We are all stars, living in a world of the night sky. We help each other shine brighter, we shoot across the sky and through our challenges we soar. Maybe the sky we see at night, is only a reflection of the world we live in.
This world is a big, strong and sturdy tree. We are the leaves and branches which make the tree beautiful. The wind and rain let us shake and become stronger, the sun lets us grow and reconnect with our roots and the energy of spring lets us blossom. We are the roots of nature and the blooming of love.
We are the shells of this mighty ocean of a world. Each one of us is unique in our passions, truths and journeys. Paradoxically, we are united, we are one. The ocean crashes hard on the shore, it’s sometimes rocky and it’s always unpredictable. But, us shells stay strong, face our cracks, enjoy the ebbs and flows of the ocean’s ups and downs and most of all, we rise with the tide.
This world is an infinite library and we are the books that give it life. Our stories our riveting, full of wonder, untold and unfinished, powerful and perfectly us. Some of us have filled chapters, others are just at the beginning. Through every waking moment in our lives, we are writing our story. The ups and downs, the twists and turns, the mistakes and the lessons – those are what bind our books together; those moments become our backbone.
The world is our collective pillow; we are the dreams. The pillow can be a comfort or a daunting beginning to a sleepless night. But we are the dreams that make the pillow real – we are the visions, the perception. We, the dreams, are rich in depth, strong in reality and alive in memories. The pillow is powerless without us, because we illuminate life as life challenges and surprises us.
Life is the ultimate picture frame, and we are the picture. The picture is never complete, it’s always changing, evolving and transforming. And that imperfection is what makes the picture so beautiful. Our frame can be sturdy, magical in its design and memorable in its structure; or, it can be flimsy, boring or cluttered in its design or even memorable in its dislike– the choice is always ours.
We are the Universe, reflecting itself onto others in this world of the Creator’s creation.
Which analogy resonates the most with you? I’d so love to hear!!! I hope this helps you on your journey! We’re all on this journey together! Be fearless and free -Ace
It was dark, just after sunset It’s the purity I’ll never forget It wasn’t too dark, and the water was still warm I realized you had more character then I let my thoughts form Stars were out with the soft orange Laughter and smiles, we never had a shortage Coming up from a wave, washed up on the board You couldn’t cut my joy, not even with a sword Saw a green flash Soaked in your words, they made a splash As the sun fully set on the horizon Nostalgia flies in
It was dark, just after sunset Fearlessness I’d finally met It wasn’t too dark, and the water was still warm So unexpected, your humor hit me like an electric thunderstorm Stars were out with the soft orange Our conversation’s memories I started putting in special storage Coming up from a wave, washed up on the board Miles away, but connected through this invisible chord Saw a green flash And even when our fire turned to ash As the sun fully set on the horizon Your appearances in my dreams is not surprising
It was dark, just after sunset First saw you across the net It wasn’t too dark, and the water was still warm Messages turned into conversations considered a swarm Stars were out with the soft orange Courage to speak up I no longer had to forage Coming up from a wave, washed up on the board Friendship became real, not mind games scored Saw a green flash You added in, even when life hit me with a thrash As the sun fully set on the horizon One day, our connection will again be rising
Your laugh comes through the soft breeze Your touch through the whistle of the trees It’s you, because together we are one The stars, the sand, and the sun
At rest is when we are at ease Living presently in our memories, It’s us, because together we are one Afar, beyond, among
It’s this familiar feeling Something so freeing, it’s healing It’s me, because together we are one In the ups, in the downs, in every stun
Revel in reliving what’s been seen No longer concealed by glass ceilings It’s we, because together we are one Together this race we run
Can I go back to the moment we first met? Life became the ultimate dream It’s you and me, because together we are one A knowing inside that will forever gleam
On my recent stroll on the beach, I captured some awe-inspiring photos and the thought dawned on me to pair some of the pictures with micro-poetry. I knew this would be a challenge for me since condensing my words is not always the easiest 🤪, but, I really love the way these all turned out! Each picture I’ve taken, has its own dance, its own vibration and I like how the words match each vibration. It’s a slightly different post than my usual, but, it still has my same flare! So, without further ado…enjoy!!!
cocoon
archway
mirror
knots
complete
internal webs
Which one is your favorite? I’d so love to hear!!! I hope this helps you on your journey!!! Be fearless and free -Ace
So much can be said by saying nothing at all So much power in no words So much can be read when the body talks So much value in the unheard
Whispers in the dark Your echoes leave a mark The power in your tone Becomes a reality I’ve known
Words act as a distraction In each interaction Impact just a fraction, Action births reaction
Nothing is actually sour Belief has all the power Like caged birds, unspoken words cry The force of choice will let them fly
Thoughts in your head, unsaid Yet you expect me to know? When the message is unsent, Can’t see into your soul
So little can be read by doing nothing at all So much charge in the still So little can be said when doing nothing but talk So much to say, let alone to fulfill
We are all infinite shards of glass reflecting each other and when these shards come together, they create the mirror we call life.
We are all broken branches and fallen leaves, rooted to each other and when put together, they create the tree we call life.
We are all strokes of an eternal paintbrush in many different colors and when brought together, they create the painting we call life.
We are all torn petals and seeds growing in each other and when planted together, they create the flower we call life.
We are all different foods with our own unique flavor and when mixed together, they create the umami dish we call life.
We are all dim lit lightbulbs searching for our sparks and when the “on” button is pressed, they create the ultimate light show we call life.
We are all caterpillars finding our colonies through each other and when brought together, they emerge out of their cocoons and create the flight we call life.
Galaxy’s hold on my breath, soul and spirit is everlasting and effortless. When I say galaxy, I know it’s more than the illusion of the solar system; it’s the infinite Universe.
When I feel galaxy’s touch, the twinkle in my heart lights up and its sparkles illuminate the rest of my being. My soul knows the galaxy like its mother, born from the starlit branches that connect us all together.
The formations of the Universe make up my inside. I’m starting to get to know all the lights, funny enough, each one shines brighter when I tap into it.
Galaxy – I know you stretch far and wide and I think you have many more stories to tell. I thank you for creating a little home inside me. I promise to see you in each being I meet. -Ace
There’s this ocean, it’s different than most. This ocean is a circle and the waves flow round and round until eventually they exit through the abyss. Like a whirlpool, this ocean is deep; the abyss is eternal bliss.
A wave comes, circling and circling until it dives into the abyss, gone forever, no wave like that will ever return. Sure, similar waves will come, but it won’t be exactly the same ever again. When the wave crashes on the ocean floor, it lays to rest and finds it’s peace.
This powerful circle connects to the magic of the Universe while staying grounded in its purpose. It can be smooth, it can be rough; it all depends on the outlook. The sun shines on this ocean, its light fuels the tides. The wild waves leave the sun hidden behind the myst, but the Universe and eternity within this oceanic field, always finds its way back home.
Some days are monotonous and tiring, but most days are bright and loving. No matter what, this circle keeps giving and the sun will always rise.
This ocean has always been my mind, the waves representing my thoughts. When the waves crash on the abyss, I get a moment of clarity, while another wave begins to roar again. The sun, has always been my soul, illuminating the magical and honest thoughts, but, showing me which ones aren’t worth my attention. With this ocean of my mind, and this sun of my soul – life is mine to soar. -Ace
Acing The Kitchen is out now!! Go check it out and let me know your thoughts!!
So, when did you start this project and how did you get the idea?
I started this in early December. I don’t know, it just kind of came to me. I remember sitting on the couch and getting my mom’s opinion about it, she loved it because this cookbook really shows a entire new side to me. That night I made the cover and the polenta video and it just happened from there!
How hard is it to make these videos?
Oh it’s very hard. It’s crazy to try and get all the pictures I need, plus edit them while cooking and then on top of that make the dish! It’s an exhausting process. After I’d finish getting the pictures and making the meal, I couldn’t just let the content sit, so, I’d get on my computer and make the video. I’m such a perfectionist and I like things to be done! 🤪 I wanted the pictures to look nice too, so my kitchen constantly had to be clean, I had to use a lot of dishes (shout out to my family for pitching in with the cleanup, thank you 😊) and getting the right angles so there’d be no shadows was also challenging. But, as hard as it was, it’s a super cool process. Watching the video come together in the end makes it all worth it. I had a lot of encouragement from my family and my cousin so, that helped me keep going. Thank you family, I appreciate you!!
What’s your favorite recipe?
My favorite recipe has to be the Chickpea Fritters, not my favorite video, but my favorite recipe. The fritters are so delicious and they are pretty simple to make. They’re crispy and flavorful and the sauce brings it all together. They are definitely a family favorite!!
What’s your favorite video?
Around The World Tapas for sure! That was a nightmare video to make, oh my god, I’d never do it again! 🤪 But it came together so well, I truly love that video.
When did you know that you were finished with the cookbook?
Honestly, I’d have made this cookbook 100 videos long. I have so many more recipes to share, but, I really didn’t think people would watch it if it was any longer and I don’t blame them, that’d be a long long post. 🤪 I think I was done making food videos and I started a few new projects so, I was ready to move on. I felt it was pretty well rounded and had a lot of variety, I don’t know, something inside of me was like, “It’s complete.”
Did you try any new recipes for this cookbook?
Oh for sure. I’d say half of them are new and half are classic recipes I’ve made a lot. The one that was most out of comfort zone was the “Authentic Ramen”. I despise instant ramen, but my friend kind of inspired me to give real ramen a shot. That recipe, honestly, surprised me.
So, how about some fun cooking questions, in general?
Let’s do it!!
Favorite food?
That’s such a broad question 😂. I love pasta and power bowls because of all the variations. But, my favorite veggie is broccolini and my favorite cuisine is Italian for sure.
When did you start cooking and why?
I’d been watching a lot of Tasty videos, I still watch Tasty a lot for cooking inspiration. I highly recommend that app to anyone no matter where you are in your cooking journey, it has so much content. But anyways, I was 11, I think, and I just decided to go for it. I used to loved to bake, so I was familiar with cooking and such. But trying savory for the first time, I just immediately loved how you didn’t have to measure everything and how you could be done in such a short amount of time. I made Power Bowls as my first dish and here we are!
Does your family like to cook?
Yes, we all do! My brother not as much, but my parents and I love it! We cook together a lot, breakfast, lunch, dinner; you name it! It’s such a fun activity to do together, we all have our special things we like to make. My mom is the master of childhood favorites, my dad is the best sous chef and he makes an excellent pasta, power bowls are my thing and my brother, well he sticks with hummus and pesto and that’s it! 😂
Craziest kitchen accident?
Oh jeez, long story and traumatic experience short 😂, I’d just got an immersion blender and I was setting it up. I plugged it in, my left index finger was under the blade and you can guess what happened next. I ended up having 14 stitches in my little finger. Such a painful experience, living with 14 stitches for weeks was not pleasant, having them removed was just the worst experience of my life. Ugh, it sucked and my finger has the weirdest scar, it still hurts at times. I got super lucky in not damaging any nerves or worse, losing my finger; thank you Universe! I was back in the kitchen soon after, I’ve just never touched or looked at an immersion blender since then, it’s been almost 2 years. 😂
Any advice to new cooks out there?
I’d say, start by cooking what you love. Follow a recipe to begin with, but don’t rely on it. The best part of cooking is the creative zone you get in while making a meal; following a recipe doesn’t give you that rush of creative energy. Learn your knife skills really well and trust your instincts. Also, do NOT put your finger under any blades and then plug in the machine 😂😂.
Any future cookbooks?
For sure, I think they’ll be themed and I have a few ideas. This is just the beginning, I hope people go try some recipes! In a time where life is very strange, cooking is something we can really hold onto.
So, have to ask, you said you started some new projects…any hints?
Oh yes, about that 😂. I’d be excited for April if I were a reader. That’s all you get for now 😊.
That’s it for today! Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed Acing The Kitchen and this Q&A! Here’s to cheffing!! Please let me know your thoughts about this Q&A and let me know if you have any questions, I’d so love to hear! And if you try any of the recipes, I want to see!!! Lots of love to all of you on your cooking journey! Be fearless and free -Ace
Acing The Kitchen is finally available to you!!! So, basically, it is an album full of cooking videos. Yes, it is 100% vegan! I’ve also been eating sugar free for almost a year now, so all these recipes are sugar free! On occasion, you’ll see me use agave but it’s natural sugar and that is super good for you. I use organic ingredients as much as possible, it’s always better to eat chemical free food! I hope to show you in this virtual cookbook that vegan tastes amazing, and isn’t all salad. And sugar free, doesn’t mean disgusting, it means doing the best thing for your body without skimping on flavor. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, I love the flow and creative zone you get in while cooking! With that being said, I don’t often use measurements. I eyeball a lot of my ingredients and go with my gut, I think it is important to cook with preference of flavor rather than math! When you cook a lot, you kind of know intuitively the “right” amounts; you can always add more but you can’t take away, that’s a good thing to remember if you’re new to cooking. The best part about cooking, is that you always get a finished project. Thought this virtual cookbook, you’ll get many amazing finished projects! So, go check out the videos!! Comment with your thoughts and if you do try making a recipe, I’d love to hear what you think!!
Entree – Cajun Polenta
Polenta has always been a favorite of mine! This is almost like a take on shrimp and grits, but instead with “sausage” and some of my own twists! The sweet lime reduction is so good and really makes the dish! This is a definite crowd pleaser, it serves four and it is a nice, hearty entree!
Side, Lunch or Salad – Crunchy Salad with Homemade Chipotle “Ranch”
This salad is so amazing! The dressing is, oh my god, phenomenal! It’s spicy but still tangy and it pairs perfectly with the crunch of all the vegetables! This salad is great for a fresh side or a satisfying lunch!
Entree – My Signature Dish: Classic Power Bowls
So this recipe, was the first food video I’ve ever made! It’s also the first dish I made when I attempted cooking for the first time. In my family, it is my signature dish. I’ve made many variations of power bowls, but, this is the classic version! It is so good and like, the perfect meal! The tofu has a little kick, the vegetables are tangy and crispy and the tahini ties everything together! I know you’ll love it!
Entree – Bahn Mi Sandwich
This sandwich is amazing! It is juicy, the tofu is flavorful and tender, the pickled veggies add the perfect tang and the aioli brings it all together. You have to try this sandwich!!
Appetizer, Entree or Dessert – Around The World Tapas
This is one of my favorite videos aesthetically, it is such a fun video! I had this random idea to do around the world tapas because I knew it would make a great video, however, I did not realize how hard it would be to make all of this in one day! 😂 I encourage you to try at least one of these recipes, out of all of them, the quesadilla was my favorite!
Snack, Breakfast Or Dessert – Crispy Granola
I’ve been making this granola every 2 weeks for the past 6 months or so. It is so good and an amazing snack, breakfast, dessert or pre/post workout bite! I eat it plain or sometimes with almond milk. It is such an easy recipe that is so addicting!
Side – Mustard Glazed Cauliflower & Chickpeas
This is one of my favorite ways to eat cauliflower, the sweet and tangy flavor of the mustard really elevates both the cauliflower and the chickpeas. This is the perfect side, packed with flavor and literally, addictive, you’ll always want more! Even my brother, who isn’t a cauliflower lover, loved this dish!
Entree or Soup – Red Lentil Stew
This stew is fairly simple to make, but so so delicious and comforting. I served it over white rice, but you can do whatever you like; the rice makes it a bit more filling. The cumin really adds a nice depth of flavor, don’t skimp on it!! This is the perfect winter or rainy day meal, you need to try it!
Side – Easy Lemon Garlic Green Beans
These green beans are SO easy to make, but so refreshing and tasty! There are never any leftovers when it comes to these green beans, they are too good!! It is truly incredible these green beans are for how little effort it takes!
Drink – Whipped Coffee
Calling all coffee lovers!! This is truly amazing! It is so fun to watch the process and it tastes SOOOOOO good!! I promise, once you make it the first time, it will definitely not be your last!!
Entree or Soup – Authentic Ramen
This recipe is so good! This warming bowl of comfort soothes your soul and tastebuds, I absolutely love it!! I personally hate instant ramen and my friend was really upset by this. 😂 So, he convinced me to make my own version of authentic, real ramen. He was super impressed by this recipe and I hope you are too! The broth is key, let it simmer for as long as you can.
Side or Lunch or Salad – Roasted Veggie Salad With Tahini Green Goddess Dressing
This dish is SOOOO amazing!!! I could eat it everyday. This recipe is super flexible, you can use whatever veggies you have on had. The dressing will literally be your new favorite dressing. I’m telling you, it is too good!! This recipe is definitely worth a try, you won’t have any leftovers!
Entree – “Cheesy” Tomato + Basil Pasta
This pasta recipe is fairly simple and so tasty!! The basil really ties everything together. This is a perfect meal for a weeknight treat or a dinner party showstopper!
Entree – “Sausage” + White Bean Cassoulet
This recipe is fairly quick and so delicious! I highly recommend it. I obviously used vegan sausage but you can use whatever you like, you could even omit it and double up on beans instead. It’s fun to change it up and serve it with rice, or polenta, or just by itself! The breadcrumb on this adds the perfect crunch, this is such a complete dish and only 10 ingredients!
Side or Salad – Panzanella Salad
Panzanella Salad is a classic Italian dish that is super underrated. The balsamic adds the perfect acidity, the basil ties everything together, the pop of sweetness from the tomatoes is just wow and the crunchy chunks of bread sops up all the flavor! It’s just a divine side dish you have to try!
Entree or Side or Appetizer – Chickpea Fritters
Chickpea fritters are a family favorite in my house, My brother especially loves them! They’re crispy and tender and the sauce ties everything together. These fritters are fairly easy to make and so addictive, you’ll always want more! I so encourage you to make them, it’s definitely worth it!!!!
Salad or Side or Lunch – Thai Peanut Salad
This salad is amazing, it’s crunchy and hearty, perfect for a meal or a side! The dressing is the best part, creamy and tangy with that salty and spicy kick at the end! To all my salad haters out there, this will forever change your mind about salad!
Thank you so much for watching/reading this cookbook!!! Comment with your thoughts and favorites, I’d so love to hear!! Q&A coming – 2.3.21! Be fearless and free -Ace
Fearless Free Soul 