Here in New England, asparagus season is much too short. These green guys being one of my most favorite vegetables, I pick them up at our local farmer's market every chance I get. Most often, we will grill or steam them and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice-- but I try to switch it up, too (I also love asparagus on pizza and tossed in with a breakfast hash).

A little while back, I headed out west to LA for work. Due to some recent developments on the career front, I now find myself slinging ads for my beloved company, and I needed to get up to speed on all things digital advertising, especially in the West.

PSA: If you're inclined to find out more about my professional life, you can check out the newly developed alliebeau.com for my résumé and some other pertinent details. Yes, I can build you a website. No, it won't be quick, nor free. Yes, my skills are abundant. No, I won't leave MocoSpace and come work for you.

There were many handshakes, and meetings, and Keynote presentations. And, I assure you, plenty of business was done.

But, there were moments when I was able to sneak away from my MacBook, and my room at the Standard Downtown, and I remembered just why I love Los Angeles so very much.

It's been a while.
I'd love to say I've been gone doing awesome, fun, exciting things this whole time.
And, partially, that is totally true. There's been a business trip to Los Angeles and a new puppy, after all.
But, the main reason I haven't been putting these fingertips to the keyboard lately isn't any of those things. It's a much more crushing writer's block. One that stems from just... overwhelming sadness.

And while someday, I will probably have to write out just how much the death of my uncle has affected me, I am not ready just yet.

In the meantime, I will honor him by being present in every moment I have.
That, and hug my people. Call my parents. Squeeze the hands of my cousins.
It's really all that I can do.

I have never been happier to have taken up photography.
Reliving these moments in April, before the devastating reality that was marathon Monday, and prior to my knowledge of my uncle's sickness, was a humbling exercise. We headed out for a long weekend to celebrate Matt, his twin, and their older brother's birthday. The days included a stay at the Hard Rock downtown, some cupcakes and sight seeing, lots of niece and nephew time, and an epic birthday party put on by my soon to be sister-in-law.

This second city, these beautiful children, these moments of dancing and laughter...
I am so very thankful for them all.
So, enjoy. And see you soon.

A little while ago, I took a pretty neat condiment making course at the BCAE. Richard and Katie, a soon-to-be husband-and-wife chef duo behind catering company The Skinny Beet, showed us how to make a few classic condiments with some unexpected twists. Some highlights were a smoky barbecue sauce and a spicy-yet-sweet mango habanero hot sauce. This spicy ketchup, however, was my by far my most favorite.

I was fortunate enough to snatch a few jars to bring home when class ended, and since I've been putting ketchup on anything and everything I can. We've played around with bacon wrapped asparagus a few times in this house-- on the grill, in the oven, and here on the stove top. The secret, it seems, is not touching the damn things while they cook. These turned out pretty great. The perfect vehicle for my new favorite condiment.

FREE STICK DAY!

...she dressed us up like Dickhead Dog Scouts and told us to play.