POSITIVELY MONDAY

Hmmm. I’ve noticed a bit of a downturn in the outlook of some of my fellow/sister bloggers recently. Concern about the BP oil spill, worry about sick chicks and aging parents, aggravation brought on by computer or kitchen woes – all understandably leaving one glum. For some, this takes the form of an unspecified malaise. For others, a sense of burn-out. For a few, some downright cranky-pants blogging (which can be a delight when it’s laced with humor; otherwise, not so much). [Thanks to the friend I snagged the above image from - it made my day!]

Alas, after an uninspired weekend catching up on sleep and eating leftovers, I almost let today go by without posting. But the whole point of my Positively Monday gig is to attempt to lift my attitude up by the boot straps (er, sandal straps?). After catching up with a friend who just returned from a beach vacation (the planets did not align for me to go with), I have something to look forward to.

From Ohio, which, yes, boasts a giant picnic-basket-shaped building, I am pleased that Team Eggplant will be reuniting for Culinary Smackdown: Picnic. Plans are being made, menu ideas and shopping lists exchanged. Georgia peaches may be involved . . . And I think we’re gonna need a new sign.