Mother Earth, We Love You

Slowing down, to savor the miracle of this earth. And, sitting in the garden this morning, silently thanking the spirit of the earth, Pachamama, for sustaining us. May we sustain her, with more grace and intelligence each day.

April Sun, Snowflakes and a Cup of Sweet Rose Tea

Not many words are needed for this spectacular morning on Earth. Just look, and click to enlarge – the sun shown at an angle through the delicate mounds of snow, and in several photos, captured the exquisite singular snowflakes themselves… This next is definitely a photo to enlarge – and the next two after this — please…

Snow! and Grilled Asparagus Pizza with Oregano Lemon Pesto

Nothing says spring in the kitchen like asparagus, even when it’s decided to snow again outside. Darn…. but then I walked outside. It is sooo beautiful. I took so many photos after the storm – they might find their way into a second post today. You won’t mind, will you? I love to take walks…

Spring Crepes with Fresh Goat’s Milk Yogurt and Maple Sugared Violets

A sweet dessert to stun your loved ones with the fantastic fact that it is Spring… …started out like this, here’s the Girls giving some smooches… (take a visit to Rain Crow Farm in my herbed goat cheese au poivre post): …and then into the kitchen to make a batch of tangy, luscious goat’s milk yogurt….

Just Before the Rain, or: When I Feel Fragile I Look to the Earth

My body feels fragile today. Human. Delicate. Unsettled. With love, and more than a little gratitude, I look to the earth: She always comforts me. With her intricacies, her breadth. And especially the details. All the glorious details. Though much has changed, since these perennials last sprouted, in my life, my heart – to see them…

Welcoming Bees … in the Apricot Blossoms

There is always something to be grateful for. The heady buzzing, dizzying swoop and impulses of bees. I stand near the apricot blossoms, opening today in April 3rd sun, and the bees navigate instinctively, intently, all around me, paying me no mind. What is it like, guided by scent and temperature through the world? Diaphanous whir…

A Fervent Planting Day, Spring Altar, and Persian Soup

A wildness is coursing through my veins, bucking winter out of nooks and crannies with a single minded purpose. Get out in that dirt, and start digging. When I did, I immediately unearthed three carrots from last fall – they were crisp, and looked so inviting I came back inside, kicked off my shoes, and ate…

Little Signs, Pachamama and the Smell of Spring

Pachamama, we can only witness  —  your inspirations welling up green and bright when light stirs you fragrant into spring. Overheard rhetorical question in the tiny Paonia post office this morning, a 55 degree day before another winter storm tonight: “Spring is on it’s way – eventually, right?” And then the rugged questioner turned, gray bearded and smiling,…

Quadruple Coconut Chocolate Pancakes

Perfect for the weekend. Or a beautiful breakfast any day. When you have a little extra time to breathe…. These light, gluten free pancakes have a delicious quadruple dose of coconut: coconut flour – a high fiber, tender addition to the batter, coconut milk – luscious and pure, creamy coconut oil, plus flaked organic coconut…

Snow Drifts for a Table ….. and Garden Visions

Homemade goat cheese + homemade crackers + hot sun in the snow out the back door = Perfect. So grateful for wonderful food and friends…and early samples before they arrive… I had fun making these: And need to tweak the recipe just a little before I send it out into space to you….alright? The garden…

More Snow! and the “Cozy Factor” of Barbequed Baked Beans

We’ve had a lot of snow! Coming inside after shoveling for the 4th or 5th day in a row, invigorated by the cold, the idea popped in my head to make a batch of baked beans with my favorite barbeque sauce recipe, hailing back to the days of cooking demos at Happy Heart Farm CSA in Ft. Collins,…