brown

the color brown is my heart. it's my favorite, rich, deep color.
i just found sweaters in the color brown and bought four of them
and when these sweaters get old and worn, the brown will call my name more.

brown is warm and welcoming
its autumn
brown is the old desk, that calls my name to write the stories my soul holds...

coffee
rich chocolates
and comfy old chairs
the color of my children's eyes
a suede journal
midwest fields
the tips of my curls
and fallen leaves
puppies muddy footprints
brown is the background, of a crackling fire, that keeps hands warm.
"brown like me"

brown is the wood, surrounding the chimes, in our grandmother clock.
brown is the color of earth, that connects us all.
one love~
**********************
thank you noddyboom, for hosting color week, I had a blast!
and because two winners are better than one.
i will be sending a pink photograph to...
cora
and
cinner
Please send me your snail mail addy's, and I will drop a bit of pink in the mail ; )
xo

pink thoughts and bluest dreams

So we have come to our last, pink thoughts, post. I have had such a warm time, hearing your stories and connecting with you, through these posts. Let's keep getting those mammograms, and keep breast cancer awareness, alive. I send you pink thoughts, filled with...

love
tenderness
compassion
friendship
hope
a special hug, for sherry who held my hand from miles away, during the most conscious squeeze, I could have gifted myself. ; ) xo
i send prayers, that a cure is on it's way.
thank you, thank you my friends, for coming as you are each week, and bringing all the love you could carry. swoon~
*****************************************

and a touch of blue for color week~

i had to add a photo of the chair. bliss~ some of you might remember this oldie but goodie, i stumbled upon, at the beach. oh, this old chair, stole my heart. yes it did. : )
blue is the sky...
the beginning of my day
"the bluest eye"
and toni morrison
denim blue jeans
ink pens
the ocean
blueberries
and water
spray paint
blue is the color that weaves my dreams together
blue tells a complete story
********************************
It would warm my soul, to send you one of my pink flower photographs. Stop in and say hello in the comment section, I will pull a name on this Friday.
One love~

purple

purple is the color of my dreams...
stormy skies
alice walker
harpo is dat you?
little girls tights
big girls tights
violets and bouquets
my mans kisses along my spine
eggplant
and passion
yes purple is passionate

find color week~ at noddyboom.

Happy purple wednesday, my friends.
Peace~

yellow

todays color, over at the wonderful noddyboom, is yellow.
yellow is the color of sun
and hearts of gold
autumn leaves
#2 pencils
creamy macaroni and cheese
and street lights
yellow warms me~
: )

white

1. white majilica roses 2.my dream house,along with the rocker. 3. Miles~ the bestest friend, a girl could ask for. 4. breakfast.
I'm joining in on color week, over at noddyboom, via sweet gillian's place.
Happy Monday, my friends.

sunday afternoon

Hey there, how are you?
I am loving this, Sunday afternoon.
The sunday paper is still sprawled everywhere, coffee mugs are ready to be washed.
Sweet potato chips and red stripe, go nice with the football games. Hello Jamaica! : )
I browned some chicken breast and placed them in the crock pot.
Deglazed the pan with some mirin sauce and created an alfredo sauce, with onions and mushrooms. Its warming in the crock pot with the chicken. I thought I would toss it with some whole wheat pasta. Can you believe this is the first time, I am trying whole wheat pasta? I think it should be good.

Speaking of cooking, I purchased a cookbook. Yes, me! I rarely buy cookbooks. ; ) Friday night, I bought "falling cloudberries" Let me just say this, I believe this is the cookbook, that can bring me back to trying recipes. Thank you Tessa Kiros, you have passed on recipes that warm me.

Finally loaded the Maxwell c.d, on my ipod. Swoon~
I'm going to go finish my laundry now.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Peace~

"show the world what you feel"

I can't tell you how long it's been, since I truly picked up my camera and looked through the lens. Deep sigh.
At times the concrete sizzles beneath my feet, calling me back, begging me to see it's beauty. I turn my back on it. I walk away as though, we never knew each other. Pretending, that I am so far removed from capturing, what moves me. Well then, just shoot ; )
I remember this, I remember that.
To understand this, you must understand that photography, burns inside of my soul. I love it. Photography, creates memories. And as a child, memories of those I loved, cradled me. These people I grew to love, stood in photographs in happier times- holding me as a baby. Sometimes names and maybe a date, would be scribbled so vaguely, beneath these memories. Photos are sometimes, all one has.
You got your angels, I got mine ; )
Gordon Parks created memories, he moves the hell out of me, with his work. I once stood in a bookstore in front of the Gordon Parks shrine books;
closing my eyes, I asked him- brother Gordon, I have been asked to photograph a family wedding, send me good vibes. People passed me looking at me like I was crazy, a bookstore employee raised his hand, and gave me a high five! : ) I dig that!
WTF!
One day, my love of the lens, became work. It became iso's and a bunch of other technical shit. Who knew.
My teacher would look at me, with wonder. Wondering how he could teach "the worst" of students, and not me. It got so bad, I wondered if I had an adult learning disorder. I was never the best student but damn, photography threw me for a loop.
So I put the camera down. We parted ways. The camera my husband worked overtime to pay for, sat in a bag. I lost my spark for it. There was no fun in it. It was a chore to shoot.
Mess wit anyTing but da rum punch lol
The JA rum that warmed my insides and moved my breeze, was gone.
My soul that sang, each time I picked up my camera, sat silently.
Gone was my jones.
Ya feel me?
I ain't no Ansel but..
Today I sat in many a field, lens raised. Not searching for the perfect photo, just happy to be able to say hello to the sun, laugh with the clouds. : )
I sat/lay in the flat land of the midwest,remembering what my teacher told me- "even though you can't explain to me what I want to hear technically, I want you to keep feeling photography the way you do, and then show the world what you feel."
And that's what I did! My soul began singing a song that was quite familiar...
Love was the tune, filled with a jazz scat here and there ; )
One love~

today

"the rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
the rain makes running pools in the gutter
the rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
and i think i love the rain"
langston hughes

pink thoughts

pink roses getting wet from the rain as i walk home
a neighbor waving to me
the thought of picking my camera up again
reading "to kill a mocking bird", at 40 years old
laying down for a nap, and waking up with the whole family sleeping in the bed, including the dog ; )
baked pancakes on sunday morning
mammograms coming back clear
listening the words of sisters, that have mammograms that were not clear
having an old friend respond to a letter
tiny lamps left on in the kitchen welcoming me home
prayers and moments for those who cancer has touched
hope
These weeks of pink thoughts, have brought me to the doorstep of noticeable beauty, I won't easily forget.
Next week will be our last pink thoughts, I look forward to it. I invite you to join in. No rules, come as you are~ ; )
Peace~

in the distance

love to the art under the bridge. is she alice in wonderland? who knows. she made me smile.

today i reached out to a friend. this friend, hurt my (tender at times)feelings. i wrote her a letter... because i wanted her to know, i am not angry at her. i want her to know, that although my feelings were hurt, the love she showed me, was far more greater, than the hurt.

i don't expect a letter back, i don't expect anything.
i send this letter out of love, ya know?
the hurt is in the distance, the memory of her warms me.
i thought this was important, for her to know...
for me to feel.
one love~

at this moment

I'm loving having clean laundry, after being under the weather. The feel of the warm clothes, after a nice whirl in the dryer, just sends me to the moon. I thank you, for the reading suggestions, I am looking forward to grabbing some of your picks.
I watched the PBS special- "Appalachia: A History Of Mountains And People." I have always been interested in the appalachian culture, such beautiful people. How could I ever thank you, for teaching me what's really important, in life. You humble me.
Nikki Giovanni is in the documentary,I won't give away anymore than that. I adore her, just adore her. Her words breath life, into me. I still look at the photographs I took of her, still hang on to the words she spoke to me... It warms me.
Take out pizza for dinner tonight~ it's cold out, it's damp, that will hit the spot. I honestly can't wait to get back into the kitchen! I was telling someone, I was going to make frito pie, for a halloween party. Are you all sick of chili, by now? ; ) I'm handing on to October, I love it.
How are you?

sun books music bread love

I was so happy, that today was filled with sunshine, that left shadows dancing across our walls. I think it had a lot to do, with me feeling so much better. That and your kind comments, of course
: )
I was reading a bit, and I find it kind of strange that some of the most popular books, I'm having a hard time getting through. Hmm...I'm looking for a good book to read, I absolutely loved "the curious incident of the dog in the night-time". Do you think I should try a good mystery or a lighthearted novel? Hmm... I digress.
Sunday was filled with pumpkin doughnuts and coffee, and long noodles, with bok choy, in a smooth broth. Slow, slow. Peaceful naps and and tummy rubs for my dog. Cleaning gunk out of the basement, basin tub. And then swaying to the voice of salif keita. "Tomorrow" Indeed, world, when I hear notes like this, I can't help but look forward to tomorrow. Music, it's like bread, it can bring all of us together, no matter the culture, no matter the place in which we come. It's universal. It's love.
One love~

sweetest day

It's sweetest day, around here. How about where you live?
Unfortunately, I am under the weather. Shh... I think I may have the fl-. I won't even spell it out, fully ;( Yes, I am down with some, serious cooties ; ) I hardly, ever get sick, isn't that something? So here I am, down for the count, achy and feverish, no tummy ache, thank goodness.

I can't help but, tearing up every so often, cause me and hubby were supposed to stroll through the art museum, and wear hats and scarves, as we purchased the yummiest, of street foods. I love him, and (still after all these years) think he is the coolest. So I am tearing up in my pillow, because I really dislike, missing dates with him. BUT, since I am teary, sick, emotional, and quite needy, at this time in my life. Milking it for what it's worth. My husband is being kept quite busy- heh heh...
Isn't it funny, when we get sick, we decide the way, the furniture should be placed. Or how the bathroom, really needs cleaning. I also finished a book, so I just HAD to have the sequel, which I have yet to retrieve form the bag. OH, but my husband knows how to keep me busy... He brought me the cookie book, by Martha Stewart, and a stack of fall magazines. Smart man! Poor thing, as I type this, he is sleeping in the big, comfy chair. Bless his heart! ; ) My son is doing a crossword puzzle and my daughter is sewing on her machine.
Underneath it all, I am able to find the sweetness, in this day~
I wanted to leave you this photo~ because I really think you all, are the sweetest~
How are you, my friends? I would love to know.
; )

pink thoughts

There really is a pink plate, under this apple crisp and ice cream, I promise you. : )
Let's continue to get the word out, on breast cancer awareness.
I send thoughts to all, who have been touched by breast cancer.
Join me on Thursday's, in October~ to remember, to love, to celebrate, to be aware.

"Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops... at all." ~Emily Dickinson

Let's celebrate life!
If you would like to visit a delicious blog, stop by and say hello at domestic senualist. I am visiting over there today. I would love; if you stopped in and said hello.
One love~

thank you art in the nighttime

I'm supposed to be working. Heh! That would be too much, like right. : )
Thought I would visit with you, here. ; )
Last night, it was really, very cold. It was the type of cold, that made me get up, turn the heat up, make sure the kids were covered, and realize all the things, I should have done (but didn't) before this cold weather came along. The middle of the night, does that to me. lol
I love, scarlet tea.
My son needs, a warmer blanket.
Did I return that call?
Where would I be, without art during the silence of the night. I don't know, but I'm grateful for art. The knitting needles, the pens, the journals~Thank you art!
What if I don't get my recipes, written down?
Does Miles go to the vet, this Friday or next?
Why does Gourmet magazine, have to end? I don't dig that! : )
Low country cooking, that is what I can write about.
I wonder if I can use apples, in place of dates for a cooking filling? What do you think?
Sometimes the night, does that to me.
Happy Tuesday, my friends.

path

It was 28 degrees, this morning. Brrr... The farmers almanac writes, it's going to be a mild winter. Hmm... do they know we are expecting snow, tomorrow? ; )
I will stick with fall, for now.
Do you know, I made the most wonderful, mushroom and wild rice soup? It was filled with mushrooms, vegetables, cognac, wild rice and heavy cream. deep sigh.
i placed the sweetest tape, around a long overdue gift.
remembered what baby powder smelled like.
purchased shoes, for our kids. no matter how many times we do this, i am left with the most, grateful feeling.
whispered a prayer~
received the kindest post card in the mail.
shook my head, at a very rude sales associate, that told me i was affecting her sales, by returning an item. this is why i am one of those people, who order everything, through the mail. everything! lol
read char's post, and it left me beaming. i still have apples left, maybe a crumble, later in the week.
read the sweetest children's book, called "a stormy night" swoon!
took a deep breath and focused my lens.
walked along a cold and foggy path, that allowed me to leave the things, that don't really matter, by it's wayside. ; )
How are you doing? Did I thank you, for leaving that light on for me? ; )
Peace~

apple crostata

I am not a baker! : ) I send love to all you bakers, you are artist, of the most high. I really don't think anyone can make an apple crostata, without sending love to Cucina Simpatica. You all have blessed hands. : ) Ina Garten, also gets credit, the orange zest is brilliant. You all inspire us, immensely.
This apple crostata is easy. Don't feel you have to make your dough from scratch. Go to the store and purchase those refrigerator doughs, that come two in package- throw one on a lined baking sheet and stuff it full, with your apples and pile on the crumble mixture. It is delicious, this way.
Either way, serve this warm and add a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Life is good~
Pastry (makes 2 )
2 cups flour (all purpose)
1/4 cup sugar
2 sticks butter (unsalted and cold) dice into small pieces
1/4 cup ice water ( when ready)
Place flour, sugar, salt into food processor (use your steel blade) pulse a couple of times to combine. Add butter and toss quickly to coat each small cube of butter, with flour. Be careful of those blades. Pulse 25 more times, or until butter is size of peas. With the motor still running add 1/4 cup ice water through feed tube. Pulse a few more times to combine, but stop before dough comes together.
Turn dough out to floured surface and roll out two disk. Seal separately in zip locks and refrigerate dough for at least an hour- or up to 2 days. You can freeze other disk, but I would bake 2 right away. Remember the filling is only to fill one disk.
Roll pastry out to a 11 inch circle on floured surface. Place on baking sheet, lined with parchment. I used a silpat.
OR~ purchase package of dough and skip this part! I dig that too!
Filling (to fill one tart)
1 1/2 pounds of apples (pick your favorites) I don't stick to just baking apples, I use a variety. Macintosh... whatever you like.
1/4 cup all purpose flour
a couple of grates of orange zest, maybe a 1/4 teaspoon. I prefer this over lemon. Please try this step, it will make a huge difference ; )
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
sprinkle of brown sugar
1/2 stick butter diced
Combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and sprinkle of brown sugar, in bowl. Add the butter and cut with fork or whatever until mixture is crumbly. I always use fork ,but you can use food processor, if you like.
Peel core and slice apples (thin slices). I like a combination of small chunks and slices. Toss your apples with that orange zest.
Place apples in center of dough. leaving a 1 1/2 inch border.
Sprinkle your mixture on top of apples in dough( evenly)
Gently fold the border over apples, making pleats as you created a circle, around your apples.
You can brush edges with egg wash, but I don't.
Bake for 20-25 minutes in 425 degree oven.
Check after 10 minutes, if crust in browning too fast you can always place foil around edges.
This is SO So good.
Enjoy!

pink thursday

Hello pink Thursday! I'm so glad you are here. I want to embrace you, I walk toward you.
As you may have guessed, (by the photo above) I had my first mammogram yesterday : ) So many feelings flooded inside of me.
I'm afraid
I don't ever want breast cancer
I must be brave
I am here for you
I am here for me
I am here for my family
F* cancer
God, are you there?
I stepped toward this machine, for everyone that has ever been affected by breast cancer.
The technician twisted me like a pretzel, to get the pictures she needed. She left the room and my eyes filled with tears, oh the silence, the empty silence, can play tricks on you, if you allow it to. Although this was not an easy procedure, I was more than willing to do it. With each scan, I became more brave. Not more comfortable, more brave. With each word that was typed, from the blogger who held my hand, from a distance... I became stronger. I send you love, my angel. : )
yes it is uncomfortable
yes it is scary
"don't panic"
of course I wondered what the technician was doing, each time she left the room...
i pray for the scans to come back good
I would do it all over again. And I want you, to do it too. Please? I want you to do regular self exams of your breast- and get regular mammograms. Make an appointment for a mammogram, if you haven't already and it's time. : )
As I was leaving the office, I asked if I could place a winged messenger in the office. I asked that it be given to someone, who may really want or need it ; ) The wings read~ your opinion matters. Wings created by, the talented Susanna.
Happy pink thoughts, my friends.
One love~

surface

"only if the moving waters calm down,
the sun and moon will be reflected
on the surface
of your being."
Rumi
Happy Wednesday, my friends ; )
ps: i will post recipe for apple crostata, this friday ; )

orchard walk

It amazes me how something as simple, as a walk through an apple orchard, can be so beautiful. There weren't many people there, so our family walked slow, talked about the different types of apples, and dreamed big about what we would create, when we arrived home with our goodies.
Apple crostata, was on the menu first.
Along our orchard walk, I found a string of apples that grew into an arch like shape. I love that. I could easily see a sweet couple, exchanging vows, beneath the arch. Swoon~ ; ) It's times like this, fall writes me poetry, that makes my soul sing.
I hope you are enjoying autumn.
Peace~

rain and sun and thank you

I woke up very early this morning, I am almost sure, it was the beautiful rain that woke me. I grabbed my copy of "Einstein's Dreams" and began turning the pages. That is the most lovely book to read, especially when it is raining out. Yes mam, it tis.
Coffee and rugalach~ yum.
...Rain as the sun comes up, I really don't think it gets any better than that ; ) As I think about the day ahead, I can't help but think about, how kind you all are. Your pink tributes, kept my eyes filled with tears; my heart warm. Thank you kindly, my friends. I dig that ; )
I will be taking a break from posting, for the next few days. I'm teaching a small group, how to bake a chicken. Isn't that the sweetest thing? I bought a few bottles of wine and many candles. I can't wait to open my home, to this group of lovely women. I'm wondering if we will get any cooking done. lol Oh how I wish you all were closer. I would welcome you, as well...
I'll be making my way to visit your blogs, so leave a light on for me. : )
Happy weekend!
One love~
the pay it forward gifts are boxed and ready to go. xo

pink and hello october

There was whirling pink butter cream, in my mixing bowl today. Colorful sprinkles and glitter, lay across the counter; laughing kids, and someone was sneaking way too much frosting, off the mixer. ; ) I raise my hand in admittance, that I was the main culprit, borrowing the frosting. ; ) Yum!
Today I read the quote- "i am what i am because of who we all are" I love that!
October is national breast cancer awareness month.
I celebrate by~ never giving up that there will be a cure, missing those that have passed on, reading your stories and keeping awareness alive. And prayers, many prayers ; )
Have a sweet Thursday!
One love~