Tour de Crepes

Sarah, the cutest girl in the world, works at the cutest crepiere in the world: a tiny, pleasing operation on Alberta street. Here she is cooking in the airstream trailer they use as a kitchen. It was a hot Sunday and Sarah Codere and I stopped in after the Farmer’s Market for more coffee, a salad and juicy conversation.

Seasons

Is it really summer? Shorts, sandels, iced coffee, watering the garden, doors and windows open, salad for every meal, beer, ice cream truck jingles, bbqs, swimming, sunscreen, big hat, wanting to sit in the shade. Last night Bello and I laid in the park until 11pm. The grass was warm and the night sky was blue-green.

Last Thursday

Last Thursday. This is a monthly event that takes place along Alberta Street when it gets warm enough to warrant the effort. One of my favorite aspects of this city is its’ willingness to just let people be creative- there isn’t much oversight or bureaucracy. For instance, Last Thursday spans 15 blocks and is packed full of people selling just about everything- from clothing to hammocks to peanut butter filled dates (2 for a dollar). Plus performers on stilts, bands fully amped, and live theater. You just show up and do your thing without having to ask or pay anyone. It is an unusual display of trust.

Unfortunately Bello and I didn’t sell a goddamn thing and felt drained to the core by 10:00pm. A cool event but maybe not my thing.

Fire-road

A visit to Sarah Hendrickson over the weekend. This woman is unbeatable. Likable, kind, competent, and a generous host. She is working on a fire crew in the Willamette National Forest outside of Eugene. This area is so beautiful! -aqua blue rivers, endless forest of fir, cedar, and pine, and free camping on public land. From her porch you can see the southern most mountain in the Three Sisters chain.

On Saturday night we followed a fire-road framed by Alder saplings to a sleep spot overlooking a sea of green.  High on this ridge Adam found the best walking stick I have ever laid eyes on.

Filled-Up

Wednesday. Up at 6am this morning, as with most mornings the past week. Listening to Oumou Sangare and sewing a few more Holiday dresses. Windows are open and the house is empty. A full jar of pepermint tea waits on my worktable.  I feel calm, rested, and content. All is well today.

Birthday

I hesitated to post this image because Maggie looks so sad. Gorgeous, but sad. It is her birthday and a handful of friends gathered at her family’s beach house in Manzanita to celebrate. The ocean. The ocean. The ocean. I had forgotten how much I want and need to be near it. I had also forgotten how fun it is to be in a new situation with new, interesting, intelligent people. The women in this community- Lee, Maggie, Sarah, Polly and Lena- are to me, the embodiment of distracted, elemental beauty. The best kind.

Backyard

Prairie and Adam.

Co-ed Clothing Swap

Funny, when you look at the pile after everyone leaves you realize that people own some ugly clothes. Let this be a reminder… it is ok. to let those back of the closet items go. If you don’t wear them, it is for a reason.

This is not to say there weren’t a few jems- a love my red sweater with embroidered hearts!

Old-Fashioned Night

Well, that was fun. Last night Sarah and I canned. I made pickled pears and preserved pears and she made Mexican spicy vegetables. We started late but made it to bed by midnight. So easy and so satisfying. Next up I am planning on preserved pumpkin and pickled cabbage. I want the pantry to be brimming with abundant sustenance.

The Washing of Feathers

“This artisan welling up is the result of my long subconscious preparation.”- Andre Gide