More on fog
March 25, 2012 § Leave a comment
My Midwest has been making me supremely happy with these dewy, foggy mornings. I step outside and breathe in the air with a feeling akin to relief. We had these rarely in Colorado, and I am sure they were not quite the same. Not the same cool thickness, not the same soaked grasses.
Today I moved to Wisconsin; more on that later. But one of my last days in Iowa started with such a gray-white, England-like morning and I had to slide on shoes – even while still in my pajamas – to catch it.
Is it possible magic things can happen in nature’s fog? Does magic dwell there somehow?
Tiptoeing around outside, I swear I felt it seeping into my skin. I stopped. Hushed. Held out my hands in welcome.
In the spring
March 23, 2012 § 1 Comment
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” – Margaret Atwood
Greening
March 22, 2012 § Leave a comment
In Iowa March usually thaws and snows. Thaws a hesitant little and snows a whole lot. Then thaws with a bit more confidence, to be set back perhaps with another storm or two. Doesn’t it? I keep waiting for the freak blizzard (which really isn’t freak) and yet it doesn’t come. This year March has surprised us with a steady stretch of 80-degree days. Follow that with mild/warm temperatures, overcast skies, and intermittent rains.
The world greens quickly.
We seemed to notice each phase of green overtaking tan, of grasses rushing out of dormancy to full spring life.
I swear I could see a difference in the depth of green from day’s beginning to day’s end.
Now we have small lilac bushes putting forth buds.
The trees in the orchard prepare for leaves. Flowers and fruit to follow.
The strawberry patch is dotted with merry saw-toothed leaves.
I smell dirt. The damp of grass. Inside we drink tea, but outside we abandon jackets. We wipe muddy paws, and leave shoes at the door.
Spring.
Riding the Neighbors’ Horses – Paperback
March 17, 2012 § 2 Comments
The novel is up on Amazon and ready for purchase! Be angels and pass it along to any horse-crazy kids (or grown-ups) you know, won’t you?
You can find it here: Riding the Neighbors’ Horses
Driftwood collage
March 16, 2012 § 2 Comments
Here’s a snapshot of a section of a driftwood collage by Minnesota artist George Morrison (1919-2000). He drew his materials – and his inspiration – from the shores of Lake Superior. The full collage is on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. (I kind of want it.)
Vermont’s Table and a scholarship opportunity
March 14, 2012 § 2 Comments
Hey all! I wanted to pass along this information because it sounds awfully fun. Sterling College in Craftsbury, VT hosts a program called Vermont’s Table, which they define as “an intensive academic program in sustainable food systems that includes practical culinary experience, frequent field trips, lessons in sustainable agriculture, and seminars in food writing and food entrepreneurism.” The program lasts for five weeks and is open to university students as well as adult learners.
The college is located a beautiful and food-focused region. Hardwick, VT of the book The Town That Food Saved is just down the road. GoodFoodJobs.com will be offering three scholarships for those who would like to attend. Application deadline is April 13, 2012. You can find more information by visiting the Good Food Jobs website: www.goodfoodjobs.com/scholarship/.
I rest me in the thought
March 13, 2012 § Leave a comment
This is my Father’s world,
and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.
-Maltbie Davenport Babcock, This Is My Father’s World, 1901
Sail
March 13, 2012 § Leave a comment
Photo Credit: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Kinds of Honey 