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…
Tag: Paonia
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,…
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,…
A Bit of Winter Garden Magic plus Butternut Squash and Feta Stuffed Pasta Shells with “Under the Leaves” Herbs
With mud in view the garden called out to me like a siren this gray February day, snow clouds descending and Mount Lamborn no longer in view. Everything has been covered in white here for weeks, and coming home from a five day trip I smiled, seeing brown leaves and black earth, re-emerging through the melting snow. Once out…
Snowdrops Spotted on February 5th and My Heart Sings
A rush in my heart and a smile on my face – I’m grateful that something so small – has the capacity to bring such joy inside me. I discovered snowdrops blooming on my mid-day walk today. Slipping across the ice, fingers wishing I’d worn gloves. Sweetness.
Bee Heaven, Elderberry Syrup, and a Sunrise Smoothie
When I first visited this amazing Paonia, Colorado home in July of 2011, and was taken into the back yard, I fell in love. The grape bower made of old tree limbs, with a shady alcove to sit underneath -looking out at a rich garden plot beyond. And the towering bushes framing the garden, were loaded, LOADED with elderberries….
The Delicate Trails of Deer through Snow-flight
A few days ago I woke up to six more inches of snow and surprise tracks at the back door. I could see them from the kitchen. I live right in town, and a small town at that. It takes about 2 minutes to get to the country, and even from my back yard I can turn…
Don’t Frack the Fork! A Fierce and Tender Love, from Garden to Table
I live in the North Fork Valley of southwestern Colorado, in the small town of Paonia. The North Fork refers to the mighty Gunnison river, which ebbs and flows in varying degrees of tame and wild depending on the season. This community became my home nearly 6 years ago, and I have grown to adore it, land,…
The Girls at Rain Crow Farm + Fresh (farm to table) Herbed Goat Cheese Au Poivre
I had a sweetly special experience today in the current deep freeze we are experiencing here in Paonia, Colorado. I mingled with goats. Friendly, furry and inquisitive – they were certainly happy to see me, the Girls of Rain Crow Farm. I had talked with Carrie, co-owner of the farm – http://www.raincrowfarm.com – this morning. I was…
Pumpkin Dal…and the North Fork Valley International Food Club
Last year a group of foodie friends in the Paonia area created the North Fork Valley International Food Club, a monthly gathering featuring cuisines of the world, selected by the whim of a dial spun on a roulette board of a couple dozen different countries. From Thai, to German, French, Moroccan, Brazilian, Japanese and many more, the chosen Saturday…
the sweet fall harvests
Each day at this point in the garden season is a treasure. Be-jeweled. I feel it. Looking about this plot of ground, October 4th in the afternoon, I feel the gift big time. It makes poignant, clear sense, to truly be present in the moment these days of twirling, fleeting gold and changing season. And I do my best. Looking for beauty, and…
I Had Dreams of This Tostada….
Yes, I dreamt up this tostada, fully awake but mesmerized, standing in and meandering through the fall garden, creating in my head with what was possible – given ingredients in my pantry and what could be harvested that day. Autumn in the garden is soo beautiful, with goldfinches landing on ripe sunflower heads, making them bob and…
Pachamama's Beautiful Food 