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Just Show Up
Some days are lackluster, they lack the muster, to motivate,
spur or spark, instigate and animate,
or just plain galvanize…
Some say we should
Just Do It??
I prefer to espouse a new age-old adage…
Just Show Up
You see…
I find that I no longer have a thirst for the gym,
its lunges, push-ups and sprints seem to risk life and limb
and I’ve become stiffly unconvinced of its assets.
And I’m averse (or is it adverse) to my cello lessons of late,
having long since run out of excuses that could eradicate, vindicate
my unskilled, fumbling scales.
The little Pupster must needs walking, whether the sky is fayre
and tender chinook winds are caressing my hair
or it’s minus 10 and gusting…
Would he settle for a treat?
I’d desperately like to compose you an impassioned poem
one that would inspire, that would be the crowning glory, your latte’s foam
or your morning’s blossom
but have now developed a severe case of…
WRITER’S ANGST
Who wouldn’t after hearing our wonderful Poet Laureate Nominees
reciting their master(ful)pieces with such ease?
Who’d dare claim to posses the panache of a poet?
(“Not I”, said The Little Red Smidge)
And, alas…
Today I am due for a post of epic proportions, but feel a touch flat..
(creatively speaking of course) but I fear more than that
As what I have written has become unwieldy and unkempt
and is neither prose nor poem…
“When in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme nor reason?”
sigh… that was Shakespeare, not me (or is that not I?)
Just Show Up
They say sometimes magic can happen after you show up?
And… sometimes it doesn’t,
but you still have to, right?
Just Show Up
Without Great Expectations, neither high nor low,
No great dream, conjecture or treatise, and no Rousseau.
No bated breath and no foreboding, no expectant premonition
and no strings attached!
Just Show Up
Now fix on a wee smile, no pouts, then,
not a grimace or gripe, just put on that grin
just be a good girl and get out there!
Who knows what could transpire…
♥
This week I require no compelling nor convincing to
Just Show Up
to Book Club, having loved our book
The Cider House Rules
and it so happens that I also love my friends,
so I’ll be appearing with an appetizer of sorts for them.
I am thinking perhaps it should be my pretty
Shrimp Oodles
They don’t even require a recipe,
but you do have to shop for the ingredients because everyone knows they won’t
Just Show Up
on their own, silly!
You need one box of phyllo pastry, thawed and left rolled up.
A dozen or so raw, deveined shrimp with tails removed, marinated in olive oil and crushed garlic.
Slice the rolled up phyllo as you would a sliced cookie, about 1/4 inch thick.
This is the fun part…
Fluff and separate the phyllo with your fingers…
so you have strands and strands of beautiful pastry streamers
everywhere, all over your kitchen!
Here it is again.. if you look from left to right, really, really fast,
it’s almost like I’ve made you a new food video
but not…
I think these should be called “Oodles” because, well, they look like noodles,
there are oodles.. and, well, yes, oodles of them,
they’re oodles of fun to make,
and you’ll have saved yourself oodles of time!
Pick up one of your shrimp and a little handful of phyllo.
Wrap, bunch and tuck the pastry strands around the shrimp until you have a little mound.
Set each little bundle on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet.
Very lightly spray with butter cooking spray (or not if you don’t have any).
Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Bake at 350° F until the phyllo is a beautiful golden color.. that means your shrimp will be a beautiful pink color inside by then.
My splendid and very clever daughter
Just Showed Up
And she suggested we spoon a dollop of red chile jelly or mango Habanero jelly on top.
She was right… it was the perfect splash of color.
And an awesome little kick of heat.
Well, how about that, today we
Just Showed Up
and a wee bit of magic happened!
There’s no guarantee, but if you make a few of these and post it on Facebook..
who knows who might
Just Show Up
in your kitchen?
♥
Shrimp Oodles
- 1 package frozen phyllo pastry, thawed
- 1 dozen shrimp (or more as desired)
- olive oil
- 2 - 3 garlic cloves, diced or crushed
- Butter cooking spray
- Red Chile Jelly or Mango Habanero Jelly
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Remove the tails from the shrimp and make sure they’re deveined, rinsed and patted dry. Put them in a non-reactive container or plastic storage bag. Drizzle to coat with olive oil. Add crushed garlic to taste. Stir to ensure all the shrimp are coated.
- Leaving thawed phyllo dough rolled up, slice into 1/4 inch widths. Only cut about 1/3 to 1/2 of the dough roll. Using your fingers, fluff the phyllo to separate the strands. Pick up a small handful and wrap and twist gently around one shrimp. Place on parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. (The spray is optional, I thought it helped with browning.)
- Bake until the phyllo is golden brown, your shrimp will have cooked in that length of time, approximately 15 minutes or so, just keep an eye on them.
- Dollop with jelly.
How simple and lovely these little whimsical looking shrimp treats are. I like your poetry as well. Ah yes, as we get older it’s hard to move our bodies to go to the gym. In fact, that’s where I’m heading right now even though I’d rather set my bottom right where it’s parked and search through cyberspace.
Thanks for sharing this fun little recipe.
Ah… good for you! I did show up at my cello lesson and it went remarkably well. I believe he just talked for most of it, sensing I hadn’t practiced:) He is a very, very kind man:)
Your Oodles are so pretty and what a fun dish to make! Clever idea, Smidge!
Thanks so much! Have a great weekend!!
You are absolutely delightful! If only I could write as beautifully as you. Eloquent and poetic. Ahh… I was not gifted with words so cleverly laced. But thank you for writing. I absolutely enjoy reading. 🙂 And the Shrimp Ooodles are fabulous. My next take along appetizer!
You are such a poet -It is beautiful to read your thoughts 🙂
This is a fantastic recipe my friend – impulsive and perfect!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Ahhh, it’s so good to be impulsive once in a while, isn’t it:)
These are fantastic, i adore them, they are so YOU, but how does one eat them? they must be delightfully crunchy! c
Well a lady would use a fork and plate but I use a napkin and fingers and make a big mess:)
Sent from my iPhone
Absol-oodley lovely! Took me ages to type that 😉
Hahaha, excellent, most excellent adjective!! Love it!
What a clever idea! Adding that jelly was the perfect finishing touch, bringing a pop of flavor and burst of color to each one. I will definitely be serving these at some future party. Ready in minutes, not only will they be well-liked, it’s one appetizer I’m confident no one will have seen or tried before. Thanks, Smidge, for sharing a great recipe!
I know.. as you’ve said, if only one could access these photos with “scratch and sniff” technology you’d know these also taste great:) Thank you!!
Oh me oh my, these beribboned shrimps look lovely. Just show up is a great adage.
Some days… that’s all I’ve got in me:)
I’m glad you just showed up and gave us this recipe. I’m also glad that your daughter just showed up to give the shrimp their beautiful crowning glory. And I’m also glad when you just show up to let us enjoy your words no matter what they are and whether they rhyme or not.
Awww, and I’m glad you just showed up here today, Karen:) It means a lot to me to have your comments here!
This will make one great appetizer, Barbara. I normally wrapped the shrimps with the lumpia wrapper but using the phyllo pastry is an even greater idea. Thanks a lot! 😉
Well, I learned something new today! I had to google lumpia since I’ve never heard of them before. I’d love to see (and taste) your version of this!
Lumpia is spring rolls, Barbara.
What an interesting presentation Barbara. I’ve heard of kataifi before but is a bit different.
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/crispy-shrimp-in-kataifi-crust
I had to google this one as well! I’m sure I must have eaten kataifi before? I do know I’ve had noodle wrapped shrimp in a restaurant before, so this one must be similar?
How fun!
Thanks, it is fun:)
True pastry innovation! I love the idea of chopping up filo (which to be honest is a fiddlw when you have to wrap up sheets of the stuff like the recipes say)
It’s so quick… The baking holds it all together and much fewer calories without all the layers of butter in the traditional methods:) have an awesome weekend!!
Sent from my iPhone
As I get older, I’m learning to be kinder to myself. It’s all ok, whether you make it to the gym or cello lessons or not. Feed your marvelously creative soul, Smidge, and enjoy oodles of your shrimp oodles.. 🙂
I love that saying… Feed your soul:)
These are so pretty! I wish I had this recipe for Chinese New Year. A lovely appetizer.
Next celebration… What is your next one??
I’m such a huge believer in Just Show Up. Thank you for the free and whimsical way you wove that into such a fun appetizer. I love the oodles…oodles!
Thanks so much Ashley, I know that you do show up:) I read it in your lovely blog!
This is such a great post. Thank you for writing it, I can really relate to it. I love when someone puts my thoughts into words 🙂 Especially in such a beautiful creative way like this. You’re simply amazing Smidge. I’ve got to try the Oodles! They look like so much fun to make….and they sound delicious! So glad you shared the recipe.
I find that all the time on these pages, other writers giving voice to our thoughts, I love that!
I am going to just show up the next time you make these, you are incredible… even on your off days as you think you are very oodledly (would that be correct?) exceptional!
I wish you could show up:) Wouldn’t it be fun!! Well, maybe when this snow has melted!!
Love the simplicity of this recipe, simple but extremely elegant! What a great way to use phyllo…
your texts are always a pleasure to read…
I love it too, life is so busy, sometimes we just need something quick… As long as I remember to defrost the phyllo:)
Your daughter is brilliant, Smidge: the jelly makes the oodles stylish, colorful and fun and must add wonderful flavor, too.
She’s my sweetpea, that’s for sure!
OH, my gosh! Love this! How fun and also – I’m certain – delicious! Must try.
It was surprisingly delicious for such a simple recipe:) That’s why I love it! Xoxo Have a great day!
I extra {{heart}} {{heart}} this post. Thank you for a beauty of an appetizer and a new motto!
I {heart} you right back!
What a cool idea, Smidge. I always love what you come up with. This is so light and delicious sounding. Delicious.
Thanks so much:) I’m thinking about what else I could wrap up!
Sorry to hear you’re feeling a bit unenthusiastic about your favourite things at the moment. Personally, I find I get like that if I’ve gotten overtired without realising it. I hope you feel better very soon. 🙂
Some days are like that, aren’t they? Today is much better and I think you’re right, it’s when we’re over tired… A few days rest and we have the energy to get going again! Have an awesome day!! xo
THank you very much. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Have a great day! 🙂
Dear Smidge, it must be these gray winters. It lacks luster and I know it has been over 32 days since I have seen the sun in HK. I can only imagine it has been even worse in Canada. At least you have not lost your will to write poetry as I really enjoyed the lyrics and your light and crunchy oodles appetizer. Tomorrow you will be back into the swing of things. BAM
Wow! That’s a record, we’ve had more sun than you so I shan’t complain!! I hope you get sun soon, it’s so good for the soul, isn’t it?? We have a snow warning out today.. The snowboarders are happy. Me… Mah, I want spring!!!
Sun is good for the soul and here in HK between the humidity and all the pollution it is something rare to see. It is warm and that is nice but I would like to see the sun just every once in a while. Enjoy your snow day and maybe you can get in your last few times down the slopes this week. Spring is on its way!
This sounds absolutely delicious Smidge! And I had to laugh as I actually did move my eyes back and forth really fast several times to get the “video” effect. LOL. 🙂
Ahahaha, I was hoping someone would, I’ll have to make a new video soon:) Just for you!!
I can only imagine how crunchy and full of flavor this is.
I know those days when just showing up is all you can do, I am glad on this day you showed up and magic happened. If you ask me Smidge, any day you show up in is bound to be full of magic
You are very sweet:) I find all kinds of magic on your blog, Sawsan!! xo
Hi, I showed up and look what you gave me, “the crowning glory, your latte’s foam
or your morning’s blossom” and oodley shrimpy filo with chillie jamny. Perfect. 🙂
Ahhh… Thanks, Claire! I’m so glad:) xoxo
My beautiful poet, what an amazing recipe you shared. The photograph at first, fascinated me. Beautiful, so beautiful… Thank you, have a nice new week, with my love, nia
Thanks so much, Nia! I’ve been switching to email to get your posts now.. So I think I’ve missed a few. I switched over because I find it easier to know right away when everyone posts a new story… Looking forward to reading yours:) xo Smidge
Works of art!
Thanks!
I couldn’t agree with you more on the “just show up” mentality. Often it’s just getting out of the inertia and once you do something (like going to the gym) you always feel great. And what a gorgeous recipe to end the post !
I never get past that part.. I think just show up and don’t worry about actually “doing” anything. But everyone around me is so motivating I end up having fun and getting in a great work-out, etc:)
This just looks so delicious and pretty, that I’d be scared to eat it lol. I love shrimp. And it definitely looks like you sliced up parchment paper :).
Haha, it is a bit messy, but that’s half the fun:)
Fabulous photos! My mouth is watering!
Mine too.. They’re all gone;)
I’m in desperate need of a cooking pep-talk, and this was perfect. I think I just need to show up, too, and see what might happen. Thanks, Smidge! (Oh, and I love your shrimp oodles, too!)
I can’t imagine you needing a pep-talk, Courtney, I always find so much creative imagination on your blog. I guess that’s why we have each other:) Have an awesome day!! Xoxo Smidge
What a simple and perfect little snack, I love this! And as everyone before said, your poetry gets more beautiful every post. You are such an inspiration! xx
Thanks so much, Caroline!
What a cool recipe!! I’ve never seen anything like this! You are so creative! I’m like you, I don’t have any desire to work out in a gym anymore! For me now its getting outdoors for pleasurable activities…Just Show Up!
Oh, now getting outdoors is the real way to “just show up” isn’t it? We have blowing snow today so I’m afraid I won’t be doing much of that:(
I agree, with kalechronicles, the jelly adds a designer touch! Oh Smidge, I love how you play around with words and make everything look and sound so beautiful. And to top it all off you have these dreamy pictures, too. Oodles of love!
Thanks so much:) xo
Thanks so much and a great lenten recipe!! You’re awesome. My kids will have oodles of fun with this one
You are right, kids would have fun with this:)
Love the shrimp oodles, and well deserved IF you manage to get through everything you want or are meant to (gulp!) 🙂
Oh… thanks so much!! 🙂
This looks like the perfect appetizer! I love the addition of the spicy jelly on top! 🙂
These are so fun! And I love the photo ‘series’ that looks like a flipbook/video:)
Hahaha, thanks! I was hoping to make a video again soon, but lacking a detailed enough recipe:)
I am yet to work with phyllo dough but this is something I could manage. I love how simple and easy it is. We love shrimp at home and cannot wait to try this. The addition of the jelly on top does add a pop of color. Beautiful!!!
You’ll love how delicious this is and so easy, kids can make it:)
You did ever so much more than just showing up–this post lifted my spirits so much you can hardly have imagined it would be so potent when you were writing it. But you struck upon the exact thing that keeps me moving ahead on so very many occasions when there’s no particular Move to my Groove, let alone Groove to my Moves–just showing up. Hoping for the best. Pitching in with what little I can think of to do and wishing with all my heart that it grows up into something more useful and significant than my paltry efforts can make it. And by golly, that’s as much as I can do on some days, and if I came out of it at the end of the day with a treat like what you just showed me (and I’m *not* just talking about the food in the post 😉 )–that’s a mighty successful day!
xoxoxo
Kathryn
You’re so right.. Pitching in is another important aspect of showing up:) I sometimes forget to offer that and will try to look for more opportunities throughout my day. I love to “show up” on your blog, Kathryn, because if anything will motivate me to get up and get creative, it’s you:) I’ve been fighting a cold (it can’t seem to decide whether to hang around or not) so that could be my source of the doldrums) xoxo Smidge
So creative of a bite. Great poetry. You are awesome!
Thanks Christy!! xo
What a cool thing to do with phylo dough. This really makes for quite a stunning presentation. As it turns out, I show up for work everyday and lately, that just isn’t enough. But I love your poem.
Oh, Geni, I can’t tell you how sad your words made me feel..I think your “enough” is “more than enough”, no matter what anyone tells you. I’m certain of it because I see your work in your blog and your talent shines through!! Xoxo Smidge
[…] Just a Smidgeon – Oh Smidge. You just make me happy. Every post is an inspiring, creative, happy place to be. I look forward to your beautiful words and beautiful photographs… […]
Visiting from Sarah’s Place and I’m so glad I’m here! I’m loving the oodles and your writing style. I wish I could be a bit more poetic in my posts. Thank you for the inspiration this afternoon.
Looking forward to future posts!
Allison
That’s so awesome to have you drop by.. I’ll take a peek at your blog as well.. welcome!! xo Smidge
Yummy! I’m glad you decided to Just Show Up. I very much enjoyed the magic that happened as a result. 🙂
Ahhh, thanks:) xoxo
Great post, young lady!
[…] Shrimp Oodles. […]
oh you are too kind! I aspire to be a better writer as I dearly love the written word. Thank you for your inspiring words Smidge!