Lisa Johnson

Angela Davis Returns To Brandeis University

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On Friday, February 8th, Angela Davis returned to Brandeis University. My aunt and I are both alums, and were thrilled to see her speak at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Department of African and African-American Studies.

If you haven’t seen Angela Davis speak in person, go see her while you have the chance. She is 75 years old, and a living legend with much to teach us all. I will definitely be reading her autobiography soon.

Hearing her talk about her life, I realized that much of what many of us think we know about her is not true. There is “an idea” of her out in the ether – the mythology of a violent militant angry Black communist woman with a big afro who was a member of the Black Panther Party. A stereotype that was attributed to Michelle Obama and to many other Black women generally.

Based on this idea, I had always assumed that she had been part of the student takeover of Ford Hall in 1969. She actually graduated in 1965. She was long gone when the takeover happened! Her studies at Brandeis focused on French and Philosophy.

Davis spoke about how she was never part of the Black Panther leadership and doesn’t know how that idea started. She only briefly worked with them and thinks that most people don’t understand that most of the Black Panthers were women.

I was fascinated to learn a while back that one of the biggest impacts that the Black Panthers have had on American society is free breakfast for school children.

I could have listened to Davis speak for hours more and hope to see her speak again. It was so interesting hearing the influence that she has had on decades of Black Brandeis alumni. So many people in the audience stood up and told her that they decided to attend Brandeis after learning that is where she graduated from.

There definitely is a certain amount of pride to be associated with the same school that she attended. To see her during Black History Month at this time in history was especially poignant. What a gift.

If you’d like to see the video from the event, you can watch it online.

She Let Go ~ A Poem

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Starting at the end of last year, and even more as I move through 2019, I’m embracing poetry. I’ve always enjoyed a good poem and have written more than a few over the years.

Not long ago on Instagram, I read about a poem called “She Let Go” by Safire Rose.

As an aside, on social media, the quality of your experience is based on who you follow. Does your feed introduce you to poetry, books and creative insight? If that’s what you want and you’re not seeing it, then change who you follow.

So anyway, I love this poem. It’s got to be one of the most liberating things I’ve read in a while. Here’s a taste of it below.

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Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice.

She didn’t read a book on how to let go.

She didn’t search the scriptures.

She just let go.

She let go of all of the memories that held her back.

She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.

She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go.

She didn’t journal about it.

She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer.

She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper.

She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope.

She just let go.

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Happy Sunday to you and have a great week!

The Chowdah Project Loves Harry’s Restaurant

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It’s been a while since I delved into the world of chowder. But The Chowdah Project is back!

My friend L lives west of Boston. I live just south, and usually we meet in Boston. This time when we decided to get together, I suggested going to her part of the state.

I mentioned that I’d like to try some chowder and asked about some local places. She suggested three, and we decided on Harry’s Restaurant. It’s easy to get to from Boston on the Pike and it’s close to the 495 exit for her. Plus, L said that she had gone by it a million times and always planned to go, but never did.

Harry’s has a great website, so all the information that we needed was easy to find. I was very intrigued by all the different types of chowders (clam, seafood, fish & corn) they have in addition to a variety of foods.

The menu and website invite you to try the food, the same way that you’re invited in person once you arrive – friendly in a way that feels comforting. It’s classic Americana and the type of place that you could return to over and over. I definitely want to go back!

Harry’s is a family owned restaurant that’s been operating since 1946. Not surprising either. The food is delicious! When I was posting pictures on Instagram, I received immediate positive feedback from someone who has been there many times.

It’s a local hangout. Great comfort food!

So the chowder! L had the bowl of clam chowder shown above. She loved it! We both noted that it was the perfect consistency and had nice sized chunks of clams.

I had a cup of corn chowder. Perfection! It made me happy and I would get a bowl next time, so I could have more. So many big chunks of corn. Sweet creamy goodness.

I definitely recommend trying Harry’s for chowder and more!

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Harry’s Restaurant ~ Clam, Seafood, Fish & Corn Chowder
Location: 149 Turnpike Road, Westborough, MA

Recipe: Single Serving Parisian Style Hot Chocolate

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hot chocolate topped with whipped cream

Full disclosure! The picture that I took of the hot chocolate that I made for this post did not do it justice.

And this hot chocolate recipe is outstanding! It’s thick, rich and super chocolaty.

I don’t want the picture to keep you from trying it, so this is a stock photo. It’s as easy to make this recipe as using an instant mix. And you will elevate your hot chocolate experience to another level. At home! Without paying a ton of money! Yes, I’m screaming!

Today is one of the coldest days in New England this winter. And on a similarly super cold day five years ago, I blogged a recipe for Single Serving Parisian Style Hot Chocolate.

Back then, I adapted the recipe and I’ve adapted it again. It’s a little “healthier” with less sugar and cream. Today is National Hot Chocolate Day, so it’s the perfect day to try this recipe.

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Single Serving Parisian Style Hot Chocolate

Ingredients + Instructions

1 cup vanilla almond milk
4 T unsweetened cocoa powder
2 T packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

Place ingredients in a microwave safe mug. Whisk until well combined. Microwave for two and a half minutes. Top with whipped cream. Enjoy!

Breaking CBD News: CBD Wellness Drinks Arrive in Massachusetts!

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Golden CBD Latte

CBD just may be the big trend of 2019. Many, myself included, use CBD infused products for pain relief. More and more, it’s being added to foods and beverages as well in order to facilitate other desired health benefits.

NOCA Provisions, a Cambridge café, has launched a Wellness Drink Menu featuring lattes infused with CBD, an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabis compound. Even though they have similar chemical structures, it doesn’t produce a high like THC, the intoxicating ingredient in cannabis.

The Golden CBD Latte is made with coconut milk, steeped with turmeric, ginger and black pepper. The Calming CBD Latte is made with chamomile-lavender infused oat milk.

Both drinks are steamed to order with 5mg of CBD oil and are priced at $10.00 each. Guests can also add 5mg of CBD oil to their favorite coffee for an additional $5.00 each.

Calming CBD Latte

Along with many other states, Massachusetts has legalized the sale of marijuana. The Cannabis Control Commission oversees the laws in the Commonwealth. This legalization has contributed to the increasing popularity of CBD.

In June 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex for the treatment of seizures associated with two forms of epilepsy. Other than that, no other health claims have been proven. But you know people. We’re curious and want to try different things.

Melissa Malamut wrote an article about how she tried CBD coffee for a week to see how it impacted her anxiety. Her reaction seemed to vary day by day depending upon a few factors.

Overall, I enjoyed the coffee and can see myself giving it out as a novelty gift. But it’s not something I’d drink every day, and I’m not convinced I prefer it to regular coffee.

I think when it comes to CBD, it may take a few tries to find the proper dosage that works for you. Talking to your doctor could help.

When I first heard claims about CBD oil, I was skeptical. But after using an oil infused salve, I’m a believer. The FDA may not agree with me, but it has made a real difference in alleviating pain in my back, neck and shoulders.

I love a good latte and am a turmeric fan as well. So I would definitely try these wellness drinks at NOCA Provisions, if in the area. What about you?

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Photography: Courtesy of Image Unlimited Communications, Ltd.