An American Original

(Tasha Tudor Aug. 28, 1915 - June 18, 2008)
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I recently found out that Tasha Tudor - one of my personal heroes - has died. She was an amazing woman - illustrator - and independent spirit - who lived life her own way and truly was "an American original."
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Click on each of the above pages to read this article courtesy of Victoria Magazine.

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I'm also including an interesting link to YouTube about her book - Pumpkin Moonshine recently featured on the Antique Roadshow.

My Dad - AKA Papa

(Me - Age 5)

There is a magical time when most little girls think their dads can do anything and that is how I saw my dad. He was the master of anything that needed fixing or building and prepared for any kind of emergency. I loved to help him - whether it was building a fence, working on our boat, or fixing the dishwasher. I would hang around just waiting for the chance to hand him a specific tool or run to get him a cool drink.
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When I was 5 years old my dad would put me on his lap and let me drive the family car into the garage. This was not only thrilling but very empowering. When I turned 16 he took me to a large empty parking lot and taught me to drive the stick shift on my new car. After I had mastered the basics he told me to head for a busy street - I hesitated thinking maybe I wasn't ready - but he told me - "yes you are" - and away we went. Moments like those with my dad helped shaped my trust in myself.
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Another thing about my dad that I've always appreciated is that he is a very sentimental man and not afraid to show it. When he tells the story of how he met my mom (bagging her groceries when he was only 18) and that she was the "prettiest girl he'd ever seen" there is still a twinkle in his eye. What more could any daughter ask for.

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I love and admire you dad more than I can ever express and appreciate all the sacrifices you've made through the years. Thanks for everything!!

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Happy Fathers Day!!!

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Love you,

Bean ~

P.S. My sister has a great tribute and photo of our dad at her blog Magic Mirror.

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"My Secret" Summer Pasta Salad

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(Photos Courtesy of Jupiter Images)

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I've made this "secret" recipe time after time over the past 15 years plus and it never fails. It's so simple to make and you can even whip up the night before if you are short on time. It's great for picnics - family gatherings - or a hot summer day.
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One drawback - no leftovers to enjoy ;)

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FRESH PESTO TORTELLINI SALAD (COLD)
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2 pkgs. fresh cheese tortellini

1 pkg. fresh pesto sauce

1/2 c. white wine tarragon vinegar

1 lb. asparagus (sliced and blanched) (you can substitute long stemmed canned)

2 c. julienned red and yellow peppers

1 c. walnut pieces (I usually skip the walnuts)

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Cook tortellini, rinse in cold water. Drain well. Combine pesto, vinegar; whisk to blend. Add other ingredients. Mix well. Chill to taste. Serves 4 to 6.
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Of course you can easily double this recipe.

A Wonderful Artist

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I just loooooooooove Jen Corace's art work!! I can't get enough of it. From the first image I stumbled across -- I was hooked. Her work gets me thinking and makes me smile. A perfect combination.

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