Stay Positive

August 16 2014

It is a remarkable honor to be chosen to write for The Listserve.

It's very hard for me to think of a interesting anecdote, so instead I
just want to put something positive out there.

Smile. Smiling seems to be the simplest thing you can do in order to
change your mood. It's seems ludicrous that a simple facial expression could
affect your attitude, but just think of that and smile. I guarantee you
won't be in a bad mood for long. Don't let anyone take your smile away. I believe
the famous quote should be, "They can take our lives, but they'll never take our grins"

Do something for someone else. Unless you're locked in a 4 by 2
foot box, there is someone out there in a worse situation than you.
Notice I didn't say 5 by 4 foot box you glutton. But seriously,
there are people out there who could use your help. You don't even have
to join an organization to do it. I bet there is someone right in your
neighborhood who could benefit just from your company.

Finally do something you're proud of. Don't just be cog, or a sprocket
for that matter, but do something you take joy in doing. I can't be more
specific than that, because this is something truly personal to each
individual.

I'd like to leave this message with a recipe, as it seems that is
something you do with these. This is something that should bring joy to
anyone who tastes it.

Red Beans and Rice

1 pound dry kidney beans 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 large onion, chopped 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon Tony Chachere's Seasoning
2 stalks celery, chopped 1 pound smoked sausage or andouille (if you've been good)
6 cups water 4 cups water
2 bay leaves 2 cups long grain white rice

Rinse and soak beans overnight

Heat oil in skillet and cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery for
3 to 4 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Rinse beans and place in a large pot with the 6 cups of water. Stir the
cooked vegetables in and mix all of the seasonings in and simmer for 2
to 3 hours or longer.

Stir the sausage into the beans. I like to fry the sausage up and
blacken it a little before putting it into the beans. Simmer for 30
minutes

Prepare the rice with the 4 cups of water

When all is done, mix it together and enjoy.

Laissez les bons temps rouler,

Daniel Newman
[email protected]
Nashville, TN



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