Shrimp, Cucumber and Manago Escabeche

1 lb large shrimp, shell on

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1/2 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise 1/4 inch thick

2/3 cup chopped mango

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1 jalapeno, stem & seeds removed, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Prepare an ice water bath. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, poach shrimp until just cooked through - 1-2 minutes. Transfer shrimp to ice water bath, let cool.

Drain shrimp, peel and devein, and slice each in half. Toss shrimp with 1/2 cup lime juice in a nonreactive dish. Refrigerate, covered, stirring halfway through, for at least 2 hours. Drain.

Toss together shrimp, cucumber, mango, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 3/4 teaspoon sale and a pinch of pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Stir in remaining lime juice before serving.

war and peace

THis piece is on a 16x20" wrapped canvas. It is highly textured then painted with acrylic paint. The circle of the peace sign is made from molding paste. The inside of the circle is created using empty Mosin Nagant gun shells. The pictures don't do it justice. In person it is very powerful.

Humbled

I had a very humbling experience today. I had to go to the dmv this morning and thankfully I had an appointment because there was a line out into the parking lot and I heard people saying that they had been there for over an hour. I checked in and got my number and sat down. About 10 minutes later a couple came in, she in a wheel chair with only one leg, he carrying a white cane, blind and pushing her wheelchair and she was guiding him. There was an empty seat next to me and when they rolled in front of me she asked him if he wanted to sit down, yes, and she verbally guided him to the seat at which time I kinda told him where the chair was and kinda guided him. After he was seated she wheeled over to the wall to get out of the aisle. This humbled me to the bone and has stayed with me throughout the day. I have two good legs and my sight for which I am so very very grateful. Just when I was going to get pissy because I had an appointment had was made to wait, this couple came in. I sat quietly and waited my turn.

boot!

Am working on a series on my old boots. this one is done in a repousse style and mounted on stretched canvas