3.02.2016

little things


tea, fire, and attempts at building a meditation practice.


last summer's wild Maine blueberries brightening up my winter toast..... it's possible I closed my eyes and ate a spoonful and pictured we three picking berries on that brushy hillside on a hot July day with the sunshine on our shoulders and the coast just barely in view.....


she got really, really excited several days ago when she spied the first daffodils pop up in our yard.  really excited.  there may have been full-on squealing.  so of course they came to live on our table.


Heidi Swanson's baked oatmeal is a favorite in our house. 


and so, it would seem, is Pete's Dragon (which I hadn't seen in decades, and now I understand there will be a new version out this summer.  I love this one, especially Elliot's ridiculously adorable sounds, but I am also looking forward to bringing her to see the new one on the big screen) and...... popcorn balls.  so, I never had a popcorn ball before.  my only real recollection of them was being a child in the 80s and hearing parents talk on Halloween about how none of the kids should eat candied apples or popcorn balls just in case someone put razor blades inside them (what?!), but then Claire was listening to the These Happy Golden Years audiobook and Laura and Ma were buttering their hands and making molasses popcorn balls and so of course we had to, too.  oh my gosh I'm so glad we did.  and now I want to eat all the popcorn balls.


our two beds and one small row of greens (mostly kale and arugula, with some cabbage, collards, and turnips thrown in as well) have hung tight all winter under simple little hoop houses and row cover.  none of them got very big, but they made a respectable showing and I'm able to pick a sizable amount on a regular basis.  and whatever has seemed too stunted or not great gets thrown to chickens for a welcome green treat.  we got our seed starting table and lights set up today and plan to get seeds started (a couple weeks later than usual, but since I'll work on the farm again this summer we're not going big with the tomatoes at home.  that, and our onions were backordered on our Fedco order) tomorrow.  oh, Spring..... you are so close.



and last but not least, I leave you with this wonky little sea star soft toy I made today out of a little striped t-shirt and some bamboo filling.  I don't know what happened with that one arm, but I suppose maybe that just ups it's character.  at least that's what I'm going with.


8 comments:

  1. Its the little things that make me smile too and are appreciated. I have just started the seeds for the garden, and we have finished the last of last seasons jam, like you with lots of memories attached to it.

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    1. I love those memories- the ones attached to the stories behind our food. so sweet.

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  2. I love reading your blog - I too am trying to build a meditation practice - some days go better than others and Pete's Dragon! I love that movie but neither on of my girls do :( I can't wait for the new one to come out this summer - The starfish is wonderful! Maybe she just needs a friend ;)

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    1. thank you, Sarah! oh I hear you- several days have passed without me doing so much as simply sitting and setting an intention.

      Pete's Dragon is now a big hit around here. I just love the little noises Elliot makes. Yes I can't wait to see the new one!

      perhaps a little clam or clownfish....

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  3. that wonky leg totally adds to the character :) i have not watched pete's dragon in forever! and unfortunately i was ruined on popcorn balls as a child... my mom used to make them with jello mix... makes me nauseous just thinking about it. i just started reading "the little house in the big woods" with my younger two... i read the whole series to the older two a few years ago... so happy to be immersed in these wonderful stories again. also, that baked oatmeal is one of our favorites as well :) and i love your meditation spot! i have been trying to build a practice too... but i've been using a guided meditation app and i'm always in a different place (sometimes even in the car). it is amazing how much it helps.

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    1. ha! I suppose.

      oh.... jello mix with popcorn does sound like something that could perhaps ruin a person on such a combination!

      we had the baked oatmeal again today! LOVE it.

      that app sounds like a good one. One day if I make the shift over to a smartphone that will be the sort of thing I'd like to take advantage of. we'll see.

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  4. That star fish is fun!
    Your kale looks awesome. We were discussing the garden just last night at the dinner table - however, we are still under snow here so it may be awhile before we'll be back in the kale.

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    1. thanks!
      we've had a stretch of sunny days and actually just got some peas and spinach into the ground int eh last two days. Hope warmer weather comes your way soon!

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thanks for taking the time to read and comment~