.  Which is why I can never be a baker! :)

But I love me some good 'ole home made goodness.  Specifically, I love to make stewed or roasted items that takes hours and hours to slowly cook to perfection.  Hence, the Le Creuset pot in my picture.  This little (well, big) pot was a gift to me from Chris a few Christmases ago and it changed my life.  I use it almost every Friday night to make some type of a meal.  Whether it's roasted pork belly, or home-made Texas style Chili, or oxtail soup, after a long work week, having a meal like that, feels...well...comforting.  Especially right now, in the winter time.  One of the best compliments ever given to me (outside from the compliment Chris gave me when he first met me) was from my friend Michael, who recently told me that being around me feels....comforting.  And I'd have to admit, I try my best to make people feel this way when they are in my presence.  And if they're ever around my house to taste my food, I hope they're extra comforted!