I have been trying to remember
that being kind to onself
isn't simply a luxury,
a treat to partake of
when I have the time and space.

I had quite forgotten this
(as I tend to do,
at busy
and stressful times).

Finally got around
to making labels!

(I enjoy this part
just as much as the jam-making).

----

Cat Power has a new album coming out
on September 4th!
I went through an intense
Cat Power phase
in college
and she will always
have a special place in my heart.

I've taken to running
in the early evenings
when I get home
to shed the office
from my mind and skin.

I ran by this pink dogwood
day after day,
stopping my jog each time
to stand before it,
stunned and admiring,

Finally,
after a whole day
of drenching rain
the sun came out
just in time
for my much-needed run.

Afterward,
with the raindrops glinting,
I walked back,
camera now in hand,
to formally greet
this glorious tree,
my favorite running companion.

I always feel
like I am giving a gift
to my future self
when,
months from now,
on a grey day,
or maybe a cold day,
when,
perhaps,
my fruit bowl is empty
and the bounty of the warm months has faded,
I have stockpiled
a little trove
of pantry treasures,
that are just waiting to be
enjoyed.

Trees so dark green
that they look black.

My favorite kind.



----

Cold Specks - Holland

A wonderful weekend spent
at a friend's cabin
up North,
in Canada.

It was quite chilly,
but felt like
a little taste,
a little hint,
of Summertime,
and other weekends away
to come.

My first pickling experiment!

Moderately successful,
but it's a start.
I hope to make
tons
of dilly beans
this summer.

Next up:
Rhubarb Ginger Jam

So enjoying lately:
The light and color here
This novel (a perfect read for Springtime)
Totokaelo's new space (these are now mine!)

I took these photos
a few weeks ago
and have only now had the chance
to share them here.

The season is changing so fast
this time of year!

I am starting to get excited
for Summertime.

I haven’t had enough concentrated time or focus
to work on any sustained projects in the studio lately.
But I’ve been doing
quick,
single-session
self-portraits
which always make me think
of college
(does every professor,
in every studio class
have a self-portrait assignment?).
They are such good practice, though;
that direct observation
and attempt to see past
what I “know”
about my face
can be so refreshing.

A gift.


.

I've always considered it
great good luck
to come upon
a trillium.


.