ready to shoot

If I posted pictures today, it would be of a sink full of dirty dishes, a tractor covered in white clay dust, and a studio filled with 101 sewing projects in white tissue paper strewn in a semi-organized way across the floor.  I am in the throes of preparing for this book to be photographed.  I was also hired to style the book, thank goodness, so I am organizing outfits, surfaces, shoes, and props for the 10 days we have scheduled to shoot it.  It has been great fun throughout, despite the overwhelming qualities that are and always have been leaking out all over the place. And this part- the photo shoot- is, for me, the culminating event of the creative work.  I guess the real culminating event will be when I unwrap that first book, but that isn't until next spring, so I'd rather not think about it.  

Debra, my rockin' writin' co-author and I are thrilled with the design/art team- they are the women of our wish list for this stage.  Carolyn Ekhert, the art director behind the beauty of the magazine Wondertime (now defunct...sad) was hired a few weeks ago at Storey (yay!...not sad) and will be designing the book, and she was just as into our first choice of photographers- and managed to get her- Alexandra Grablewski.  It is going to be such a nice book! Pinch me! And then feed me and clean my house!

running in barefeet

About a year ago I, well, lost a little weight and then started running.  I know, usually the running comes first, but running hurt too much before the pounds came off so for me, it came second.  I remember swearing to my running pal after an early attempt, that I simply hated it and she could count on me never running with her again.  I honestly don't know what changed in me, but I LOVE IT now.  I mean really love it. So, after a year of running in some very old runners with a hole worn by the heel, I decided it was time to get new shoes which is a huge step for me because I hate spending money and have really gotten away from buying new things.  Shoes need to be new.  Well, running shoes do.

I bought these!  They are barefoot running shoes but without those individuated toes and they are amazing.  My legs are killing me as I build back up to my regular distance because totally different muscles are used when your foot strikes in the barefoot running position.  I am hoping that I continue to love them- I hope the ache starts to go away soon.  They are flippin' cute though, are they not?

I like to run in a little skirt and plan on making one that isn't black spandex really soon.  Maybe I'll teach y'all how to make one, if you're interested.  Stay tuned. xo

mushrooms for mother's day

It is that time of year again- morels. More-Ls. Mrrrrrrrelles.  And what a crop!  You won't have to look back too far to see the last time I posted about this gift of plenty.  We are lucky enough to have MANY dead or dying apples trees in the old part of our orchard and that is where these little fun guys (ha) like to grow.  And some did GROW.

 That was in Jonny's big hand!

 This is where the fairies live, apparently.

 Harry's prize find.

 Ava found about 2 pounds!

 Earthy.

 Perfectly timed with the first asparagus...

And some newly fermented cider...

 Perennial mushroom and friend.

        The man knows how to cook.                        
                                          
And if you could know what that tasted like! Oh my word! We had it with pasta, of course.

Now, that is how to spend Mother's Day, right? Thank you, lucky stars. xo.

real quick

I will be at the Twist Spring Fair tonight and all day tomorrow.  Please come and see me.  If you tell me that you read about it on this blog, then I'll give you prize if you buy something too! Wouldn't that be a hoot.

Here are a few things that you might find waiting for you:

And while I'm inviting you places, you can also come to hear my band play at the Common School Auction tomorrow night.  Here is a link for that.  If you want to come, I have a couple tickets to give away, so contact me.  Free food and wine and a little rock and roll.The Common School Auction