Turning an over-achieving basil plant
into some pesto
with the unasked for
(but very welcome)
support
of my favorite
kitchen assistant.

My whales and I,
in the sun
and after a downpour.

----

Susan Lichtman
(I could not be more admiring)

One of the things
that I love about film
is the surprise of seeing
what you photographed
when you yourself
can't remember.

This roll was taken over the course
of two weeks
(unusual for me).
It felt like a long two weeks,
a tiring two weeks,
an emotional two weeks.

But--
a market bouquet (at the height of freshness)!
a slice of cake (waiting like a secret)!
sunsets,
and lavender scents,
and Springtime light!

These moments were forgotten.
How?

Thanks, at least,
dear camera,
for reminding me
when I can't remember myself.

Trying some things.
The beginning of a new painting:
an ink sketch,
some composition cropping (my favorite part),
a wash of burnt sienna and a bit of blocking,
reductive highlights,
& darker darks.

Now:
to wait
for this to dry
enough
to go in with color!

I just finished re-reading The Secret Garden,
and I've finally found an edition that I like.

I'm quite particular about the illustrations,
and I trawled several bookstores to find the right ones.
This version by Inga Moore
is even better than what I thought to look for--
the early scenes
of the dormant garden
are my favorite.

It may be "a children's book"
but it's the perfect one to read in the Springtime:

"'Eh!' he said, and as he crumpled the rich black soil she saw he was sniffing up the scent of it, 'there doesn't seem to be no need for no one to be contrary when there's flowers an' such like, an' such lot's o' friendly wild things runnin' about makin' homes for themselves, or buildin' nests an' singin' an' whistling, does there?'
Mary, kneeling by him holding the seeds, looked at him and stopped frowning."

On an evening walk
through the side streets of my neighborhood
I indulged myself
and photographed shot after shot
of Springtime's beautiful offerings.

I climbed a hill
and over-looked the city
under a striking sunset,
and I felt still
and exultant
at once.

A few drops of rain
warned me back down
and reaching the bottom,
I ran the last way home
protecting my camera from the wet.

Sunshine in the woods,
sunshine on my counter.

Homemade Lemon Curd

+8 tbs. butter
+Zest of 3 lemons
+1/2 c. fresh lemon juice
+1 1/2 c. sugar
+6 eggs, beaten

Combine butter, zest, lemon juice, and sugar in a double boiler set over simmering water (don't forget the water below the boiler or your pan will burn--I have done this). When the butter has melted but before the mixture gets too warm, gradually whisk in the beaten eggs. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for ~15 minutes or until the curd is thickened to the consistency of thin pudding. Remove from heat and let stand for 15 more minutes. Place curd in a sterilized container and store in the refrigerator.

We were gifted this beautiful planter the other day.
For its health
I've since moved it outside,
but while it was indoors
it sat near the window
next to the ghosts
of last year's summer tomatoes.

I'm torn--
should I buy tomato starts again?
The only space I have to grow them
doesn't get enough light
so they tangled into
a man-sized wildness on our balcony,
growing up and up and up,
seeking out the sun.
A tomato forest
right outside your front door
can be quite appealing
in a funny way,
but perhaps it's also a little ridiculous?

Who's excited about this lady's new album?
Alela Diane & The Wild Divine.
A beautiful title, I think.

A weekend excursion to Deception Pass.
Sometimes it's nice to get out of the city.

----

I've added the middle photograph to the shop!
Happy Spring.