Cheese Lives On

This morning, my mom and I were talking to our Church friend. She asked what she thought was a "strange" question: "My sister is getting married and she wants a gourmet cheese plate. Where can I get one?"

Of course, my mom answered right away: "Well, Fromagination in Madison (WI) makes really nice displays..." She continued to talk about what kind of cheeses to buy, what to pair with them and... well, by that time I wasn't really listening anymore. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE cheese but it's just... weird... how there is this little, well actually huge, "world" of cheese that most people don't know about.

After that conversation was finished, she told us how at the end of some meeting, that was her turn to host in Wisconsin, they give out little evaluation slips and under the question, "What could have made today better?", a person said, "They should've brought in an expert of cheese!" Apparently, my mom was immediately thought of. I've never thought of my mom as much other than my mom but in the world of cheese, and even outside of it, people know all about her and she's like a mini-celebrity. Kind of scary. Who knew you could make a living writing about cheese?

YouTube Videos

My friend, Shelbey, and I made a few videos of my piano skills and her vocal skills. We have made three duets for... Apologize by OneRepublic, What a Wonderful World and Love Story by Taylor Swift. Check 'em out and tell your friends! Hope you like them!

Cheese Expert: Jeanne Carpenter

This morning, my mom was on the Wisconsin Ideas Network, part of Wisconsin Public Radio, talking about nothing other than the magnificent world of cheese! Before she left she told me one thing: You can call in with a question! I don't think she expected me to actually listen to her, that would be a first after all.

Halfway through the interview, I emailed in a question while listening online. About ten minutes later I heard Lary Meiller say, "And our next question is from some... Avery." I gasped, I didn't think it would actually be read. I heard my mom laugh quietly. Lary continued: "Her question is if you had to choose one artisan cheese for everyone to try, what would it be?" My mom said, "Hmm, I wonder if this could possibly be my daughter, whose name is also Avery. Gee, thanks honey! At least it's a nice question..."She paused while thinking. "My favorite cheese is a new cheese called Dunbarton Blue, made by Roelli Cheese." She went on for a few minutes. No offense but in my opinion, that cheese tastes like dirt.

People from all over the midwest called in with questions. My favorite question was this: Is cheese made of mold? Cheese is a dairy product, therefore making it made out of milk. Not mold. You have to give the guy credit though, he likes to know what he's eating! I find sometimes, it's better not to ask.

Overall, the interview was... interesting. It's the first time I actually listened to my mom talk about cheese. I mean, sure, I've been to the grand openings, the tastings and all that jazz but this was the first time I enjoyed it! The cheese world really is something...

Switching Gears

I am switching gears yet again. I was thinking... the title of the blog is Mini Cheese, I am the daughter of a cheese expert, Jeanne Carpenter, and I know a little something about cheese myself.

Why not make my blog about cheese?

American Idol

I AM SHOCKED! The finale of American Idol was last night. The top two contestants were Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. I thought for sure Kris had no chance! I was wrong... he won! I don't know how and who on Earth voted for him but Adam should've DEFINITELY won! Adam has so much more talent! His range is amazing and he brings so much to the stage! Kris is just... blah. His version of the song co-written by Kara DioGuardi, "No Boundries", was so horrible! He missed a ton of notes. Adam, on the other hand was AWESOME! The song fit his voice so well! I can't believe it but I guess this is what America has decided. You have to wonder what we were thinking... *sigh*

Dancing With the Stars

So you all watch Dancing With the Stars right? Yah. Didn't think so. Well, last night, the champions were crowned: Shawn Johnson and her dance partner Mark Ballas! So exciting! The other Top Three: Melissa Rycroft and Gilles Marini, brought their own unique style but it just couldn't beat the olympian gold medalist. Thank God!

Pure Awesomeness... Yah... No.

Have you heard of the songs "Apologize" by OneRepublic or "Love Story" by Taylor Swift? If you have and even if you haven't, check out these videos of me playing the piano along with the music. Leave comments and tell your friends! 

LOVE STORY VIDEO

APOLOGIZE VIDEO

Funny Video

My cat, Louie, loves to drink water, but not from the water dish. He has his own special places that include the shower and out of the water maker. Here's a video of me giving him his daily water.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Anything is Possible

It's official. We have a new president... Barack Obama! An important moment in history has been made. And I'm only 12.  Not many people are around to witness a moment this huge. Luckily I did. Today in school, we watched the inauguration. When he was sworn in, everyone in my class held their breath. As he was making his speech, I saw a tear in my teacher's eye. Today affected everyone, not just in America. All around the world people have found a new hope. Anything is possible.