nature stroll

Around 1 p.m.

camera: canon

mid-may

I would randomly take pictures of nothing in particular. How else could you record life as it happens? ~Simon Van Booy

camera: pentax k1000

sweet wednesday

Lately, I've been anticipating the book Vegetable Literacy by Deborah Madison. This morning it arrived in the mail and post-it notes are making their way onto the pages quickly. Knowing I need to up my game on vegetables in general, I figured what better way than to be educated by the lady who knows her stuff. Spring and Summer are going to be filled with trying out these recipes and my guess is this title will be well-loved.

camera: iphone, vscocam

a bit of sky

It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald

It always feels like a giant step from April to May. As the days become more delectable, my urge to make healthy, summery meals kick in. One recipe that I'd like to try soon is Bean Bowls with Poached Egg by Sara Forte of Sprouted Kitchen. What are some of your favourite go-to meals during this season?

. . .
There's No Leaving Now by The Tallest Man on Earth with Strand of Oaks

camera: canon

forest details

The world is so big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.
~John Muir

All these evenings with sunlight makes me feel spoiled.

camera: canon

sweet wednesday

Earlier this month, Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley was released. The day I found out, I ran to Elliott Bay Books to order my copy. You see, Lucy is a wonderfully, genuine writer/artist. Her stories are filled with humor, love, common sense, and the occasional awkward situation. What makes her graphic novel even more special are the recipes at the end of each chapter such as how to cook mushrooms, chocolate chip cookies, huevos rancheros, or sushi. This is a fun and scrumptious read as well as definitely one to own for either the living room or the kitchen.

. . .

Yo La Tengo: tiny desk concert, npr

camera: iphone

upwards

The world offers itself to your imagination.
~Mary Oliver

You never know what you'll find just around the corner. Happy weekend, friends.

camera: pentax k1000

neighborhood blooms

I believe in kindness.  Also in mischief.
~Mary Oliver

Ever since my high school creative writing teacher Ms. Staley introduced me to Mary Oliver's poetry, I have been a big fan. I believe there is a bit of magic that happens when connecting with a writer for the first time. The words resonate deep within us and perhaps a nodding of the head ensues. Then afterwards we seek more of their books or essays. It's really a beautiful thing.

To celebrate poetry month, here is a favourite poem:

The Loon
by Mary Oliver

Not quite four a.m., when the rapture of being alive
strikes me from sleep, and I rise
from the comfortable bed and go
to another room, where my books are lined up
in their neat and colorful rows. How

magical they are! I choose one
and open it. Soon
I have wandered in over the waves of the words
to the temple of thought.

           And then I hear
outside, over the actual waves, the small,
perfect voice of the loon. He is also awake,
and with his heavy head uplifted he calls out
to the fading moon, to the pink flush
swelling in the east that, soon,
will become the long, reasonable day.

                Inside the house
it is still dark, except for the pool of lamplight
in which I am sitting.

           I do not close the book.

Neither, for a long while, do I read on.

...
Manahattan by Cat Power
Step by Vampire Weekend

camera: iphone