Learn 50@50, or 45@45, or 20@20…well, you get the idea.

January 1, 2009 in Uncategorized

Patti pencil I think they’re wonderful. They have so much courage! Here they are, hurling through space on a molten rock at 67,000 miles an hour, and the only thing that keeps them in their shoes is their misplaced faith in gravity." —John Lithgow as Prof Dick Solomon, in Third Rock from the Sun

As the clock struck midnight last night, I entered into the year I will Officially Turn 50. I may have mentioned this fact once or twice or twelve eleven hundred times before. I'm thinking I will only turn 50 once, in this lifetime at least, and so why not make the most of it? So, plan to celebrate repeatedly as we hurl through space this year. I'm just sayin'. And be on the lookout for giveaways of some of my favorite things this year, most likely 50 of them. I like symmetry.

Warhol surprise (The first giveaway will be coming up sometime during this first week of our new year, the year 2009 and not the year 2010, as Tess is trying to convince me it is). It will be a brand new fantabulous felted scarf by Chad Alice Hagen, mentioned in Life is a Verb and talked about here on 37days many times including the time I first saw one of them and had to have it, even though it was wound around the neck of the artist at a Mary Oliver poetry reading at the very moment I first saw it. Chad is donating a beautiful gold felted scarf and if I can pry it away from my lustful little fingers, I'll actually give it away to one of you! I'll post photos and tell you more about the giveaway as soon as I wake up from the fog that was 2008.)

Happy new year And so, back to 50. I think continual learning is the thing that keeps us young. (That, and laughing a hell of a lot). I'm convinced of it. Not Botox or bamboo steamers or reading about Angelina's tattoos in People magazine, but learning–and everything that comes with learning, like dissonance and being uncomfortable and saying "I don't know," and "flow" and celebration and pride at achieving a new skill. And so, to celebrate my 50th year believing in gravity on this hurtling planet, I will learn or do fifty new things, many of them things I've never done before.

I need your help. What can you teach me this year? Perhaps you can teach me how to make roti (Suganthi, can you help?) or carve a rubber stamp (Edie, are you listening?) or knit (Maxine and Aurora, are you up for this?). Short videos of instruction, perhaps, that I can share with everyone?

I'm working on what my three words are for 2009 and suggest you try the same. Those three words will be a distillation of the direction of my intention for 2009. One of them will be "learn," I know for sure. In the meantime, my 50@50 list is a work in progress and I welcome your suggestions:

1. Learn to run (walk/crawl) a half-marathon (the LIAV MaraTeam!)
2. Learn to knit (Maxine? Aurora?)
3. Learn to carve a rubber stamp (Edie?)
4. Learn to speak Spanish (and re-learn Chinese so I can talk to my friend Ye Gongxian who I've recently reconnected with after 25 years…)
5. Learn to speak Sign Language
6. Learn to trapeze (please, someone find Sam Keen and talk him into teaching me)
7. Learn to eat vegan more imaginatively
8. Learn to document my 50th year in art (I'm creating an art project using 3"x3" squares of paper, one of which will be decorated each day this year to document the ebb and flow of this year, the colors of my days, an art journal, of sorts)
9. Learn to firewalk (okay, Emily, you're on…)
10. Learn digital storytelling (Elizabeth…I need you)
11. Learn to make podcasts and learn how to download tunes onto the iPod that I don't know how to operate, dear god how hard could this be?
12. Learn how to write poetry or at least appreciate it more (starting with Ted Kooser's brilliant book on the same…)
13. Learn to make the perfect loaf of bread (Kim?)
14. Learn to make a mug on a pottery wheel, glaze it, and fire it
15. Learn to write a play (David, are you listening?)
16. Learn to say no to things I really don't want to do, that make my stomach ache the moment I say yes, those things.
17. Learn to say yes to things that scare me but thrill me. (This does NOT include skydiving, Emma. Just in case you were wondering. It also does not include bungee jumping or other things having to do with heights).
18. Learn to lose 50@50. There. I've said it.
19. Learn to see food as fuel, not as comfort, celebration, or avoidance.
20. Learn to speak my truth.
21. Learn how to manage money. Learn why I avoid it.
22. Learn what wellness really is. Not a weight goal, but wellness.
23. Learn what I am yearning for, beneath the surface of what I say I want.
24. Learn to cook palak paneer like Heritage India in Washington, D.C.
25. Learn how to get organized and stay organized.
26. Learn how to get 8 hours of sleep every night.
27. Learn how to create an e-newsletter.
28. Learn how to set up an artists' co-op store online.
29. Learn how to sew well enough to make little cloth pouches.
30. Learn what Feynman had to say.
31. Learn from Richard Powers about writing by reading everything he has written.
32. Learn where Johnny Depp lives. Okay, I'm just kidding. I already know that.
33. Learn to stop making excuses.
34. Learn to stop deflecting from what is mine to do in the world by doing everything else BUT that.
35. Learn to make the perfect cup of tea.
36. Learn really basic Photoshop skills like how to paste my head on the bodies of people like Gabrielle Reece or that undeserving twiglike French woman that Mr Depp hangs out with.
37. Learn how to change gears on my bike and how to fix the chain when it slips off.
38. Learn to make roti and how to peel a mango (that has bothered me for years).
39. Learn to turn off the computer.
40. Learn to listen more fully.
41. Learn to assume positive intent.
42. Learn to drop the barrier between art and work.
43. (Re)learn how to kayak.
44. Learn to meditate.
45. Learn how to ride horses. They scare me. (Emma, this is all yours).
46. Learn to play the guitar (Robin? long distance teacher?)
47. Learn to change the tire on a car, something that would have come in real handy on that 21 degree morning on I-85 South on November 20, 2008.
48. Learn what is mine to do in the world – and, more importantly – what is NOT mine to do.
49.
50.

What else? What can you teach yourself, me, and others, this fantastic new year we've been handed, just like gravity?

(hat tip to Jack Yan, on whose blog I found the fabulous quote from Third Rock)

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

41 comments to " Learn 50@50, or 45@45, or 20@20…well, you get the idea. "

  • Reply
    Suzanne
    January 1, 2009 AT 3:37PM

    I too am turning 50 this year,(a mere 38 days before you.) I love the list. I have so many things I too want to do. First is learn Italian. I think I’ll start today. Thanks for the inspiration, as always.
    Ciao.

  • Reply
    Emily
    January 1, 2009 AT 3:37PM

    Yay for firewalking! (by the way, I think the Center for Creative Living does a firewalk workshop every New Years Day, and maybe at least one other time during the year? I’ll let you know for sure!)

    And the mango peeling thing – did you know they have peelers for that?? Took me years to learn and then I found a mango peeler/corer thing…best invention ever :-)

  • Reply
    Debbie
    January 1, 2009 AT 3:37PM

    Happy New Year! I would love to teach you how to traditional rug hook (not latch hooking which you have mentioned in previous posts) – I am not a professional hooker but am hard at work on a mermaid rug. When you come to NH for your book signing :) I will give you a lesson or two. I will introduce you to some other ‘hookers’. I will be turning 52 this year and I think I am going to take a pole dancing class with a bunch of my girlfriends – want to join us? I can guarantee it will be a ‘Depends’ event! Celebrate.

  • Reply
    Amanda
    January 1, 2009 AT 3:37PM

    So much to think about and I thought my resolution list was getting out of control before I read this post…yikes! I have one word right now…strong….another…open…and drive. Yes…that works for me. Thanks, Patti!

  • Reply
    Marilyn
    January 1, 2009 AT 6:46PM

    Wishing you courage as you leap feet-first (head-first?) into this list to celebrate your half-century. ;)

  • Reply
    Lynn
    January 1, 2009 AT 6:46PM

    Happy 50ith birthday! It’s a good one. I did it a while back so I know!!!
    I will help you learn to knit by telling you how I did it. go to Knittinghelp.com as join the chat there, and see the many videos that show you how to do everything from casting on to more difficult stitches.
    Post a question and someone comes to you quite quickly with the answer. It was so helpful to me. I also learn by reading books and looking a good photos of stitches one. Been knitting four years now!
    Self taught at age 64! ;-)
    Your give aways sound so generous.

  • Reply
    jodi cohen
    January 1, 2009 AT 6:46PM

    so much doing on the list. and this is good, don’t get me wrong. i can remind you how to have fun no matter what it is you’re up to. i’m good at that. so if you’re doing something or not doing something, i can remind you of the importance of play and stuff like that so you’re having a good time. (buy a WWII map of a bunker and get a free ice cream cone!!!)

  • Reply
    smallbluebird
    January 1, 2009 AT 6:46PM

    Learn! Me too for #s 5,19,23,26.
    #29 I can teach you..sew easy and rewarding. I like seeing all those “learn”s at the beginning of each line of the list. I used to teach my students to say, “I need to learn” rather than saying “I don’t know.” Completely changed the classroom environment. They went from a passive admission to an active declaration. (Change your verbs!) I really loved it when a student would say “I want to learn.”
    My hubster could teach you #37 and for #47…isn’t that why Triple AAA was invented?
    Thanks, Patti, for a great year of posts. Looking forward to 2009 with ya!

  • Reply
    Becky
    January 1, 2009 AT 6:46PM

    I can help with the mug on the potter’s wheel. I did it all through HS and then last year through our rec center as a gift to myself. DH bought a gift certificate for me to our local pottery wheel shop near by for Christmas. I was thrilled!! It’s very therapeutic once you get the hang of it. :)

  • Reply
    Marisa
    January 1, 2009 AT 6:46PM

    I can help and/or support you with No. 46, Patti. First step, do you have a guitar?

  • Reply
    Becky
    January 1, 2009 AT 7:57PM

    Oh, and the perfect cup of tea only requires one thing–Coconut chai… ok, not really. But, it went out today!

    (However, I really DO know how to make the perfect cup of tea and will gladly show you how.)

  • Reply
    Lynn
    January 1, 2009 AT 10:05PM

    Happy 50ith birthday! It’s a good one. I did it a while back so I know!!!
    I will help you learn to knit by telling you how I did it. go to Knittinghelp.com as join the chat there, and see the many videos that show you how to do everything from casting on to more difficult stitches.
    Post a question and someone comes to you quite quickly with the answer. It was so helpful to me. I also learn by reading books and looking a good photos of stitches one. Been knitting four years now!
    Self taught at age 64! ;-)
    Your give aways sound so generous.

  • Reply
    Beth Patterson
    January 1, 2009 AT 10:05PM

    Hi Patti–
    Fabulous list. Except for the trapeze thing. I know it’s a great metaphor and all, but.

    Like someone else mentioned…lots of ‘doing’ here! Hope that doing-ness is not part of the distraction-factor from being what is uniquely yours to be?

    Love your pea-pickin’ heart-ful-ness, Patti!

  • Reply
    aurora
    January 2, 2009 AT 12:34AM

    hi Patti! I am gald you have chosen to celebrate turning 50! as one who has passed that milestone…I can tell you the 50’s are good…
    and I would love to teach you to knit! are you planning to come out to Portland, Or in 2009? I think beginning knitting is something best taught in person (but I am a visual learner–so that method works best for me) and I would love to sit down with you over a cup of tea and teach you how to knit and purl….

  • Reply
    Lie Fhung
    January 2, 2009 AT 10:41AM

    Happy turning 50!!! What an inspiring post, Patti! Three words for 2009… one that keeps coming back to me is ‘Balance’. It’s only one word but it is bursting with all kinds of things! I need to achieve and maintain a good balance between making art and making a living, working digitally and working ‘analog-ly’ (you know, without computer!), working and living, indoors and outdoors, sitting and walking (yes, I mean exercising!)… and so on and so forth. The 2nd word seems to be ‘Working’ – but I have yet to ponder deeper on this. I’ll let you know when I found the 3rd word. But ‘Learn’ is such a good one, I might borrow it from you ;).

    Anyhow!!! A lot in your list I am needing to learn too! IF you need more suggestions… How about…
    – Learn to do digital scrapbooking (well, first you will have to master the basic of Photoshop… which I will be happy to help… online… via Skype perhaps? That’ll be fun! Seriously!)
    – Learn book and box making (I love it – have to get back to this someday soon!)

    Happy learning! Happy turning 50! :)

  • Reply
    Lila Wells
    January 2, 2009 AT 10:41AM

    Let me get this straight: you are planning to lose 50 pounds?!?! Are you nuts? As for learning to meditate, I’m sure you already know about sitting, position, clearing the mind, etc. but Eckhard says all you really need to do is be intentional. When you wash the dishes, be with washing the dishes, not thinking about what you want to do when you’re finished. Whenever you free your mind from thoughts you’re meditating. Peace.

  • Reply
    Julie
    January 2, 2009 AT 10:41AM

    Today, after my training run for the half that we are training for, I am going to finish my own “49” list and then head to a local knitting store to sign up for classes.
    Thanks for the inspiration, as always.

  • Reply
    Brian H
    January 2, 2009 AT 11:12AM

    # 25. You might want to reconsider. Organize/plan enough to get done what keeps you from spontaneously doing what you feel like doing. EVERY thought and action, however apparently rational, has what we feel like doing at the base of it.

    # 32. Now that it’s empty, give yourself BIG hope for the planet’s future by checking out focusfusion.org . Now funded and on track.

    # 35. Talk to a Japanese expert. The finest tea, gunpowder green, should be brewed at 168°F (75.6°C). The lower the quality of the tea, the closer to boiling the water must be.

    # 45. Read about “horse whispering”. It’ll change your whole attitude towards horses.

    #49 or 50. Learn about and follow up on IGAS. It’ll add a HUGE capability to your life.

  • Reply
    Nicole F
    January 2, 2009 AT 4:59PM

    Hey, Patti!
    Happy New Year. If you’re not already familiar with it, you might want to check out Veganomicon for number 7 (as a vegetarian, I received this as a gift this Xmas – GREAT recipes and it’s huge).
    For number 28, you may want to check out etsy.com for a benchmark.
    And, for number 3, if Edie is unavailable, our whole family does this on a regular basis (you can see letterboxing. org to understand why). Here’s to a fruitful year!

  • Reply
    Kate
    January 2, 2009 AT 5:08PM

    Uhhh. Your list is interesting but it sounds so, well, so oughta.

    I read Anthony Adverse at 40. What struck me, beyond being a wonderfully compelling story, was the hero’s recognition that only when we are traveling from one place to another are we truly present in the present. The rest of the time we are reflecting on the past and planning for the future.

    Is it possible to save about 10 slots for learning what you didn’t know you needed to learn — those things that come up when you’re not really paying attention to your list?

  • Reply
    Patricia Digh
    January 2, 2009 AT 5:28PM

    Suzanne – let’s celebrate together! With cannoli! or some other fabulous Italian treat! In Umbria!

    Emily – you’re on for the firewalking! GET OUT! A mango peeler? Where have I been all my life? ((searching for mango peelers online))

    Debbie – LOL. A professional hooker is asking me to learn pole dancing in Depends. Now THAT just doesn’t happen every day!!

    Amanda – love your three words. And these don’t seem like resolutions to me, but things I will do. Not plan to do, but want to do… make sense?

    Smallbluebird – thanks for your offers of help (does your husband know you are volunteering him?!) I supposed I need a sewing machine…

    Becky – what a great gift from your DH! Let’s throw down some mugs…

    Marisa – Mr Brilliant has a guitar I can steal. I mean, borrow. ;-)

    Marilyn – many thanks, as always, for your well wishes!

    Lynn – thanks for the great resource! Am digging out yarn and needles. I know there are some here *somewhere*…!

    Jodi – girl, any day with you is fun, whether doing or being…!

    Becky – let’s have a tea party after we make those mugs!

    Beth – ((mainly, trapeze is an excuse to meet Sam Keen, who I’ve wanted to meet for a LONG TIME)) ;-)

    Aurora – happy Portland! hope it is a fantastic move for you – I’ll plan to knit with you in July there!

    Fhung – Balance is such a great word…I understand exactly what you mean. Would love some Skype Photoshop/digital scrapbooking lessons! And I *love* book making – would love to try my hand at box making since I have quite a fetish for boxes… thanks for the suggestions!

    Lila – love the comment and reminder about intentionality and meditation…my thanks!

    Julie – we can knit while we run in Cincinnati! ‘-)

    Brian H – am not sure I know what you mean for some of the comments, but will take a look and appreciate the feedback!

    Nicole H – I adore VEGANOMICON! Thanks for the reminder of what an incredible resource that is… and for the offer of help on stamps ((off to see letterboxing.org))

    Kate – no worries on that front, in terms of learning what I didn’t know I needed to learn. That’s kind of the point behind 37days as a whole… and where my list might sound “oughta” to you, it really sounds like “wanna” to me… thanks for the reminder to be present!

  • Reply
    janet
    January 2, 2009 AT 6:07PM

    Learn that you are already enough? (hey have to sound at least zen-like).

    A great list …another how to write poetry book I enjoy is titled “poem crazy” and now I am going to google the one you mentioned.

    j. (you did not write …get a tattoo) ggg

  • Reply
    colleen
    January 2, 2009 AT 6:24PM

    In 2009 I want to write more legibly, ask for a raise for my writing, hoola hoop on the beach, see Pilobalus in person, and make more collages.

    Age is a strange orbit spinning on its axis
    We know it’s moving but we can’t feel it
    Then we arrive and ask “How did we get here?”
    Do I have to be 50? Am I really?

    As always, an inspiring visit. Thanks.

  • Reply
    Carolynn
    January 2, 2009 AT 7:48PM

    I took a swinging trapeze course last year (age: 47) and LOVED IT!! One little tip…it does require good upper body & core strength, so do a little prep work beforehand and you should be good to go.

    I could teach you how to just relax and be. I used to joke about it, however, I really do believe it’s a gift I have and could share with others. In all our busy-ness, it can be very restorative to just sit and do…well…nothing. It can be quite amazing to discover that the world does indeed continue to spin, even if we step off it for a few minutes or an hour.

    The Happiest of New Years to You!

  • Reply
    Viv McWaters
    January 2, 2009 AT 8:28PM

    What I love about this is the idea that the older we get the more we can learn – my list of 54 @ 54 includes learning to surf, and if I add up all the new things I can learn between now and when I turn 60 (OMG!!!) it’s a staggering 399 new things. Better get started then.

  • Reply
    stephanie (bad mom)
    January 3, 2009 AT 12:01PM

    Did I see that you plan to be in Portland (Oregon?) in July? That would be the perfect time for me to help you with poetry, the writing & the reading. It’s the class I love teaching most; I’ve gotten some brilliant results with reluctant teenagers so I think you’ll be fine. :D

    Happy 50th year! I just got your book for Christmas, started reading it, posted about it, and have already inspired a half-dozen people to buy it themselves. I think fabulous things will be happening for many this year.

  • Reply
    Sam
    January 3, 2009 AT 12:01PM

    You are so funny, Patti – just clicked back to read about the felted wool scarf – and I love you for it. I’m also learning how to knit, very very slowly – I see someone directed you to KnittingHelp.com and that’s where I’ve been, watching the same video over and over! I’m still hoping to find someone who will coach me in person. Good luck!

    My words for the year are INTENTIONAL and PRESENCE. I feel like they’ll help me focus on what I really want and need to do. I love words instead of resolutions!

  • Reply
    Carol Sloan
    January 3, 2009 AT 12:01PM

    Hi Patti!
    Jane (our awesome store keeper in Saluda) directed me to your book (see my blog, Dec. 3). I must tell you- I LOVE it,love it, love it! I’m writing all in it…telling everyone every where about it…I’m one of your biggest fans. ‘cuse me, it’s Fans.I am Your Fan. As far as your list of things, I’ll take on #29 and #43. I’ll teach you to sew ( I also LOVE sewing!)(I’m teaching at RA next month) and I’ll go kayaking with you…my husband and I have a tandem that we take out and about. Go with us! With live in Piedmont, SC (about 1.5 hrs from Asheville)so, we’re not TOO far, are we? As a matter of fact, our Jane mentioned wanting to learn to kayak..girl trip?

  • Reply
    Cheryl Bakke Martin
    January 3, 2009 AT 5:52PM

    Happy 50th year! Love this…and in particular #42. Here’s my suggestion….light a torch and melt something….well, let’s be more specific – learn to melt glass and make yourself a wonderful glass bead or two or ten. A wonderful friend of mine who was turning 50 a couple years ago decided to throw herself a fabulous dinner and invited all her wise-women friends….you know, the ones she loved dearly and who loved her back, warts and all. And, because she cared so for these friends she wanted to give them a little gift and set it at the dinner table for them. So…..she called me to ask if I could make her a bunch of glass hearts….to which I replied, “of course not”…. (You should have seen the look on her face – all bug-eyed and incredulous) I continued, “but I can teach you to do it…they are from you after all, not me. So, come over to my studio and we’ll have a day of fun and you will have a very meaningful gift for your friends made by your very own hands and from your heart”. And, so, we did. After a day of fun on the torch, she had all the glass hearts she needed and was just delighted and amazed that she could do such a thing. I was smugly delighted myself – I just love to show others how to be amazed at themselves! So, I would happily do the same for you….but it’s a bit of a trip. I’m in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada! I can tell you that there are a number of wonderful glass artists all over the US and most likely near you – and many of them teach a 1 day intro class in glass bead making. And there are youtube videos too. So, go on…..light a torch and melt something…it might just be the most meditative art form you try yet. Blessings on your journey!

  • Reply
    Martha Garvey
    January 3, 2009 AT 5:52PM

    Wow. This is awesome. If I started now, I should make a list of learning 50.5 things.

    I dig this. I actually marched in the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade because I volunteered…and I got to dress as a Shamanic Cow. That alone was bliss, but my sister Shamanic Cows turned out to be two British women who had impulsively flown to NYC for 1) the parade; 2) the NYC marathon; and 3) the Obama victory…that’s how sure they were!

  • Reply
    Rose
    January 3, 2009 AT 9:35PM

    Hi Patti,

    Yesterday, Jan. 2 was the day that I turned seventy!!! I am a retired art teacher who does craft shows, mainly in Haywood co. NC. where our vacation home is located. Several years ago a friend say, “why are you doing this , Rose, at your age?” This, of course, led to a poem,

    AGE

    What’s age got to do with it we cry from the heart
    ignoring the fact that we’re falling slowly apart.

    It matters not what years you’ve seen
    Because inside your brain, you’re only nineteen!

    Count not your age in years from the past,
    It’s age in your heart that always will last!

    Roselyn Glasgow Bryant

  • Reply
    Tracy Simmons
    January 4, 2009 AT 11:15AM

    Love this post! I will be turning 50 in June of this year and have been trying to think of something really special I’d want to do to celebrate on that day. Your post made me realize I’m thinking way too small! Why focus on just one day? I’m going to start my own list of 50 things…thanks!

  • Reply
    Rose
    January 5, 2009 AT 10:34AM

    I send a poem on age the other day, but the more I thought about it, it more certain I was that I had not typed it correctly. I DID write it, but after a rum and ruby red, my brain wasn’t remembering all the words right!!! Ha! After all, it WAS my 70th birthday and life is good!

  • Reply
    Valarie
    January 5, 2009 AT 9:18PM

    What inspiration. I’ve created my 45@45. and I’ve scheduled my vocal coach. Gonna learn to carry a tune! Aren’t you glad you can’t hear over this website :) LOL

  • Reply
    Vicky
    January 6, 2009 AT 11:14AM

    I’d be glad to teach you how to knit if I can get myself to one of your events. How I would love to do your retreat! And I am like you on the managing money – or rather, avoidance of it. On my list for 2009 as well.

    Vicky
    New reader, first time commenter.

  • Reply
    KarenM
    January 6, 2009 AT 11:45AM

    I found your book just when I needed it!
    I can gladly help you learn to knit….. I used to to recover from a car accident at 23 when I couldn’t feel 1/2 my body… I could move, just not feel anything. Now I’m trying to live everyday as intentioned as possible…. 4 years later, still doing it. There’s even an online community called ravelry where we cheer each other on!

    And hopefully somehow we can get you to come to Boston….Off to find her words for 2009 and to return with them to share.
    Karen

  • Reply
    Connie
    January 7, 2009 AT 12:44PM

    Oh My Goodness! I have a similar list I started months ago…things I wanted to accomplish by the time I turned 50 (17 more days) since I always overplan…I like this idea better! We have a lot of the same ideas on our lists. Good luck with yours!

  • Reply
    Laura Sue
    January 7, 2009 AT 12:44PM

    At 55, 50 doesn’t seem like such a big deal any more. But Patti, honey. I’d be happy to teach you how to knit!!!

  • Reply
    dancing kitchen
    January 8, 2009 AT 6:31PM

    Here’s a shot at the perfect loaf of bread, from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Fancois.
    1 1/2 tbsp dry yeast
    1 1/2 tbsp salt
    3 cups luke warm water
    6 1/2 cups flour
    Combine in order in a washed and dried ice cream bucket…you know the one you get for birthday parties that has the red handle and you’ve always wanted to save but didn’t know what to do with.
    When combined (wet hands do a nice trick when the spoon method doesn’t quite get it all), let rise at room temp for at least 2 hours. When doubled place in refrigerator.
    This bread is good for 14 days and is ready to bake whenever you are. The longer it sets the more “sour-dough” the flavor is. You have enough dough for 4 grapefruit sized loaves.
    When you want to bake it, place it on a wooden peel (wooden cutting board)in a light nest of corn meal. Let rise for at least 45 minutes. Preheat oven and baking stone (or baking sheet) @ 450 degrees for 20 minutes. Score the top of the bread with a knife (I like the X). Pop into the oven for 30 minutes.
    Excellent crusty on the outside soft in the middle.
    I don’t buy bread anymore…I just make this. It is no fail and I have goofed with it in numberous ways. Part white and part other flours for instance, with good results. Good luck pretty girl!!

  • Reply
    Cheryl
    January 17, 2009 AT 8:40PM

    I’m halfway through your book and am loving it. Like you, I listened to Bobby Sherman. I read “Tiger Beat.”

    This is the year *I* turn 50 also.

    I have three words for the year: expand, lightness, joy.

    This year is gonna rock!

  • Reply
    Holly
    January 18, 2009 AT 8:24PM

    What a list – somewhat overwhelming for 1 year, yet I agree that some of it just WILL BE DONE (it’s a state of being…versus…a state of achieving). I have some similar goals / interests and am in Charlotte….happy to share the joy of stamp carving, sewing, creating, and so forth! There is not much greater than spreading the fun with like-minded souls!

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