• 05.27.2009 Peonies Personified
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    Aren’t these gorgeous? Peonies are one of my absolute favorite flowers as they feel very reminiscent of my own dichotomous personality: equally contemporary and old-fashioned, both bold and delicate, robust and yet feminine. These bright beauties have brightened my day. And, with a few adjustments in saturation, these voluptuous blooms turn quiet and reflective, a bit moody and nostalgic. Hmmm, not unlike someone else I know.

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  • 05.26.2009 The Prodigal Pebble
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    Before Stone, there was Pebble. And today, to everyone’s delight, he came out of hibernation. His attempted escapes were so numerous last fall that we were so surprised he was still residing in our backyard. We enticed him to stay awhile with some fresh strawberries, which he gobbled up gladly with no timidity. We think Pebble’s got it right for the summer vacation: stay in the shade, munch strawberries, move deliberately if you must move at all.

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  • 05.21.2009 Mother's Day Tea
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    I know, I know. Mother’s Day was almost two weeks ago. Better late than never. I’ve had some folks ask about the Mother’s Day Tea our church hosted. The lovely and successful event was relatively painless to coordinate. This is how we did it: Q: How do you manage to host an extravagant tea party for fifty and charge only $5? A: Decide on a menu, complete with recipes, and hit up all the ladies at church who enjoy cooking, and ask for food donations.The $5 ticket price then goes to purchasing tea, decorative flowers, and the Women’s Ministry. Q: How do you set up a Tea for 50 using all real china? A: Ask for ladies to “host” a table, which involves bringing her own china- place settings for 6, tea service, and the centerpiece. Q: How do you plan and execute an event like this in three weeks […]

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  • 05.17.2009 Time Well Spent
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    Summertime. No homework, lots of sleeping in, movie marathons, afternoon naps, and the feeling of entitlement to do absolutely nothing. As a kid, this was my ideal summer holiday; and yet, at the conclusion of this indulgent itinerary, I would feel completely unsatisfied, indolent, and downright bored. All the time spent “relaxing” was ultimately squandered on less than memorable activities, with nothing to show for my three months of vacation from school. Taking time off is splendid. Taking time off and wasting it, is not.  So as to not pass down undisciplined frivolity to my boys, we discussed the value of setting goals for the summer break over teatime one afternoon last week. I thought it best to engage them in a mature exercise while sipping on grown-up tea, whilst practicing consequential decision-making: one lump or two; milk or no milk. Following a lively discussion on what exactly comprised a […]

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  • 05.12.2009 Here and There
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    Number 4 is currently peering over the metaphorical brink of mobility, ready to catapult into a thorough exploration and dissection of all that is within (and out of) reach. Already I spend most days wishing I could grow a few more arms.  So much for evolution. If it were true, I’d have an extra pair of arms, and eyes on the back of my head.  I digress. Anyhow, my current juggling act of homeschooling, preschooling, toddlerhood, potty-training, organizing, messy feedings, and keeping up with the incredible rolling baby, has effectively drained me of time (and energy) for some of my favorite creative endeavors: painting, sewing, and even blogging. I do, however, make the most of spontaneous creative outbursts that usually accompany must-do’s, like cooking, organizing, and repairing. Such is the case with my recent decorative additions in the kitchen and half-bath. I realized a month or two back, that my […]

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  • 05.04.2009 For The Love of Goat Cheese
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    Some things in the culinary world just aren’t meant to be alone. They are team players…part of an ensemble…the alto in a four-part harmony…spouses, paired in the most unlikely love affairs. So it is with goat cheese. To savor and delight in goat cheese is to note its surprising effect as compliment and not in spoonfuls. If goat cheese has intimidated you in your culinary endeavors, here are some simple ways to incorporate it: 1. A chunk of goat cheese and some roasted red pepper and eggplant spread, or ajvar, makes an incredible appetizer when warmed up and served with toasted pita wedges. 2. Goat cheese crumbles pair perfectly with honeyed pecans, figs, and endives in salad. 3. Softened goat cheese, served alongside dried fruits, apples, grapes, preserves, and crackers makes for an elegant first course. Does anyone else have a favorite way of using goat cheese? Oh, please share! […]

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  • 05.01.2009 San Francisco '09
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