Sharing recipes, crafting epic charcuterie boards, singing my hungry little heart out, helping others find their voice. Hungry Nightingale moments feed the fervor in me. Here, I share them with you.
– The Hungry Nightingale
Friends!
I fancy myself a singer, cook, and communications nerd. Apparently there is no career path for someone with these three gifts. And, through the years, I have heard terms for people like me… Renaissance lady/woman, jack of all… <<ehhem>> how about, jill of all trades?! “Multipotentialite,” directionless, confused, bored, non-committal… hmmm let’s stay on track here, shall we?
Well, whatever I am, I’ve recently dubbed myself The Hungry Nightingale. This persona has become the great big messy file cabinet where my seemingly disparate talents get to play together and (pardon the cheese) make-a-zee music.
On any given evening you will catch me find me:
- Nightingaling. Singing, concert going, playlist curating, new music searching, verse writing, melody humming, harmony humming, off-key whistling, or simply just listening.
- Hungering. Recipe testing, restaurant gracing, refrigerator raiding, baking, making, cheese board tasting, celebrity chef chasing, taco and salsa crafting, thoughts always on the next meal creation, food experience, and never forgetting to eat, relax, and enjoy.
- Communicating. Building relationships, encouraging positive attribution in others, sharing insights on our ability to influence each other, and supporting others through difficult situations which are often facilitated when we introduce listening, empathy, and message efficacy.
As I have learned, all three activities share a common thread:
Connection with others.
Whether it’s through food, music, or communication, this famished little songbird values human connection above all
I love the way great food brings people together. That no matter what else is happening in a house party, people gather in the kitchen. That we realize we don’t truly know a person until we’ve broken bread together. And when we take a bite of or create something delicious, our inclination is to share that experience with someone else.
Music speaks to us in ways we can only partially understand… and the wonderful thing is that we don’t always need to explain. We can close our eyes and allow the sound to wash over us. To minister to our souls. Music is a powerful vehicle. I am thankful for opportunities to share a song with others through my voice. I enjoy giving my voice back the One who created us. I sing in my darkest moments, I sing when I am elated, I sing even when my vocal chords can’t form sound.
And don’t even get me started on listening to the stuff… From Django Reinhardt to Sia – Radiohead to Sibelius. Turn it up, leave it loud, sing off key, make me proud. Life’s moments are typically improved when there is well suited soundtrack to accompany.
On the day I sang in her wedding, my brilliant and beautiful friend (Birthday Twin!) put me in her program as a well known evening songbird. And now when I sing for those I love, the name tags along.
Without relationship, food and music would lose their appeal. Human relationships are complex and beautiful, painful and full of promise. We find hope when others encourage us, feel fulfilled when we help another, and experience longing when apart from the ones we love. For me, food and music are mere compliments to the thing I crave most. Connection. You want it too… even if you may think otherwise. It’s there, in the marrow. We were built for togetherness.
I spent years in school, studying the methods we use to connect to each other. An undergraduate degree in Communication Studies at UT Austin only scraped the surface. My curiosity about how we connect with each other only grew stronger in my senior year. An incredible professor encouraged me to continue into graduate school. And I had very few objections to staying in my favorite US city so that I could study a subject I deeply adore. People. Oh, how I love them.
Fast forward to 2019. My love and curiosity for these three of my favorite things has only increased as I dive more deeply into each. Over time, friends and family have asked that I share. And I’ve found that sharing is where the real joy lies.
Here you will find my Hungry Nightingale experiences, and it is my hope that what you find brings you joy and connection as well.
In the way of food: recipes, dining and entertaining tips, fresh clean food recommendations, delectable gourmet experiences, artfully styled boards filled with fancy munchies, favorite restaurants, and other culinary adventures. #Hungry
Music: lyrics, vocals, favorite tunes, curated playlists, shareable shows and concerts, music festivals, and much more. #Nightingale.
Communication: speaking engagements, special events, encouragement and vision around how we connect with our friends and family, and an occasional moment for relationship advice. #HungryNightingale
So, yes. To put it simply…stuff I like, love, enjoy, crave, seek, live, breathe …. things that get me out of bed in the morning… which is a no small feat (ask any of my loved ones).
Stay tuned, my loves. And I encourage you to share with your loves along the way!
Yours Truly,
Hungry Nightingale
the hungry nightingale 