Beer Cravings

Some of you may have opened this post just because of the title alone. Has she lost her mind? She's craving beer? What happened to wine? What happened to whiskey? Beer? Seriously?

Well, I've asked myself those same questions the last couple of months. Unfortunately, I have no explanation. I am as perplexed as you are.

I love wine. I have learned a lot about wine. I'm still learning. That's part of the appeal. It's a

never-ending learning process. From year to year, the same wine can change drastically. Most of the time it's based on chance - weather is a huge factor and one that cannot be controlled. You do the best you can with what you've got and the knowledge with which you've been armed.  It's fascinating to me to see the end product. I don't know that I could be patient enough to go through the entire process however. I'm grateful for those people who spend countless hours with sometimes less than desirable results.

I have been experimenting with beer tasting this past year and have grown accustomed to some particular ones. I have found that there are two beers that I not only enjoy but often desire and crave.

American Expedition

Heritage Brewing Company

Manassas, VA

 In April of this year, I posted about Heritage. It's pretty amazing how many beers I've tried since then and yet I still go back to "Pretzel Beer" as a go-to favorite!

http://winefoodie.blogspot.com/2015/04/theres-hope-for-me-yet-beer-post.html

When I first tasted American Expedition, I instantly knew it would pair perfectly with steamed crabs. I finally got to try this pairing and damn if I wasn't spot on! There might just be something to this beer pairing thing. I'll turn beer into wine if it kills me!

Weeping Willow Wit

Mother Earth Brewing

Kinston, NC

In October of this year, I tried this Belgian Wit at Lucky 12 Tavern in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I wanted pizza and beer (wait, what?) and this summertime-in-a-glass beer hit the spot! It was so yummy that I have found myself longing for it months later and wishing I could find it around my neck of the woods. Peace, love and beer is the brewery's motto and my favorite tree is a weeping willow. It was fate that I fell in love with this one!

Ten Things the TinyWineGirl has learned about beer (so far):

1. Just like wine, you like what you like. No need to explain or defend.  There's enough to go around.

2. What I don't like about beer is the bitter aftertaste. That means odds are I'm not going to like an IPA. However, I can appreciate an IPA for what it is and have found a few here or there that are fathomable.

3. I like beer in a glass; not out of a can or a bottle.

4. Except for a few (my two favorites), I can't drink an entire glass of beer. It makes me feel like a fat cow. Fat cows are cute but I don't want to turn into one.

5. Dark beer is interesting but they aren't ones I lean toward liking. Porters and Stouts are like coffee and I don't like coffee.

6.  I'm a brunette - born and bred brunette. Never been a fan of blondes unless they are dogs. I can now add beer to the list. I like blondes who are dogs and beer.

7. The right beer with the right pizza is a match made in heaven.

8. Beer will never make me drunk. I feel bloated before I could ever feel buzzed.

9. Sitting at a bar drinking wine seems pretentious. I like sitting at bars. I hate feeling pretentious. Beer is a great bar drink, especially while watching football.

10. Breweries don't judge. You can come as you are. That's my kind of place.

“Thirstily he set it to his lips, and as its cool refreshment began to soothe his throat, he thanked Heaven that in a world of much evil there was still so good a thing as ale.” ― Rafael Sabatini, Fortune's Fool

LoCo Brewfest 2015

If anyone had ever told me I'd attend a beer festival much less look forward to it and enjoy it, I'd say they had lost their mind.

Well, I haven't only been to one beer festival but I've been to two this year!
The best of all though was the LoCo Brewfest!

The LoCo Brewfest took place outdoors on the grounds of Lost Rhino

Brewing Company in Ashburn, Virginia, and was the first all Loudoun County beer festival!!  We had VIP tickets because obviously if you're going to do it, do it right! It paid off to have VIP because we got in the gates an hour early and considering we're not very fond of people, it worked to our advantage. I'm typically not a "festival" type person because I'm not big on crowds. I'm really not fond of crowds where alcohol is being consumed My tolerance level is very low. At least I know my limitations......

This festival was organized, the sun was shining, the air was brisk and the kids were well behaved. Was all of this possible?

In the center of the area, there were tents with tables in a square shape. Walk up to the brewery table of your choice, present a drink token and receive a pour of beer! Run out of tokens? No problem. You could buy more! There was a live band, kettle corn, and a few food trucks. Lucky for me, Monk's BBQ was there and I had always wanted to try it!

Loudoun County is basically wine country but it is quickly becoming beer country as well. I'm not complaining one bit. There were about 15 breweries or brewpubs represented at LoCo Brewfest and while they didn't all have beer that I liked, I was thrilled there were a ton to try and three in particular that I loved! I also found that while I may not have liked all of the beer represented, I would definitely make a trip out to a few of these breweries in the future to try the others they make.

Old 690 is a brewery I have had on my radar for the last year. I was pleased to see it was represented and it just happened to be the one brewery in which I liked both options available!

The Old 690 Beer, aka, Blonde Ale, is a light, refreshing, American/Golden Blonde Ale which is super easy to drink! The brewer calls it a "lawnmower beer" because it uses two-row pale malt as the base with a bit of crystal and wheat added to make it more flavorful. There's only one type of hop used throughout the process and I'm assuming that's part of why I enjoy it. I am not a fan of big hoppy beer!

The Wicked Old Lady Pumpkin Ale is obviously a seasonal beer and is delicious! While I don't care for pumpkin pie, I do love the flavors of the spices present in pumpkin pie. With over 20lbs of pumpkin in the mash for this beer, it's a delightful fall libation!

The highlight beer of the day for me; however, was the Harvest Amber Ale which is a LoCollaboration Beer! It was the feature beer of the brewfest because every LoCo brewery had a part in the making of this beer!! Being VIP, we had a token specifically to try this collaboration beer which was also part of the VIP appeal. I liked it so much that I ended up purchasing another token at the end of the day just so I could have another pour!

The LoCollaboration beer is a harvest amber ale with toasted malt and light caramel flavors. With a delicate hoppiness and very little bitterness, the balance was phenomenal!  This beer is made with Jasper yeast, hops from Dirt Farm Brewery and Fabbioli Cellars and Virginia malts from Copper Fox Distillery (I LOVE its rye whiskey) and Berry Wood. I believe there are a few Loudoun breweries which still have it on tap - Old Ox being one of them. If you're lucky enough to find it, definitely try it!

 I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer. 

― Abraham Lincoln

This blog post is sponsored by proud participants of the 2015 LoCo Brewfest who look forward to next year's festival!

Yay Beer!

Preach the Word of Pinot

Just this past weekend, Terrance Newman, a 37 year old cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, was asked by a reporter what his secret was in being able to play football for so long (drafted in 2003).

His response was one that I don't think anyone expected but all of us wine and football lovers appreciated.

His answer was

 "Pinot Noir"

Pinot Noir is a very delicate grape and one that I have always admired. Well, I admire it as long as it's from Oregon.

The Pinot Noir grape is very thin-skinned, likes cool air and needs a lot of TLC but if the stars align properly it's absolutely beautiful.

I was fortunate enough to participate in a Pinot Noir Exploration with the West Burgundy Wine Group at my happy place recently and it was quite enjoyable. However, while it was interesting, I still have to say my mind has not changed about Pinot Noir. California just doesn't do it for me. New Zealand and France are better but Oregon is by far, the best Pinot in all the land!

2013 Moillard-Grivot

Bourgogne

Burgundy, France

This 12.5% alcohol content Pinot is very food-friendly, light and easy to drink. There is a quick hint of barnyard funk on the nose accompanied by light fruit with a kick of BBQ sauce and a finish of peppermint.

2012 Siduri Santa Lucia

Pinot Noir

Santa Lucia Highlands, CA

If blindfolded, I would never have guessed this was a Pinot. It smells of flowers, green peppers and a has a hint of petroleum with a bite at the end.

Yeah.. next please...

2013 Siduri Russian River Valley

Pinot Noir

Sonoma County, CA

This Pinot didn't have much of an aroma which was a shame because I was at least enjoying that aspect. Cinnamon and spice box is what I tasted on this one.

 Another California Pinot.....Come on. What did I do to deserve this punishment? Can't you throw in a New Zealand one?

2013 Carneros Hills Winery Estate

Pinot Noir

Carneros, CA

It was with this wine that the tide started to turn. Or maybe the wines prior were just so disappointing that in comparison this one was tolerable. At first whiff, I immediately thought of fishing on the Potomac River with a hint of fruit thrown in for measure.  The limestone in the soil where these grapes were grown was evident! This wine had a little bite at the end but was pretty good.

 I was told Pinot definitely needs a maritime influence. I can get behind that. It's a good influence to have.

2012 Wild Ridge Vineyards

Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast, CA

Well, thank you, Wild Ridge Vineyards!! You had me at forest floor!

This was by far the best aroma to this point in the night. I smelled this 14.5% alcohol content wine for what seemed like a beautiful eternity before ever taking a sip. That's how I know it's a fantastic wine - when I'm not in a rush to taste it. The aroma is that beautiful that I just don't want to stop enjoying it. 

2012 Champ de Reves

Pinot Noir

Anderson Valley, CA

Baking spices. That's all I got out of this one, which isn't necessarily a bad thing at all. However, this wine didn't stand a chance because I knew what was coming next and had been anticipating it all evening.  If I gave this wine a chance on any other night or even in a different order on this same night, I probably would give it a favorable review. Honestly, I don't remember much about it at all. I was just trying to move along at this point.

2013 Gran Moraine

Yamhill-Carlton

Pinot Noir

Yamhill Carlton AVA, Oregon

Well, hello, gorgeous!

The aroma of fallen Autumn leaves, pipe tobacco, lavender, rosemary....

The flavor of roasted coffee, black truffle and a hint of light, red fruit....

The earth, the light smoke, the fruit....

Oregon, of course.

A class of its own.

Fruity, yet earthy.

Powerful, yet elegant

I knew from the start that this would be a special wine and that the best was saved for last. 

Why?

Well aside from the obvious (it's from Oregon), it's from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA.

Carlton

My grandfather's name.

He never let me down and won't start now.

The Gran Moraine Pinot solidified my thoughts that nothing can beat an Oregon Pinot Noir. I appreciate the other wines for showing up and trying to compete with Oregon. Nice try, kids. But stop wasting your time and my precious taste buds.

While I have compared libations to men before, this classic expression of an Oregon Pinot Noir reminds me of only one person and it's not a man.

It instantly reminded me of my female role model. A woman I hold with high esteem.

A classic, elegant, unassuming, natural beauty - Audrey Hepburn.

I think people who believe in pinot understand. I'm just trying to spread the word.

~ Kevin Furtado

Dogs made me go....

... but the beer will be the reason I return!

Stafford has always been an area that I would drive through to get to somewhere else. It was never a place in which I chose to visit.  Well, that is until I found out that the non-profit, Veterans Moving Forward, was having a fundraiser at Adventure Brewing Company off of Route 1 in Stafford!

Veterans Moving Forward is a non-profit based in Catharpin whose purpose is to train and provide canine therapy and assistance to veterans with mental and physical health challenges at no cost!

http://www.vetsfwd.org/

I first found out about VMF about five years ago when I was at Breaux Vineyards in Loudoun County. A woman was fostering one of the VMF pups who was in training. He was a lab puppy with the VMF vest on and I inquired as to what the organization was all about. Ever since, I have faithfully been donating to this worthy organization for years. In fact, one day, I may just volunteer to help socialize and train a puppy for VMF.

I had been wanting to check out Adventure for a while but timing just never worked. Once I found out that VMF was going to be there on a Saturday, I told my favorite guy and we put it on the calendar so we wouldn't forget!

 Not long after I walked into the brewery, I was met by Vincent, a brand new VMF puppy in training!! A huge smile instantly formed on my face when I looked into those big brown puppy eyes! My heart melted when I realized what good this less than four month old pup would be doing for a veteran in no time!

What a special fluff bucket!

Realizing I was at a brewery, I reluctantly pulled myself away from the dogs and decided to check out the beer!

Adventure's beers include four year-round styles:  

Backpack Wheat is a traditional German-style beer with "summer adventures in mind". I mean, who doesn't long for and enjoy a summer adventure, especially in December?! It's refreshing and smooth with a hint of citrus but not over-the-top-orange in your face!  I've noticed lately, that I've taken a liking to Hefeweizens and this is no exception!

Super Power Pale Ale is based on a pilsner recipe and has malty flavors and a bright finish. It fooled me because,by its light color, I thought it would be lighter in flavor as well. Not bad, though. Not bad at all.

 Expedition IPA scared me at first because I don't really like the hoppy bitterness of an IPA. While IPA lovers should enjoy this one, those of us who aren't too sure about IPAs should be able to fathom it as well. It's not nearly as hoppy as your typical IPA.

Stiletto Stout is comprised of five grains and five hops, making it a very flavorful stout. Bold, roasty with hints of chocolate and coffee, this is a typical dark stout to me. It makes me want to drink coffee with breakfast and I don't like coffee or breakfast.

Adventure also has specialty and seasonal brews which change quite frequently:

Grapefruit Wheat made me turn my nose up just at the name. Anyone who knows me or has read enough of my blog posts knows that I cannot stand grapefruit or anything that has a grapefruit flavor. This beer started out with the lovely Backpack Wheat beer but was then ruined with grapefruit peel and grapefruit juice. Need I say more?

Final Frontier Amber has a low hoppiness which lets the malt shine through! Yes, yes, yes!!  Shine on, Mr. Malt!

Pumpkin Patch Adams is made with real pumpkin in the mash and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg! When I visited Adventure it was right at the beginning of the pumpkin beer season and while I like pumpkin beer, overall I think the crazy pumpkin mania leaves little to be desired. However, Adventure's pumpkin beer is hands down the best pumpkin beer I have ever tasted. It is a perfect blend of pumpkin and baking spices. Even my favorite guy, who knows more and has consumed more beer in his lifetime than I,  let out a "wow" upon drinking this one.  My only regret is that we didn't fill a growler and take it home.

Search Party Ale was a happy accident! When the Adventure brewers were creating their IPA they lost a compressor and they "sent the search party out to rescue the beer!" A tough job, but someone has to do it! It was very eye opening to try this next to the Expedition IPA to see what a difference temperature control makes in the fermentation process.

Lemon Drop IPA is Windex and Pine Sol in a glass. Intriguing? Not so much. Wretched? Ok, maybe that's a little too harsh. But man this was just not good. This is a Session IPA brewed with an experimental "lemon drop" hop which gives the beer a citrus flavor along with a hint of pine. Yeah, they nailed this one. If it had only been put in the coffin...

There are two seasonals that are produced here but weren't available and I definitely want to try at some point:

Belgian Dubbel which is a classic Belgian Ale (my go-to at a new brewery)

and

Mary Washington's Gingerbread which emulates the ginger, raisin and dry sweetbread flavors of Mary's famous gingerbread! It is brewed in collaboration with the Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg.

While I'm not typically a stout fan, I must say I am also intrigued by the Imperial Stout that is coming out soon at Adventure. Maybe it's the label and the name that is gaining my interest.

Or maybe it's the whip.  I was just Catwoman for Halloween.

While the dogs made me go to Adventure, the beer will definitely be the reason that I return and keep going back!

Thirstily he set it to his lips, and as its cool refreshment began to soothe his throat, he thanked Heaven that in a world of much evil there was still so good a thing as ale.”

― Rafael Sabatini, Fortune's Fool

Dogs and wine

Any dog lovers who visit wineries in the Northern Virginia and surrounding areas are most likely familiar with a winery in Fauquier County named BOW - Barrel Oak Winery. I have been to BOW many times over the years with and without my german shepherd, Prowler.  The winery's appeal is that it's dog friendly - REALLY dog friendly.  Its owners are phenomenal people and its resident dogs are super sweet and fun. BOW wines are decent but I think the focus should be on on quality over quantity. BOW has always been on the large side venue wise and it is recently expanding even more. One thing that I tend to not like about this Delaplane winery is that it's also very child friendly. I have nothing against kids but what do I not enjoy are parents who bring their young children to a winery, ignore them, and then wonder why my dog and I are perturbed. As a result, I haven't been to BOW in quite a while, at least not with Prowler by my side.

Luckily for all of us, there are so many wineries in this area, there's bound to be something for everyone's liking - venue wise and wine wise. Last month, while in Loudoun County, my favorite guy and I made a spur of the moment decision to stop at a winery in Waterford. We had both been there before but not together and quite a few years had passed for both of us since our list visit. It was close and we both remembered we liked it so we thought we'd stop in at 8 Chains North while we were in the area. While 8 Chains North is also dog and child friendly, it is a completely different world from Barrel Oak.  8 Chains North has expanded since I last visited to include a banquet room, an additional tasting bar, newly-planted vineyards and best of all, an outdoor fenced-in dog park!! I met these three-year old sweet Aussie Shepherds who were enjoying the dog park while their owners enjoyed a glass of wine! 

This small, family-owned winery also focuses on quality over quantity when it comes to its wines and it shows! With six wines to taste (compared to the close to 20 at BOW), we also chose the chocolate pairing to accompany them. I mean, who are we to ever turn down chocolate!

Three things I took away from this tasting:

1. The Furnace Mountain Red Reserve, a blend of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cab Sav, aged in 10 months individually and 12 additional months in American and French oak barrels, was broad, big and supple. A lovely, unfiltered Bordeaux-inspired blend.
2. Sauvignon Blanc, made from grapes grown in Loudoun County, Virginia, does NOT taste like grapefruit!! I hate Sauvignon Blanc simply because it smells and tastes like grapefruit and I despise grapefruit. To see a Sav Blanc on a tasting menu in Virginia was odd on its own but then to taste it and it not taste like a typical Sav Blanc was a huge shock! It is crisp, savory and  beautifully acidic with hints of lemongrass and citrus!  I am still in shock at this beautiful Sauvignon Blanc - who knew all I had to do was go to Waterford to finally find one I could not only fathom, but enjoy.
3. There were three wines in the tasting menu made from grapes that were not grown in Loudoun but from Washington State. Normally, I stick my nose up at that because I want Virginia wine to be made from Virginia-grown grapes. However, I had to make an exception after hearing the reason and realizing the grapes came from Crawford Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. You can't go wrong with the name Crawford!

A few words of advice to wine lovers who take their dogs with them on wine adventures:

Be respectful at all times.

Most wineries will provide water bowls/water for you pupper but I always bring my own just in case.

It's not a right to bring your dog with you. It's truly a privilege.

Keep your dog on a short leash and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Not everyone loves your dog as much as you do (even though it doesn't make sense to me either) so be aware of those humans around you.

Be aware of other dogs present as well.

Just because your dog may be friendly doesn't mean others are.

Exercise your dog before you head out on your adventure to (hopefully) ensure a calmer dog during your adventure.

Tasting rooms may or may not allow your dogs inside. Do your research first so you're aware of what is allowed before you get there.

Bring poop bags with you!

Know your dog's limits and triggers.

Prowler is very anxious and protective of me. He doesn't care for children and as result I need to always be on guard at places where there may be children.

Put your dog first - not the wine tasting. Know YOUR limits; not just your dog's.

What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile.

-William Sokolin

A taste of Italy in Centreville

When it comes to visiting other countries, Italy is definitely a must on my bucket list.

I mean, come on!

 As the tinywinegirl and a self-proclaimed foodie, it's a no brainer!

 

In the meantime, though, I found a taste of Italy in one of the most unexpected places.....

 a strip mall in Centreville, VA!

 

 

Ciao Wood Fired Pizza and Osteria opened in the Summer 2014 and is an authentic southern Italian eatery where you are treated like family from the moment you walk through the door. From the red and white checkered cloths covering the tables to the exposed brick walls, this quaint restaurant instantly gave me a comfortable sense of belonging.

 

Sal Speizale, the owner, is from Sicily and is a retired Air Force fighter pilot.  He built Ciao with the idea of feeling as if you're at his mom's house in Sicily. Momma Giovanna, at the age of 87, has visited the restaurant and gave her stamp of approval on the sauce! She also shared her own personal recipe for cannoli which is made fresh at Ciao!

 

Ciao is definitely a rare find in Northern Virginia. Its roots are deep in Italian soil and the recipes have been in the Speizale family for generations. Fresh mozzarella is made daily! Meatballs are hand rolled just like Sal's great grandfather did and pizza dough is made fresh and cooked directly in the wood-fired oven.

 

Now comes the sauce. I need to take a breath here for a minute.
I have never tasted such a rich and balanced tomato sauce! When the sauce is made, the flour has to be mixed with San Benedcito water. It is the only flour that must be mixed with imported water. Perhaps that is part of the allure of this sauce - along with the sweetness of the San Marzano tomatoes, of course.

 

Bruschetta is one of my favorite appetizers, especially in the summer when tomatoes are at their best. I have ordered bruschetta at various establishments and while it's often good, no bruschetta has ever come close to that at Ciao.

 

 

Three generous pieces of toasted bread that are just the right balance of soft and crusty with juicy chunks of tomato, fresh basil, garlic, buffalo mozzarella, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil served on a light bed of mesculin greens atop a chic cutting board-esque platform.

At Ciao, you not only are "wow'd" by the presence of the food but equally "wow'd" by the taste!

That combination doesn't happen often!

 

When I visit an Italian restaurant for the first time, I always want to try what I consider a staple of Italian food which is either lasagna or pizza. If you can't do one of those right, I won't return. If you can successfully create a delicious one of either, then I'll give you a second chance. Very seldom am I blown away by one, much less both. At Ciao, I couldn't decide which to purchase so my friend and I decided to get both and share!

 

Eccellente!

 

 

 

The Lasagna Di Carne is an enormous portion enough for two people (and I mean people like me who like to eat) and was presented in a thick crock-type bowl which allowed it to consistently retain the heat. 

 

This is the first lasagna that I've had where the balance was superb. The homemade San Marzano tomato sauce with meat, the creamy ricotta and the fresh mozzarella blended together with all parts of each noodle perfectly cooked. No chewy or crunchy pieces! The crock also serves those of us well who like to sop up the leftover sauce with the homemade bread.

 

Yes, homemade bread.

While I devoured the bread before I could take a picture of it, I don't regret it. At Ciao, you receive a basket of freshly baked bread made from the same dough as the pizza crust. It's perfect for cleaning up the bowl when you've finished the lasagna.

 

Ciao offers 18 different pizzas in three different categeories - bianche (white pizza), rossa (red sauce) and Neapolitan.

 

Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, Italy and is made from simple and fresh ingredients: dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil with no fancy toppings. It is defined by having more sauce than cheese which leaves the middle wet or soggy and not able to be served by the slice. As a result, these pizzas are similar to the size of a personal pizza.  They are cooked at
800-900 degrees for no more than 90 seconds! Because of the extremely high temps, you may see black spots the size of a dime on the crust. They are known as "leopard spots" and are a distinct characteristic of a true Neapolitan pizza!

 

VPN is the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana and was founded in 1984 in Naples to certify pizzerias that only use the proper ancient artisan traditions of authentic Neapolitan pizza. The Association has several stringent requirements that must be met in order to gain certification; of which ALL must be met. Ciao has applied for VPN certification and is anxiously awaiting acceptance.

While I can't wait to go back to Ciao and try a Neapolitan pizza, this trip, I tried one of the Rossa pizzas and instantly fell in love. Bellisimo!

 

 

The Salamino consists of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, imported pepperoni, basil and parmesan reggiano cheese. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The crust is thin but not paper thin and it's the first time in a long time I ate every bit of the crust. I usually leave the end behind because its boring and a waste of calories. Sometimes pepperoni is very strong and charcoal-like to me but not this time. While I am a huge cheese fan, I could have just eaten the sauce and been perfectly satisfied. It was THAT delicious.

What could have made this meal better aside from a bottle of wine?  (It was lunch and I was with my boss. Come on, I had to go back to work!)
The owner being present and welcoming me to his "home" for the first time. When I told Sal it was my first time at his restaurant, he asked what took me so long! It may have been my first visit but it definitely won't be my last. I cannot wait to go back and eat there again!

By the way, an osteria is an Italian restaurant, typically a simple or inexpensive one.

Need I say more?

A simple Italian restaurant with excellently-balanced and delicious food to match the exquisite family feel accompanied by the presence of the owner, himself!

Thanks for welcoming this simple pleasures girl to the family!

 

"Where we come from, food is a big deal. For us, meals are celebration of family, good food and culture.  We cook with love and take our time to craft distinctive dishes that aren’t just filling, but deeply satisfying. It’s just what we do for family." 

http://www.ciao-osteria.com 

 

 

 



My permanent reminder

A bearded mix of a spin doctor and the front man from ZZtop with a sweet loving smile and eyes that spoke from the depth of his soul eased my mind and took my hand.  The display of comfort portrayed was magnificent as he released the barrage of yellow jackets on my virgin skin. As my right hand clutched my leg, my left arm remained at the artist's mercy. Through the multitude of creative artwork on the walls surrounding me, instantly appearing in front of me was a framed painting of Jesus in his crown of thorns. Pain, I thought? These bees are nothing. At that moment, the sting was at its worse as the spin doctor traced the line that formed my cross. Irony at its best. It was then a release of air was expelled from my lungs and my leg was released of my hand's clutch. An incredible source of strength arose within me resonating from her wedding ring on my right hand. My bursting into the angry beehive was for her. It's the least I could do. Nothing would even begin to compare to the excruciating pain she endured during that three-week long nightmare.

It's simple. It's meaningful. It's unique.
Her handwriting. Our faith.
My inspiration. My constant source of unconditional love.
My permanent reminder.
It's all for her.

There are no coincidences.

“Our bodies were printed as blank pages

to be filled with the ink of our hearts.”

― Michael Biondi

 

 

 

A huge heartfelt thanks to Barb for enabling the connection which inspired this tattoo to come to fruition and to Kevin at Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival in Fredericksburg for the permanency of my creation.