Art Undone

Checking in.

2011-11-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

Just a quick check in. Some pictures I've been wanting to post from a Seattle day in October. The city never fails to move me. Seattle is like a little humming hamlet- the perfect dose of urban all mixed in with breathtaking nature almost anywhere you turn.

October sailboats.

Otherworldly.

This and that:

I've been feeling a good deal of peace lately, mostly because I've been doing a lot more of this.

Reading, this, this and this. Beyond good. I so identify with the Provincial peasant. And the food, oh the food!

Started using this for my morning grind. Whoa, now this is something to write home about. Talk about smooth and mellow cafe. Why did I wait so long to purchase one!?!

New favorite blog. Especially this post and this post. Such wisdom and happiness.

Very much looking forward to making some pumpkin deserts for the holidays.

Cozy 1, 2 and 3.

2011-10-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

These have been cozy days, very cozy days indeed.

1. Cozy nooks around La Casa.

2. Cozy favorite reads.

3. Cozy homemade yogurt making with rich and creamy grass fed milk.

Reading lately- Blood, Bones, Butter.

2011-09-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

This weeks library haul included this, this and this. I immediately had to dig into Blood, Bones and Butter- I mean with that title, I could hardly resist. This is a food memoir but so, so much more. Gabrielle Hamilton is a gal who can speak her mind, no doubt or second guessing in sight. She's not one for sentimentality and sometimes that's utterly refreshing to me. The descriptions of her food education make me want to hit the kitchen and make brothy, salty, beef stocks to slurp down on these chilly fall days. But what gets me more, are her perspectives and her often hilarious descriptions of people.

"The only person from the co-op who's been with us from the beginning and still with us today is a renter; an elderly woman who looks like she's been avoiding animal protein for so long that her skin is now tissue paper and her hair is as brittle as shredded wheat." G.H.

"I have never understood the heartless Ferber people who let their kids "cry it out". If you are inclined to view your three-month-old infant's cries as "manipulative," as a means of discovering if she can get you to come into the room and pick her up "on command," then you should rethink parenthood in the first place. I don't think you are mature enough, frankly. An infant, to be sure, can't haul herself downstairs and help herself to a glass of water, can't call upon a good friend at two in the morning to discuss the finer point of her fears and anxieties. I feel compelled- involuntarily compelled- to pick up and try to comfort my child when I hear him wailing. After all, they are crying. I'm going to assume they are crying for a good reason."
G.H.

Catching up, this and that:

2011-09-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Whoa, blog update long overdue. I am still alive, happily so, but it seems my slow computer has put a damper on my blogging as of late. Here's a few shots, a mini update of sorts, until I get my act together and get back on the bandwagon. I've also been spending more time over at the utterly addictive and inspiring pinterest- you can find me here.

Labor day at the beach with my girls- Gena and darling Ev.

Lying on blankets, looking out at this.

Evening turns pink as we eat takeout at picnic tables.

Two days till fall, enjoying the afternoon in Seattle with my lovely mother.

Whiling away the hours at our favorite city spots- U. Village, Volunteer Park, Ballard and Golden Gardens.

Weekend in the City- August edition.

2011-08-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Waking to a foggy Sunday morning.

On to the City, a stop at the farmer's market for snacks, then to the park.

Laying in the grass, warmed by the sun and good conversation.

Later a walk along the water, sun dappled light.

Ridiculous self portraits, looking like I'm five and squinting because the sun is so bright.

Evening settles, now at Golden Gardens we admire this quiet family, laying on red checked blanket reading, together...

Fishing poles in hand, the day slowly closes.

The sun has set, now the sky turns purple and pink- all feels complete.

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field. I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in the grass,
the world is too full to talk about.
Rumi

Weekly wrap up- fall in the air, perfect summer days.

2011-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

We've been having the most pristine harvest days here in the Pacific Northwest. It seems summer has fully arrived and I can only hope this extends into the illusive Indian Summer one dreams of. The depth of the blue sky reminds me that fall is on the way- mornings are cool, turning to warm afternoons and breezy evenings. There is such a feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air as well as a peace at knowing the restful days of autumn are quickly approaching.

Enjoying the new Toast catalog- especially appreciating this model, (such grace), and adoring this dress.

Morning routine- oh how I cherish my solitude. These days it is top of my list, allowing me to truly take in all the blessings of this life, to examine and really savor all that is. A good read and creamy Bengal Spice coconut tea certainly enhances this sacred routine.

One of the sunsets this week. I did not edit this photo, this is exactly how the sky looked- prettiest colors I've ever seen!

What I eat.

2011-08-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

I took the time to snap some food shots the past few days. Food can be so inspiring and I'm filled with much gratitude that I get to enjoy high quality, sustainable eats! My food philosophy is basically a combination of this and this but, most importantly focusing on which foods agree with me and make me feel happy.

Breakfast sandwich yet to be assembled. Pastured egg, bacon and grain free biscuit made with coconut flour.

Lunch- grass-fed beef, zucchini hummus and fresh veggies, yum, yum and yum!

Weekend recap.

2011-08-22T11:15:00.001-07:00

This ended up being a really relaxing and happy weekend. There were so many beautiful sights that I wished to photograph but sometimes hauling a camera around just doesn't sound that appealing. Amidst juicy convos and laid back afternoons I also got to indulge in some truly delicious gluten free pizza as well as spend time with the neighbors utterly adorable 12 week old phantom goldendoodle. What more could a girl want?...

Afternoon lull, bringing nature inside.

Favorite films for weekend viewing.

Color study- a new piece that will be part of a collection I'm currently working on.

August flowers, caramel cake & cozy porch evenings.

2011-08-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

August flowers in all their lush glory.

Caramel cake first attempt.

Tired days ending on the porch- cool air, cozy quilt, sun setting and a good book. Really, I can't complain.

Lost and found.

2011-08-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'll admit to feeling quite lost the past few weeks. To experiencing confusion and a great deal of angst at an unexpected bout of fatigue. These times come fewer and farther apart, yet it seems this particular cycle has decided to stay much longer than I anticipated.

Really the only thing one can do when taken over by these unknowns is to give in. Instead I've spent the better half of this spell angrily resisting. I wake up and think why am I so mad. Then the answer comes days later when I realize I am refusing to release, to let go and see what is here waiting for me in all this.

It seems that when I finally let go, the answers come, slowly, without force, mostly in the guise of love and gratitude for the beauty that is here and is now.

I can't know what lies ahead or how long these hard seasons intend to stay. But that knowing begins to loose it's importance when I realize that I have all I need, everything exactly as it should be for this very moment. In the words of Louise Hay- "All is well, everything is working out for my highest good and out of this experience only good will come and I am safe." I believe this, I really do.

I'm open now, I think we have to reopen ourselves continually to this life, to struggle, to thankfulness and to a relief that is just waiting to be known.

Yesterday while reading the words of Martin Prechtel I remembered that this being lost is my home if I choose to make it such.

"Mesmerized by the beauty and impervious immensity of the ever deepening forest, I discovered that my acceptance of my smallness in the face of it all made being lost into a kind of being at home. How lost could you be if you felt at home being lost?"

Full Moon Rising.

2011-08-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

Evening walk- August 12, 2011.

Currently reading, currently eating.

2011-08-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

The past few days I've been listening to The Help via Audible, (love audio books). Oh what a fabulous read it is shaping up to be, only making my longing to visit the south that much stronger.

All those southern accents certainly have their charm, but what really has been making me hanker are the descriptions of that fine, fine southern cooking.

Sizzling pork chops, green beans and caramel cake- my absolute food heaven. Seeing as I don't have a gluten free recipe for caramel cake I whipped up these rhubarb cupcakes and iced them with a healthy dose of buttercream frosting. So very yum, plus caramel cake craving appeased for now. That doesn't mean I've stopped dreaming of that cake though...

Food, sun, sand, music and dreams...August summers.

2011-08-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Spent Monday in The City wandering through boutiques and garden shops- eating good food and enjoying the best gelato.

Morning light- ready to soak in more summer.

Succulent love.

Clover coffee- couldn't wish for better company.

Summer feet, sand, long skirts, sun drifting lower in the sky.

Driving windows down- dreaming of listening to this while riding a train in the European countryside.

Dock sittin, kites flying, time with Dex and Ev.

2011-08-06T20:21:00.001-07:00

Soaking in this summer- I think we've had a week straight of sun, that has to count for something!

Kites.

Green, lots of green and wonderful cozy abodes.

Sitting on the dock, hours spent talking....summer.

Home to see Evie and her cat Dex- she thinks she owns him, he wishes otherwise.

And two photos that I just had to include. Dex and Evie, a more tender moment and Evie being her usual crazy, cute self.

Last two Evie photos by Gena Miller

Music that moves.

2011-08-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

I can not get enough of this song. Driving home on a late summer night, new moon orange in the sky, listening to The Signal- and this comes on. Those moments in life where anything feels possible.... and is

Sundays- Tree gazing, dinner eating and relaxation having.

2011-08-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more wonderful than that early evening quite after a chaotic feeling Saturday?

Or lying on the sofa and getting lost in all this green?

And what can compete with real soul food- made to nourish both body and mind?

But I must admit- this tops all of that. These golden waves that come flooding in as the sun sinks in the sky.

No soap makeup remover!

2011-07-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 years or so I've been washing my makeup off at night with Bronner's magic soap. Here and there I would hear these mentions of not using soap on one's face. I didn't want to add more stress to my skin by stripping it of it's natural oils while trying to remove my makeup.

A few months back I started using the oh so versatile coconut oil to clean my face at night. Voila- it works wonderfully! Now my face is soft and moisturized after I've removed my makeup, no more dried out post makeup skin. I still love Bronners for the shower and for my easy body scrub- can't beat that silky lather.

I purchase these cotton ovals at Target. Two is sufficient for my makeup removal since I don't wear that much to begin with, (you could also use a wash cloth). I keep my oil handy in this little dish.

To remove makeup- dampen your swabs- use one to smear oil all over your face, concentrating on your eye makeup the most, (keep eyes shut tight). Once you have loosened all your makeup, use the second swab to absorb the makeup and oil residue!

Weekend recap & new plans.

2011-07-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have a new plan, one to make my Sundays exclusively about rest. Sundays for me have been a mixed bag, some restful, others a frantic rush of working on projects. So, I decided I needed to commit to this day as my do nothing but relax and eat good food day! I had to pull myself away from starting several projects and wanting to make lists for the week ahead. My goal was to feel rested and restored- I'm happy to report that the day ended with those exact feelings.

Saturday was spent in the city- I got to show my wonderful mom some of my favorite haunts, I also had a few very small tastes of what turned out to be the absolute best gelato ever! I'm not exaggerating, if you're in Seattle you must go get some stat!

Saturday inspiration for Sunday relaxation.

Cozy hoods.

Mt. Rainier in all her glory.

Sundays, they one day this bed does not get made.

Staring at these flowers on the deck- the daydreaming has commenced.

Lamb chops- Sunday dinner.

Later... lazy laying in the sun, the sky turns to cotton.

Thoughts on a 30th birthday.

2011-07-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write this post for my brother Justin. He turned 30 July 2nd. Tonight we will dine as family and celebrate his life.

Justin is a very creative guy. He's always been pursuing one passion or another, be it basketball in elementary-high school or writing and music later on. He has greatly influenced me to explore my own creativity, always believing that I had it in me. That's meant a lot to me.

In childhood we weren't very close. Mostly we clung to our separate ways as we lived in a very unhappy family. Later, we became closer as new insights and dreams took hold. We've had our fair share of relationship ups and downs; in the end we always make it work and stay connected.

I think one of the things I most admire about Justin is his ability to really connect with children, particularly those with special needs. For the past 5 or 6 years he has worked in public schools helping these students. I am continually amazed at the relationships he forges and the impact I know he's having on their lives. Mr. "B" they call him, he's a hero to many children. He has a very tender heart, not to be taken for granted, a well of limitless possibilities. Happy birthday wonderful brother- I believe in you.

Justin being Justin.

Justin's artistic eye- Photo by Justin Berkbigler.

And this one just cracks me up- so quirky, so Justin. Photo by Justin Berkbigler

New things happening in this space.

2011-07-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've been tinkering with this little space today. I just changed my header and finally got around to adding an "about me" section. Please stop over and let me know what you think. Oh the trials of writing about oneself in a way that is honest and concise- it can be a bit awkward but I've given it a go.

Lemon Ice

2011-07-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a crappy summer here in Western Washington, really crappy. I know that complaining doesn't get me anywhere and I've forgone whining the more I've learned the benefits of gratitude, but bitching about crummy weather is something I hang on to. I know, not a very nice quality.

I love the sun, absolutely love it, worship it, lay in it whenever it's remotely warm. Needless to say, these gray rainy days, well, it's been kinda hard on this sun loving girl. Still, we've had some hopeful afternoons of brightness here and there. Yesterday it got warm enough to enjoy a little time outdoors and with the reprieve a little lemon ice. This stuff is good, really good- I imagine it would be bliss on a really hot day, I'll keep dreaming!

Recipe below images-

Lemon Ice
Adapted from Gourmet

2.5c water
1/2T lemon zest
2/3-3/4c sweetener of choice
2/3c fresh lemon juice

Heat water and stir in sweetener until melted, (honey, sugar or birch sugar/steiva). Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Let cool in fridge. Once cooled freeze in ice cream maker. Enjoy immediately- preferably somewhere hot.

Note: I use this ice cream maker- one of my absolute fav kitchen appliances!

Life, mid week.

2011-07-19T20:54:00.001-07:00

It's been a windy year here.

A really, really, windy year.

On those oh so rare afternoons that it does decide to quite down I like to sit outside admiring the bougainvillea as I listen to this.

And then, when it blows and blows, I find myself holing up inside working on more projects, not so much work, more like play.

What dreams are made of- part dose.

2011-07-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I see an image that evokes parts of my future- how I dream my life to be and the way it already is in some small measure. Carolina Herrera some years older than me, a hammock on the porch, gorgeous dress, terracotta tiles, rustic wooden shutters and those dusty white walls....

image spotted via here

What dreams are made of.

2011-07-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Thoroughly enjoying the work of Tim Coulson spotted via Che and Fidel. These images just make me feel peaceful and cozy and grateful for that which I already have in my life- true art.

Slow city days.

2011-07-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Another sweet Seattle day with Gena. Waking to gray, rainy skies and then within hours finding ourselves warmed to the bone as we picnicked at Golden Gardens. Clouds moving slowly by revealing that warm globe of yellow that we so longed to see. There was a magical quiet on this day, somehow the convergence of gray and light seemed to stop the world and restart it in slow motion.

Madrona.

Mid afternoon winds, followed by rain.

After the rain.

Gena's bag.

Dinner at Oddfellows- simple, delicious.

Sunset reflections.

Saying goodnight to the city- Kerry Park.

Week's end-

2011-07-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

This week I-

Watched this- good TV is one of my greatest loves in life, this show does not disappoint one little bit.

Also finished this- Oh Ewan and Charley, what will I do without you dear darling men to take me on adventures?

Read this- the monastic life has such appeal to me, well, the quiet, contemplative part at least. This is a wonderful read, albeit a bit harsh here and there but still very interesting.

Was featured here- one of my all time favorite spaces.

Worked on this- now in the shop!

Framed.

2011-07-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with framing some of my textiles. So far loving this. I may offer some in my shop in the future.

Sunday brunch at June in June.

2011-07-09T10:10:00.001-07:00

Mt. Rainier peaks out over the neighborhoods in Magnolia.

Brunch with the wonderful Eve and my dearest Gena.

Dining at June in June. Duck confit hash with the perfect poached egg, airy Scandinavian decor, what more could one want?

And Gena welcoming summer with the perfect summer sandals + coral polish.

Wkend. recap- Fourth of July.

2011-07-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

The holiday weekend begins- Friday evening.

Small town America.

Boom City on the Reservation.

Bird soaring. Out by the water there is a secluded grassy knoll on a little cliff, one of my favorite summer spots to meditate on these lazy days.

Craving a lot of this amidst all the cracks, pops and booms. Ahh, peace....

Lampshade Love!

2011-06-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had some extra time to play. I've been dreaming of turning my dyed fabric into lampshades for awhile now. These are just mock ups but I absolutely love how this looks. I'm very, very excited to experiment with this and maybe add these to my shop in the next few weeks!

Process.

2011-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

It starts here, extracts derived from nature-

next the fabrics are weighed and prepared to accept the dye, into the dye pot they go-

simmering away, time lapses and the magic happens. White linen becomes saturated with the rich colors of nature. There's something deeply soothing about stirring the dye pot and waiting to see what it yields.

After the fibers have cooled they are then washed by hand, the extra color releases and I am left with a one of a kind textile.

Finally, days later, cut, sew and voila, a bag is born!

Open!

2011-06-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Islands Nine just went live this morning. Click over here to check out the beginning of my first collection!

Sunny day picnics

2011-06-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

We had homemade pizza and hummus, chocolate bars with berries- good food contributes to at least 30% of my daily happiness. I'd say that makes it essential.

The sun is out sending the rowers on their way.

On to the next beach, here the water is green and the driftwood becomes the perfect place to lean our backs as we while away the hours.

Later it's very windy but the sun still breaks through, parks with good swings even adults can enjoy, well, that makes up for say 20% of my happiness quotient.

The remaining 50% of this little equation- time spent with those dear to me, hands down.

ps: last photo via Gena's iphone- closest thing we can get to a decent self portrait together.

Mid wk.

2011-06-21T20:32:00.001-07:00

Summer through the screen door.

Process.

Working on-

2011-06-20T21:12:00.001-07:00

Label making.

Bags and more bags.

Flowers blooming- happy first day of summer!

For the week-

2011-06-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

Moving forward- listing will hopefully commence this week.

The road ahead-

2011-06-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

If a man moves confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.-H. D. Thoreau

quote spotted here

Mid wk.

2011-06-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

Best pizza crust I've made since going gluten free- almond flour and arrowroot powder are key.

New favorite food- toasted coconut, this takes these tiny white flakes to a whole new level.

Last of the lilacs.

Cobalt and olive- mixed media bag with hand dyed linen and Guatemalan textiles.

Sneak peek and question-

2011-06-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been up to lately, all those pieces of natural hand dyed fabrics are being made into bags. I'm hoping to list them within the next few weeks- this is all so new to me and I still have some decisions to make. First off, Big Cartel or Etsy, secondly, how to label these items. For some reason that seems to be the hardest thing for me to figure out. I would like to do a stamp label on the inside fabric portion- if anyone knows how to go about doing this, where to get ink that is permanent and the best sources for stamps I would love if you left a comment. Also any input on Big Cartel vs. Etsy would be great too!

Hobo, hand dyed line with leather accents.

weeks end-

2011-06-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Work in progress....

Weekend recap- summer in the city.

2011-06-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

It starts off, iced drinks, people watching....

later, takeout in the park, shoes off- we're floating on this green, blue, sun filled euphoria....

hours pass, the sun light softens, a breeze blowing through this heady day....

and then that sacred globe lingers in the sky, turning from gold, to peach, to dusk- night comes late during these northwest summer months.

Dreaming of-

2011-06-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

Paris, via Oh Happy Day!

Week's end- my bliss.

2011-06-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

This right here- sitting in the warm sun, drinking cafe, reading something interesting, this goes to the top of my list of things that make me immensely happy.

Oh, and seeing all this green and blue- even summer reflections are a dream.

Where it starts- natural color guide.

This little dear came into the yard and sat so peacefully for quite some time- all the animals seem to be coming out to enjoy the beginning of summer. Yesterday on my walk I saw the first seal of the season, a black cat that lives along the waters edge and several little bunnies.

Mid wk- farm food, fond memories.

2011-06-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been taking the time to cook a real dinner several times per week. I've always loved farm food and so my foray into this simple, yet substantial cuisine has me hooked and salivating for more. I like to think I'm channeling my maternal grandmother- Marian. She was a wonderful cook and baker of dense chocolate cakes- I hope some of her magic got passed down to me.

Alzheimers altered her world before I got a chance to really know her. But I think she would be happy to know that she goes with me through my days as I use her dishes, sit on her chairs and take care to eat well. Our lives overlap, even in death, and I feel lucky that part of her is part of me.

Leg of lamb. Rhubarb compote. Sour kraut.

Pot roast. Gravy. Acorn squash puree. Sour Kraut.

Weekend recap.

2011-05-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

Quiet three day weekend. Evening walks, one evening hike, more natural dye baths saturating fabrics. Summer coming ever closer.

Week's end- all foods considered.

2011-05-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to eat a lot less of this...(fudgy, chocolate mint cake).

And a lot more like this. (roast lamb, baba ghanoush and veggies)

I'm going to talk a little bit about food here. For the past few years I've been working on recovering my health after I started experiencing major fatigue that eventually got diagnosed as adrenal burnout. A big part of my recovery has involved changing how I eat. No sugar, limited dairy, no grains and a lot more protein. I had low zinc status and red meat is one of the best sources of zinc along with a host of other really important vitamins and minerals. I've gone from being an unintentional vegetarian to loving my pastured, organic meats.

I still have a major sweet tooth and so I've learned how to make really fabulous desserts that are healthy. That said, I've realized my compulsive making of desserts needed to be reigned in a bit. I decided to do a 10 day paleo challenge to cut the gotta have something sweet after every meal habit. So far so good, but I now know I most definitely will not be eating strict paleo for any longer than 10 days and I will be adding my sweets back in albeit with more mindful consumption. There's something to be said for joie de vivre and for me having really good food, (sweet treats included), makes me very happy and happiness should be a priority in my opinion!

Mid Week.

2011-05-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Evening walk. Lilacs in full bloom. Living room bathed in warm, spring light.

Weekend recap.

2011-05-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a little birthday celebration for mi madre- I always say this but she truly is one of the most amazing people I know. I feel infinitely blessed to have such an inspiring mother.

She taught me to love lilacs ever since I can remember.

Moody sky.

Pike place snacking.

Full of life, living her dreams!

Seattle steals my heart when I see sights like this.

New red sandals thanks to Dansko.

Friday hike.

2011-05-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a wonderful little hike with plenty of forests, meadows and sweeping views of the water. And to think this is only 12mins away from where I live- always wonderful to discover new to me places.

More on flickr.

Week's end.

2011-05-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

I can't stop taking pictures of this late afternoon, early evening light. It floods everything with it's magic, I snap as many shots as possible and then within the hour- dusk settles and the golden light is gone.

Rhubarb how to:

2011-05-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is late in coming, I don't think rhubarb season is over yet though. Yesterday and today have been so much better weather wise, spirits lifted, on with life!

I wanted to post about roasting rhubarb because this was the first year I bought some and I have tried two ways of prepping it- roasting is by far the best. The first batch I simmered with sugar, (I use this), cinnamon and a dash of salt- it was nice but it lost it's lovely pink color and wasn't what I'd expected. Next batch I chopped, put in a baking dish, tossed with lots of sweet, some cinnamon and a little salt- yum! I roasted it at 400F and pulled it out of the oven once it was softening. I then mashed it up a bit and enjoyed it with my absolute favorite yogurt.

Weekend recap.

2011-05-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a weekend. It poured endlessly and the sky was heavy and gray. I know a lot of people are fine with this kind of weather, especially people who have chosen the Pacific Northwest as their home. Unfortunately I can not wrap my head around the idea of putting many more years into a place that has more gray days and drizzle than sun.

I hate being the one who gets completely bummed out when I wake to another gray day but for me I actually feel a pressure inside my soul, a heavy dark feeling that starts to descend as this damp extends into our hopes of spring. I've tried to embrace this place, those I love the most live in this state and I don't want to leave them. On the other hand I've lived here 27 yrs with intermittent travels and the thought of possibly putting in 50+ more years in this place is mind boggling.

Oh, I hate complaining, I hope this doesn't sound like complaining but maybe it does because it is. Anyways, I'm not a hot weather gal either and I enjoy some moody weather here and there. The past few years I've been gathering more and more ideas about places in California to call home. I always want to live near the water- so coastal seems a priority. These are the times I really start to seriously think a move may be in my eminent future.

Easy Dr. Bronner's body scrub.

2011-05-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Sugar, Dr. Bronner's soap and sunflower oil.

This is a quick sugar scrub I mix a few times a month before I shower. It's wonderful for exfoliating all over your body- result equals our of the shower soft skin ready to be lathered with coconut oil.

At first I was just using soap and sugar- I started adding the oil which makes it less abrasive and also acts as a light moisturizer.

Recipe-

1/2c Sugar
1T liquid soap
1T cool water
1.5-2T oil of choice

Mix well, scrub the way you like and rinse!

Note: these are approximate measurements, nothing has to be exact.

Mid Week.

2011-05-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

I'm re posting this as it seems blogger deleted this post.

Some linen I dyed a few weeks back. Notice the heart that I discovered once I pulled this from the dye bath. I love this world of natural dye work so much, it never gets boring.

A break from tulips. Rose love.

Hair chopped and colored. So much easier to manage, even on messy hair days. Thanks Ashley if you're reading this!

Weekend recap.

2011-05-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

That blue sky is deceiving- a sunny day spent in the City still so very cold for May.

PB frosting on brownies plus lots of laughter, what more could one want?

Golden Gardens- can't stop loving this fickle state when you see this kind of beauty.

Mother's Day- Sweet and simple, spent with one of the absolute best.

Week recap.

2011-05-06T15:46:00.000-07:00

There was a lovely sunny day, ending with a wonderful evening walk enjoying one my favorite places on earth...

more tulips...

and my best bag creation thus far. The leather, the linen- this one feels timeless and durable.

Mid week.

2011-05-04T09:00:00.001-07:00

These sit on my desk reminding me of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting.

Evening hummingbird shadows.

From the land of the eternal spring.

2011-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend I want to share some photos my mom took on her spring trip to Antigua, Guatemala. I grabbed a few that I thought were particularly beautiful and so representative of the wonder that is Antigua. If you've never been I highly recommend it. I'm hoping to visit next spring at the latest.

El Parque Central.

Desayuno.

Misha the cat!

La Iglesia de San Francisco.

Beautiful botany in local art gallery.

Semana Santa, (Holy Week)- commemorating Christ's death.

Early morning, watching a procession pass by La Posada. I love the light and how it reminds me of the empty tomb- hope springs eternal.

Morning sun- Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Chocolate cake de sour kraut-

2011-04-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe for the chocolate cake I mentioned here. Disclaimer- writing recipes is not my forte, this is just a copy of my notes, if you have any questions please leave me a comment. In my opinion this is the best chocolate cake, better than any gluten filled chocolate cake I’ve ever had. It’s dense and very rich- only for the truest of chocolate lovers!

Chocolate cake de sour kraut:

5 eggs
3/4c birch sugar, (or sweetener of choice)
1/4c cocoa powder
1/2t sea salt
1/2t baking soda
1/2T vanilla
42g coconut flour sifted
53g drained and excess juices squeezed out Bubbies Sour kraut
1 square chopped chocolate, (I used this).

In food processor mix- eggs, sweetener, salt, baking soda, vanilla and cocoa powder. Once well combined, add coconut flour, mix, add sour kraut- process well. Finish by adding finely chopped chocolate. Bake at 325 fahrenheit in a greased and floured, (I used coconut flour), single layer cake pan, (around 9x9 size wise). Bake 25-30mins.

Frosting:

Small nub of butter for melting chocolate
2-3T birch sugar
2-3T strong coffee, (I used cafe vita decaf)
3 squares baking chocolate
Pinch sea salt
1/16t stevia

Slowly melt butter and chocolate in small pan over low/med heat. Add sweetener and coffee, stir until smooth, add sea salt and stevia.

As soon as cake comes out of oven take a tooth pick or fork and poke holes all over the top. Drizzle about ½ of the warm chocolate mixture on the cake to let it seep into the holes. Put in the fridge and cool completely.

To make final frosting:

Beat 162g of room temp butter with remaining melted chocolate mixture. Add 2-3T cocoa powder, (or more melted baking chocolate if you want more of a ganache), add maybe 1T coffee to desired consistency. If too bitter add a little more sweet. Ice cake- keep refrigerated. Enjoy!

Mid week.

2011-04-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Finishing projects- late afternoon.

This is the bag! I finally found a shape that compliments my dye work and is nice & roomy.

Wednesday morning- sunny and cloudy all mixed up together.

As the day begins.

2011-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

"and then there's morning, each one feels like the first one-
ah morning, so clean, so pure"
The Weepies

If I'm up early enough on a sunny morning this is my reward. These are the times I can't believe I get to live in such a beautiful place. If it's before 7am I may see the elderly neighbor man walk down to retrieve his morning paper in his red cardigan- it's the simple rituals that make life sweet.

Colour Study.

2011-04-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Now everywhere I look I see colour and I dream of translating it to cloth. This is how it gets when I find my creative stride- it takes over and everything I see fills my head with more ideas.

Shots: dyes in the kitchen and inspiration from my water walks.

This and that.

2011-04-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

I will talk more about some of these shots later. I just wanted to get them posted for the time being.

Gluten free, grain free, no sugar, (so far sounds terrible but I promise it really is the absolute best), chocolate cake. Magic ingredient- Bubbies Sauerkraut. This will be my go to recipe for the rest of my life, it's that good. I need to make it one more time to get all the measurements exact, will post soon!

Attempting this and this.

Summer bag made. I'm obsessed, this natural dye work has consumed me. It reminds me of the desert dipped and saturated onto fiber.

Full days.

2011-04-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday spent with my nearest and dearest and the wonderful Evie, combining long list of errands with lots of happiness in the city, the absolute best way to get stuff done.

International district, Seattle-

Where I found this lovely dear skin to go with my lovely linen.

Lunch break at Olympic Sculpture Park- jackets came off, it felt like summer.

New Desk- Craig's list score.

Weekend.

2011-04-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to notice that 2 months before the change of a season the light shifts. This weekend I saw summer's light seeping into spring. The skies were a deeper blue, the light was more golden and dandelions were popping up everywhere.

A place to rest in the sun.

Light spots.

Two of my favorite mediums- leather and hand dyed linen.

Learning as I go- quality numero uno.

2011-04-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

The first bag is a mock-up I made last month for a possible summer bag with my dye work and leather. Yesterday I stopped by the thrift shop and bought an old leather jacket figuring it would work for the leather part of my bag, (it was only $6.50). I set to work this morning only to discover that the leather is not quite as nice as I had hoped. Judging from the style of the jacket, it must be 15-20yrs old. The more I worked with the leather the more I realized it was brittle and not sewing properly. I'm loving the look of my linen dye work with the brown leather though. Next week I'm going to hit up Seattle in effort to find a supplier of some nice, good quality hides. Summer bag yet to be realized- learning as I go!

This picture isn't completely true to colour. The dye work is more lavender with rust and chocolate brown tie dye.

Through the lens- favorite memories.

2011-04-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

Going through more old pictures. I've started collecting some of my favorites- the ones that trigger those good feelings, memories that will stay with me forever of happiness and connection. Life, how beautiful it can be.

Discovering San Fransisco for the first time.

Mother-Daughter, best friends. Fort Casey on Whidby Island, WA

Sun sets over Anacortes, fourth of July weekend.

Mi Madre, so full of life! Stinson Beach, CA.

One of my all time favorite shots- Gena helped me compose this. A summer afternoon spent lying in the grass- Volunteer Park, Seattle, WA.

Ready to set out- San Fransisco, CA.

Oh the light! Santa Monica Pier, LA.

And this is here for Gena, such good memories. Late nights into early mornings- Gena's house.

And last but not least- one of my favorites. Standing in the beautiful December light, taxi window reflects church, life.... unfolding.

Peaceful Days.

2011-04-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning.

PIE!

More dye work.

Colors of the day.

2011-04-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Afternoon reading- in the sun, yes indeed!

Blue sky living.

Dye bath simmering.

The smell oh the smell!

2011-04-06T14:04:00.001-07:00

First a picture of some fabric I picked up yesterday that will be dyed green later today. With dyeing there's two main categories of fabrics- protein fibers and plant fibers. Protein would include silk and wool. Plant fibers include- cotton, linen, hemp, etc. So far I'm feeling drawn to plant based fibers- here I have linen, and several weights of cotton. First step is washing, next I'll be preparing the fabric by using a mordant which helps the dye attach to the fibers.

This second photo I'm attaching because it makes me happy. I came across it while going through some old pictures. This is a few years ago, it may be the most recent photo of the three of us together- my mom, brother and I, (correct grammar- I or myself?). I feel connected to this little family of ours in a unique and happy way. We've had our share of ups and downs- and I imagine a good dose of happiness in our futures, separate and together. Right now we're all apart experiencing life in our own unique ways. Still there remains a beautiful and infinite connection that will always hold us together as family- love.

Natural dyes- take one.

2011-04-06T13:46:00.001-07:00

all natural- all purple!, a photo by marialb on Flickr.

This has been something I've been wanting to explore for a long time. My interest has always been towards textiles and colour. Discovering a source for natural dyes finally gave me the push to give this a go. A whole world of possibilities has been opened to explore.... I hope friends and family like scarves- gift giving has narrowed down to this little expression of colour and light.

To Meet and be met.

2011-03-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Guemes Island, March 2011

The hour is striking so close above me,
so clear and sharp,
that all my senses ring with it.
I feel it now: there’s a power in me
to grasp and give shape to my world.

I know that nothing has ever been real
without my beholding it.
All my becoming has needed me.
My looking ripens things
and they come toward me, to meet and be met.

Rilke

Guemes Island, March 2011

First week of Spring.

2011-03-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sunrise March 20, 2011

Daffodils March 2011

Favorite photo of my maternal grandparents.

Cherry blossom picked on yesterday's walk- so fragrant.

Bags hanging.

On Peace

2011-03-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

"It was good to lie down for a while and think it all over. I felt at home in the silent house. I felt at home with myself. There was blessing in the air."
May Sarton (At Seventy: A Journal)

Photo: Sun on the wall, July 2010

Of sun. purity. & light.

2011-03-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was huge. The sun came out, the birds were signing and for the first time since October I sat outside and felt warmth on my skin. I just sat there and watched the way the light hit the wood and listened to the birds as I let myself really sink into it all. I will always need to live somewhere with seasons, there's something deeply moving and hopeful in experiencing a feeling that you forgot yet find yourself immersed in once again. Hope for this life and the many cycles that bring us back to the purity of where we started. Welcome sun, welcome spring!

Summer dreaming Aug 2010.

Oh for iced coffee!

Sidewalk wandering.

The Broken Column.

2011-03-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

I saw this piece for the first time years ago in a restaurant in Guatemala. It seemed provocative, that was all I understood of it at the time. Then several years later I read a biography about Freida Kahlo- the creator behind the painting. What I learned of her life, her art and her pain surprised me. It was comforting to discover the story of a woman who had endured a life altering accident in her youth and who had gone on to become such a deeply evocative painter. Pain opens to beauty, it really does.

When I learned the sentiment behind The Broken Column I felt a deep commonality with her torment. Frida painted The Broken Column as she endured multiple surgeries and excruciating recoveries from a bus accident that permanently altered her body. In this piece her pain is obvious but what got me was the ocean in the background. You see it so far off in the distance as if she painted it as a longing in a moment of helplessness and feeling that she would never reach that light reflecting on the water. When I read about The Broken Column I too had entered a country of pain. Still new to this transformative experience, I found myself grasping for hope and stories I could relate to. In Frida I found a deeply inspiring expression of pain and the beauty it can birth if we choose that path.

I purchased this print last year as a Christmas gift to myself. It hangs above my desk as a reminder that pain isn't permanent and that it is immensely nourishing to the process of embracing our humanity and being able to relate to others. In the late afternoon as the sun moves west and the light streams through my window it falls as circles on Frida, and I can't help but think, how appropriate.

Plant Dreaming Deep.

2011-03-05T10:45:00.001-08:00

Flowers in mason jar- June 2010

I've recently discovered May Sarton. I started with At Seventy: A Journal, next I will read Journal of Solitude. Plant Dreaming Deep is yet to be obtained, the title itself makes my mind swim with nostalgia for my dream life. I hold close my best dreams, jotting notes when I wake so I'll remember the atmospheres to carry with me. I think our psyche speaks to us in our dreams, glimmers of what's to come, resolutions for our pasts.

As an old soul I resonate with May's words in "At Seventy". My library of literary greats is shaped by those who are true, honest, hopeful and a bit irreverent in their views of this life. It's always exciting to experience a new to me author- when I find a writer with so much material yet to read I realize I've only just begun! And so today I woke to birds singing and sun shinning, dreaming deep of loves past and the intoxication of it all.

"Help us to be ever faithful gardeners of the spirit, who know that without darkness nothing comes to birth, and without light nothing flowers."
May Sarton

2011-03-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

March rinonculous, 3/3/10

Today was-

Doctor's office waiting rooms- finding a light fill alcove and magazine reading.

The feeling of adventure entering my soul, tiny bits at a time. Dreaming of future travels- a rich world awaits.

Driving through my former hometown. My heart still sinks when I go there- it will never be home again, I always feel relieved to leave and surprised at how long I stayed.

Kind words and generosity from a sweet soul.

Lots of driving, lots of conversation, lots of reassurance and patience and acceptance for life's cycles, especially in times when the learning curve is steep.

These flowers and glimpses of blue sky.

Gratitude.

Colour for a windy March day.

2011-03-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

Late fall fleurs.

An unexpect visitor

2011-03-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today Rumi soothes a depression. Our lives birth joys and sorrows- many times out of our control. Learning to be kind to ourselves when we feel down. Learning that just as the darkness suddenly appears so it will go. Appreciating that the spaces between the hard times grow farther apart as healing progresses. Reading Anne Lamott for tears and laughs also helps ease the ache.

Volunteer Park, July '10

Guest House

This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all.
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

Rumi

And when the winter's long and cold-

2011-02-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

I like to keep the hope by looking back on summer's light.

Guemus Channel- sun setting, August '10

Local cemetery- hauntingly nostalgic- dust to dust, ashes to ashes.....
August '10.

Colour Therapy-

2011-02-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

After organizing my closet yesterday I noticed my entire aesthetic taste is dominated very clearly by several colours. I think this is something I was born with- I recall claiming purple as my favorite ever since I was a little girl. I'm drawn to blues, gray and a good dose of black, yet almost any shade of purple always makes my heart expand. Once I started looking around my room I noticed just how many areas carry this theme, totally unplanned but obviously inevitable!

Lusciously lovely scarves.

Clothes hanging.

Where my body finds it's deepest rest. Blue floral dress, vintage, worn by my grandmother when she was my age.

Beauty sometimes does come in a jar, tube, pencil, etc...

Glasses bought at the cheesy shop on the pier in Seattle- no jarred beauty in this shot- I'm ok with that.

A little nature and a little inspiration for handstands yet to be had...

Spring giving way to snow.

2011-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Spring. Kitties. & Good Eats.

2011-02-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Valnetines Day.....

2011-02-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

I've always loved this sweet little holiday- apart from tacky jewelry ads and seemingly cheesy dinner dates. It's a chance to lean a little deeper into all the love this life has to offer, enjoy a good dose of chocolate and appreciate the light that lingers a little longer in the days closing hours. Spring is near, there's so many ways to love- happy Valentines day.

Photos by Maria Berkbigler

Sunday mornings

2011-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Trying to find the perfect Sunday morning ritual- hot cocoa maybe.....

and it's so thick, added a pinch of cayenne, the way the heat hits your throat on the way down to cut the chocolaty sweetness- wonderful

Trying to take more pics of me- bedhead, learning to love myself a little more each day.

For the holiday-

2010-12-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

being cozy is top priority....

and watching this- it's become tradition

Photos by: Maria Berkbigler

Sunny Seattle weekends-

2010-07-18T11:57:00.001-07:00

With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shots from the week-

2010-07-16T09:55:00.001-07:00

Quote of the week-

"All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming."

Helen Keller

July 8th, 2010

2010-07-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday July 7th-

2010-07-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

12:15pm- waiting for ferry.

Reflections.

Orcas Island.

La Dolce Vita...

All photos by Maria Berkbigler

but if you could, do you think you would.......

2010-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara Sunset June 2010- photo by Maria Berkbigler

and every day you gaze upon the sunset

with such love and intensity

it's almost...it's almost as if

if you could only crack the code

then you'd finally understand what this all means

but if you could...do you think you would

trade in all the pain and suffering?

ah, but then you'd miss

the beauty of the light upon this earth

and the sweetness of the leaving

lyrics- calling all angels

Santa Barbara pt. 1

2010-06-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Santa Barbara. I love it for its wonderful spanish style casas, hip downtown vibe, amazing flowers everywhere, and the gorgeous waterfront. I hate it for its opulence, and that there's almost no way to live there unless you're a multimillionaire or renting a shabby shared apt. on the outskirts of town. So for now, I will enjoy it as a wonderful getaway.

Santa Barbara Mission.

Chalk paintings outside the Mission.

Rose gardens.

Dinner at La Super Rica Taqueria, made famous by Julia Child.

Sunday at the beach-

2010-06-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Summer picnic.

Beach hair.

Near the ocean.

Summer shoes.

Guemes Channel.

All photos by: Maria Berkbigler

Places to play in and pray in.........

2010-06-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul." John Muir

Pacific Coast Hwy, photos by Maria Berkbigler

This being human....

2010-03-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

San Fransisco- photo by Maria Berkbigler

Guest House

This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all.
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.

Rumi

The doorway into thanks....

2010-03-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

Pacific Ocean, San Fransisco Photo by Maria Berkbigler

Praying

It doesn't have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones; just pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try to make them elaborate, this isn't a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.

~ Mary Oliver ~

Lovely words-

2010-03-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

Pacific Ocean, San Fransisco California

Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There's a crack in everything.
That's how the light get's in.

Leonard Cohen

27/365

2010-02-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

Thrift store finds.

26/365

2010-02-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

Afternoon sun.