un·der·stud·y/ˈəndərˌstədē/
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some wish to be a
★
but i am content to be…
the understudy
for aren’t we are all “understudies” in life….
not for the purpose of replacement
but
to learn a new part
something just out of reach…
and so we grow
we understudy with our partners
it’s a constant dance of almost knowing
my children are my understudies
they study my every move
i understudy in music
surrounded by talent
and my friends…
(smile)
i am surrounded by a beautiful circle of friends
that i
“study under”
but first…i was my father’s understudy
when it came time to fix or build and learn
i was my mother’s understudy, in the garden and the kitchen
and in art
sometimes the role of the understudy is challenging
because there is so much aspiration..
so much inspiration
that the dream seems impossible
so i am content just to begin
with a cup of tea
made from leaves and a slice of lemon
paired with a recipe
from a new friend.. Sweet Pea…
for a delicate, nutty orange-spice banana bread
and a wee little
sketchbook, brush and box
i take one stroke of burnt umber
… and that’s all the courage
needed to begin
who knows.. one day
who might become our understudy?
Understudied Orange-Spice Banana Muffins
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
2 tbsp orange zest
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Heat oven to 350 F.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange zest. Stir in walnuts to coat them in the flour mixture.
In a medium bowl, stir together the bananas, yogurt, beaten eggs, cooled butter and vanilla extract.
Working gently, fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients, just until completely mixed. The batter will be very thick and lumpy.
Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins (silpat or paper lined). It will make 12-15 muffins.
Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, until muffins are golden brown and baked through the center.
To print a copy, click here: Understudied Orange-Spice Banana Muffins
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by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Your sketch is just gorgeous! You are one talented woman Smidge.
And I never really thought about being an understudy – but it sure is fitting. Fabulous muffins too.
I loved. You are amazing and creative lady. Your post always impresses me… Beautiful writing, sharing, drawing and photographs, recipe… Thank you, dear Barbara, with my love, nia
Orange spice banana? That is such a neat and fresh flavor combination. I was going to make banana bread soon because I have some overripe bananas, and now it’s going to have an orange spice twist! Thanks!
Thanks, Kristy, I love to paint but sometimes it’s better to keep it simple:) and use a small sketchbook! I have a large canvas waiting… but it’s a bit overwhelming every time I look at it!
It was actually an excellent flavor combination, Caroline really has some of the best baking ever!!
You are so creative as well, nia… thanks so much! xoxo Smidge
You set the mood, like you set the table, Smidge, with such thorough and thoughtful care. This is one exquisite and delicious post, in every sense of the word(s). I want to stay right here…
Oh, this sounds so good! And looks good, too. Really, your work is a feast for the eyes and… in all ways.
Thank you, Spree… If you were here, there’d be a second cup and muffin on that table:) xo Smidge
I guess I am going to be your understudy in food blog writing!
Awesome post, beautiful, touching, just perfect!
(the muffins are great too…
The sentiments in this post are lovely – perfectly put and I know that you have lots of understudies out here reading your posts!
Thank you so much, this recipe was definitely a “keeper”! xo Smidge
That’s sweet, Sally, but I think, no, I know that we understudy each other;)
Thanks so much… I am so pleased to be a follower of yours!
What a delightful post, Smidge! I was literally smiling from start to finish, just as I do whenever I visit you here. Witty, thoughtful, beautifully illustrated. Yes, a real delight!
I have just bookmarked yet another of your posts. I can’t keep up with your fabulous recipe suggestions! Loved the poem, too. Coincidentally, the ladies and I were just talking about being “under-studies” at our retreat!
I bet that your house is perfectly staged! You could do a book on that alone~
These look fantastic! And your photos are always so mouth-watering. I also love your write-up…and the understudy idea. It’s kind of scary, thinking about our kids watching us so much…uff da.
You posts are always so inviting. I can just smell these.
Hey, look at you! I see a beautiful food sketch in that sketchbook. Blow it up and add it to the blog (or just scan it).
What a lovely thought….we are all understudies in life, learning a new part. Love your sketchbook, photos and writing…truly you are gifted!
These sound sublime and the composition of the image you gave us is so beautiful.Tthere is always something so peaceful, yet elegant and so eloquent about your photgraphs! Lovely lovely. c
You really are beyond talented, lady. That sketch is gorgeous…and the muffins sound lovely! Wonderful combination of ingredients.
You are so truly creative in every way! What a lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon, a cup of tea, a sketchbook and your muffins!! Beautiful Smidge!
Lovely words Smidge. I agree with you. I feel like I’m always in the understudy role too. I haven’t been to that website so I’m off to check it out now.
I love the the poem and I especially love your painting. You are abundantly talented and creative.
Gorgeous muffins, and what a lovely poem! I love the way you transitioned the recipe.
And your comments always leave me smiling as well:) Thanks so much!
Well, they can be enjoyed by just looking, too! Isn’t that a neat coincidence? I hope you enjoyed your retreat:) xo Barb
I do enjoy “staging” my home, but at the moment, it looks like a disaster around here:)
Hahaha, yeah, it’s the old adage, “be careful what you do, little eyes are watching you!” (not sure if that’s old, but it rhymed and sounded like it, lol)
Yes.. the kitchen did smell heavenly, if only I could have these baking every morning… before I got out of bed!
Thanks, Sharyn
I must be a bit timid, liked that it was just tucked in the corner.. as I begin doing more I promise to share:) I love your paintings, btw!
Thank goodness we are.. I get to visit your blog and feel inspired:) xo Smidge
Coming from a wonderful photographer like you, this is a true compliment! Thank you, c!
If only I had hours in a day to sit and sketch and bake.. how happy would a life like that be?? Thanks for your compliments, Caroline!
It is a great way to spend the afternoon… especially when it’s so darn cold here. It takes so much effort to bundle up to go out!
You will really enjoy her recipes.. I love the barbecue chicken pizza she made today:) I’m still drooling…
It was fun to draw because it was so tiny… workin’ my way up to the big canvas loitering in my study… egad! What was I thinking buying that thing?! Thanks for your lovely words…so kind!
I try to blend the two… without being artificial. I’m beginning to think that the actual recipe just lends itself to something. Maybe it all muddles in my head until the perfect combination comes together:) Thanks so much! xoxo Smidge
Love the illustration and the photos, really nice! And I have to say, what a cute puppy!!! The muffin recipe sounds very tasty and I really like it that they are not overly sweet. Great combo of flavours. I have my very first giveaway on my blog and would love it if you would enter, it’s really easy. http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/restaurant-review-ici-and-my-very-first-giveaway/
Thank you, Smidge. If I could sketch like you I would be really pleased.
I always enjoy your writings and your photos. And I absolutely love these Orange-Spice Banana Muffins you have on display. I am getting so hungry just thinking about them
I don’t know what I love more, the recipe or the photos and sketches. You’re writing is beautiful….
beautiful poem, beautiful sketches, beautiful muffins! talented smidge! =)
Your blog posting are always so thoughtful and well laid out. An absolutely warm and inviting place to stop in for a little inspiration. It’s like coming home! I think I will make these for brunch next week. I think I see an inspired blog in the making!
Another winning post, my dear–all of your earlier commenters today have already said so much that I would say to this one, but as always I thank you for it. As you’re commenting on learning and taking inspiration from others, it’s only appropriate to add that I shall have to buckle down and get sketching again myself, perhaps building up to the larger canvas that I too have waiting for me! Thank you for another great spirit-lifter.
xoxo,
Kathryn
Wow very artistic and creative post, I love the photos, writing as well as the recipe
these would be perfect right now for my breakfast
So creative, on all levels
A blank canvas makes always me shudder but for you, it just opens up a world of possibilities. Keep those creative juices flowing. Take Care, BAM
Thanks so much, Eva, I will go have a look in a minute:) I love giveaways! I forgot to say that I added slightly less sugar and it still tasted great (about 1/8th of a cup less)
So am I!! They are all gone now and I’m trying to go a few days without sugar.. so hard for me!!
me either:) I think I would have to put them all at the top of my list!
Thank you, lovely talented jo-lyn:)
Well, that’s how this one started over at Sweet Pea’s page:) Good luck! And thank you!!
Ooooh… I can’t wait to see what you will have sketched and painted!!
Your sketch is so amazing!! I am so glad that you enjoyed the recipe. I will have to make them into muffins next time I have ripe bananas hanging around!
These posts are in a league of their own – you need to create a book or something. As for understudy – its the story of my life (blub, wail etc)
I loved the poem, the sketches, the photos and the recipe. You’re certainly a very multi-talented lady.
I am seriously impressed – with all of it – art, composition, poetry, cuisine. Wow.
Great pics/sketches! And those muffins looks delicious.
There is so much beauty in this post!
This is a truly charming post. I read it yesterday and again today, and it’s still just love lying and tender.
Misk… You’re just so kind, thank you so much:) xo Smidge
I love this post – such understated, warmly bright beauty!
Pretty creative post, young lady! You should be very proud of the finished product.
Smidge! These photos are un-believe-able! So beautiful. They’re going on my pinterest profile now …;p