Chesapeake Arts Center uses the arts to excite,educate, engage, inspire and grow this community's people, it's artists and the region through performances, exhibitions, classes, and collaborations with artists, educators, business and commuity leaders and organizations. This is something that has been a passion of mine ever since my high school days. So needless to say, when the invitation came from them for me to be apart of their "Town Hall Tuesday" Live event, I graciously accepted. When I first arrived at the Theater, of course I was nervous. I normally have to prepare myself for events like this because naturally you want people to not only like you but be able to enjoy the experience of your presentation. Thankfully, the audience that attended the event was amazing and well receptive. I love doing live events because it gives you the opportunity to connect with one another an a human level that goes beyond a television screen to a deeper hearts connection. I was able to share with the audience some of my life experiences and the lessons that I have learned along the way. Of course, I would like to share them with you as well.
1) Pay attention!!! Be attentive to what God has placed in your heart to do no matter how old or young you are. This is achieved in stillness of self and silence of soul. Its in this space that you can know God and hear His voice inside of you.
2) Live ON purpose, IN purpose!! Once you have been given the assignment/passion thats been placed in your heart, pursue it. Go after it. Live it out on purpose. As you actively walk it out, you will live in the space of purpose itself.
Doing these 2 things will cause you to live the most authentic, creative, and adventurous life you have ever imagined.
During this event I also shared my culinary point of view: Get back to basics by creating elevated comfort food thats great for the heart and good for the soul.
You probably couldn't get anymore simple than Chicken Salad. It screams comfort food. My Mother is famous for making these types of salads. But I taught that you can take a simple comfort food like this an elevate it simply by adding flavor and texture through elevated ingredients.
Here is the recipe for my "Not Your Average Joe" Elevated Chicken Salad
Ingredients
2-3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup finely chopped celery (with the celery leafs)
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1 cup chopped pecans
1 small minced onion
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mayonnaise
1⁄2cup greek yogurt (non fat or 2%)
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients and chill for at least an hour or overnight. Serve on endive spears and garnish with more pecans or celery leafs. Enjoy!!!
