Friday, September 30, 2011

(this moment)

this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.


Inspired by Soulemama

Friday, September 23, 2011

(this moment)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.






Inspired by Soulemama

Friday, September 16, 2011

(this moment)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.






Inspired by Soulemama

Thursday, September 15, 2011

one nurslings "nursey" is another nurslings "milk"

An afternoon in the backyard with friends Lisa and her daughter Zinnia.  When Avi saw Zinnia having her "milk", he was intrigued.  It was as if he realized that other kiddos also have "nursey".  I captured these moments.




Wednesday, September 14, 2011

plum goodness

Our plum trees are young and gave us about six plums, three of which the raccoons ate. But our neighbors two trees were heavy with fruit and I went a picking.  I've got about half pitted and quartered and in the freezer for a winter (gluten free) pie.  This week I hope to get to the rest to of them and see if I can't make a plum crisp. It will be the first time baking with plums. 




Monday, September 12, 2011

9.11.11 -

Ten years ago, my alarm clock was set to the radio.  I awoke hearing the newscast and rolled out of bed, took the fabric off the t.v. and plugged it in.  World Trade Center... my girlfriend at the time worked at the World Trade Center in Portland OR.  I, a time zone away, called her to say that I was glad she didn't work at the WTC in NYC because some idiot had flown their biplane into it. My naivete prevented me from comprehending what was happening.  Then the second plane hit.... and soon the black cloud of smoke.  I turned off the t.v. and called into work... I was scheduled to interpret in a government office that morning and was certain it would be cancelled.  I dressed and drove to my job reluctant to enter a government building.  I arrived and five minutes later was sent on my way as they closed for the day.  

The next few months were a whirlwind. Red, white, and blue everywhere.  People talking about freedom, freedom, freedom.  I was disgusted with the patriotism that vomited across our country.  That is not to say that I wasn't without sadness and grief with the tragedy that took place and the lives lost.  I was reluctant to join the flag waving because so many people were already living on this land who didn't have the same equal rights that "Americans" are supposed to have.  As a queer woman I didn't have the same rights as my hetero contemporaries.  I still don't. 

Despite that, ten years later, I'm married (though not recognized legally) to an amazing woman and have the most beautiful son. 


This was part of our 9.11.11





















a kiss for peace

Friday, September 9, 2011

(this moment)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.




Inspired by Soulemama

Thursday, September 8, 2011

the good life

After a rainy chilly yesterday, we were excited to get out into the sunshine today.  Just 20 minutes at the park before nap can be magical.  






Do you remember feeling happiness from your head to your toes when you were swinging as a kidlet?  What causes you to experience those feelings today?

Neglect and Resilience

My partner, son and I planted our garden this year with dreams of a huge boon. Our spring harvests were something to speak about. But alas, our lives got full and our garden is kind of hidden around the side of the house which makes it easy to neglect. And yet, mother nature's resilience provides us a few small carrots, even less beets, and still more purple beans.  





And though our carrots are small and few there is nothing better than nourishing our little bird with the sweetness of our own simple little boon.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

apples




Our two young apple trees have given us a few apples.... enough for a winter's pie.  




I love to bake with apples but the tedious effort of peeling, coring, and slicing prevented me from doing it more often. I recently came across the best kitchen gadget ever. Now with this apple corer, peeler, slicer... it takes seconds to do one and a few minutes to do several! I LOVE this gadget. And it was only $20. In fact, I'm planning to seek out as many apples as possible to core, peel, slice and store for winter.  Apple pie, apple crisp, apple torte, apple cobbler, apple crumble!!!

Mount apple through the core and turn handle

Peel, slice, and core in one step

Remove apple and all that's left is the core

Beautiful enough for ornaments?

I only used a knife to make this cut

Voila! 

I soaked the apples in salt water while I finished the rest

Even the 'mess' is beautiful!
I froze this first batch of apples.  Can't wait to harvest the last few on our trees.  Anyone close by have some trees I can come pick on?? I'm hooked.