farm... we work it, enjoy it, live it, learn from it, and be it our farm is just for us... the eight of us here every day, but share it with so many others
food... from all the work we put into the farm, we are then able to put it on our table... through the food we create daily for each other & the local farms around us, and also for those who come to our table to experience a taste of farm food... farm food
fashion... we love to sew, have a devotion to slowing things down and using the needle and thread in our hands at times, appreciate the history behind the traditions of this practice, and are practical with what we put on, and how we put it together... all of us...
all three of these elements... farm... food... fashion
a new article in the pages of Where Women Cook Magazine
all photographed by my very good friend Traci Thorson
it's nothing fancy, or hard to create, be, cook or wear
it's farm, food & fashion written by me, Anne Marie
the debut article is 'The Slow Rhythm of Oatmeal & Cozy Knits"...
I'm honored to work with Jo Packham on this project, and be included in her magazine for the current issue that just debuted this month, and for the year of 2013
you will be able to have some farm, food & fashion each issue
For the May 2010 Sale at the farm here, I sold bundles of 'raw books'... old books that my daughter and I removed the binding from (this was hard to do to books I must say) What was left, was these beautiful old binders, and being that they were red, they inspired me to use them for the "Farm Menu" for our recent dinner party (see here)
Everything was made from scratch... the food and the decorations the best advice I can give anyone attempting a dinner party "from scratch" is to plan, organize, and make ahead some of the food!
Here's what you'll need: ~ old book covers (front, back, and binding still in tack) ~ a glue stick ~ old sheet music ~ and some bits of old lace and feathers (if desired) ~ some hemp twine for the tie ~ an awl and hammer ~ and of course, the printed image for your cover First off, take the awl and hammer and make holes in your (now) menu covers
This is the image I used courtesy of The Graphics Fairy (feel free to use any of these print outs for your own use)
for the cover, I just added text and sized it to a 5"x7" to fit my book cover
then took it into my little computer arts program and just erased the deer to get this:
then flipped it, added text and came up with this: (this is the finished inside of the Menu)
With that same scroll design, I flipped it once again, and added text to the inside top:
Paste the papers (cut to fit for the inside so as not to be in front of the hole)
to cover the rather ugly inside of the binding, I adhered old lace with glue and on the outside of the Menu, a sprig of rosemary and a small pheasant feather (which was also used in the buffet decorations) tied with another piece of vintage black lace
I cut some small strips of old sheet music (a whole page of music also took the place of a "placemat" on the table) under and above the front of the Menu with the glue stick
Of course, now looking at them, I probably wouldn't have used the black lace, but rather the vintage ticking, but the great thing about these, is that you can reuse them time and time again!!
Here's to enjoying your holiday season! ~Have a fantastic weekend~ xo+blessings,
I don't normally repost, but I miss my very dear niece and her family... and this cake I made, entirely from scratch just for her last birthday here before they moved, is something I wanted to share with all of you, and her (again)...
hope you enjoy... (the music I added and snowfall goes with the 'storybook cake')
She has lived through the bitter winter before, but this year, the temperatures were much colder, after a heavy snowfall, ice showered the countryside... it was one of the most unpleasant winters she could remember... and even though it was Christmas, there was no sign or even a whisper of His blessed name...
she was determined to tend to those who needed her most, for they had no one... no wood for their stoves... no food for their bellies... and she knew, if she didn't help them... that no one else would...
Of course, leaving your home, to visit others, was forbidden in this gloomy and bemired land...
The evil ruler did not want anyone in his path to one day overpower all of humanity, even the smallest of children, and thus, sent a decree throughout the land "keep to yourself, and help no one, you must do what I say, or death"... Balmala rules cruelly over the land... without mercy... without regard to others... the most selfish person to have lived thus far... and Balmala especially has no mercy upon those who call themselves "believers"...
putting all fear aside, and bundled in her woolen cape, Elisabeth did what she was taught by her dear Grammy... she sometimes can still hear Grammy's words on such a cold, still day such as this; "do His will, no matter what the obstacles, and always give glory to the Father, and the Son, and to the... " "what was that?" Elisabeth was startled by a scraping sort of noise, and then the earth below her shook...
sometimes, after such a thing would happen, Elisabeth would feel, as though someone much bigger than her was watching her every move... not always an uncomfortable feeling, but rather, like a warm whisper within the trees...
and felt eyes were upon her back... but she wasted no time... she had one last stop... or as she thought.
Elisabeth was almost there... to a home no one has ever lived in...
and legend says, that the only way out, is through the basement... for if one traveled around back, they would surely peril from the cliffs below... but knowing this, and with strength from all the faithfully departed surrounding her heart, Elisabeth was guided forward, to hopefully... finally... find what she has been searching for, for the last 17 years...
*end of story... thank you for reading *
this is the way the cake looked all lit up with her birthday candles...
one of our favorite dinners this time of year is what I shared in our e-book
inside the e-book you will find originnal farm recipes for: a slow cooked apple jelly ham + homemade cranberry sauce + yeast rolls + from the garden squash
some of the things I like about this meal are that {{ it is simple {{ slow cooked {{ all from scratch {{ in season I made the ebook step by step in order for you to take your laptop or iphone onto your kitchen counter (or look to your desktop) so that everything is perfectly simple easy and delicious I am actually "in charge of the ham" this Christmas for the big family get together at Jason's family... and there is a reason for that they too love that recipe Whatever you are cooking for the holidays, think about doing something slow cooked that will feed a crowd... ham is one of our favorites, because after an early supper, you can put the ham in the fridge and eat some delicious ham and cranberry sandwiches for a late snack! you can order your copy of our ebook: simply Christmas... with farm HERE it also makes a great virtual stocking stuffer!! especially for $2.99
Have a wonderful first day of your week!and another 'have fun' planning your Christmas dinner!!! peace + blessings,
living within the seasons doesn't require anyone to celebrate a made up holiday surely you aren't surprised that we don't "celebrate" Halloween yes... the pressure is there from family... friends... loved ones to include the children in activities that are in essence... fun however
we'd rather gather together to celebrate all the people who gave their life for Someone... Something... more important than a bag full of candy... the day after is much more spiritually enhancing
it seems today's "holiday" has overshadowed the essence of this time of harvest + saints + souls even though racing around a neighborhood and getting all six of your children in and out of the car to run up to beg for candy from strangers while inundating them with sights and sounds of the demonic may sound like fun to some... it doesn't to us... however dressing up and enjoying the seasons does... as does raising our children to always think of what He wants from us... what we can do for Him... to be strong... to be faithful
raising four boys, we do so in the spirit of this idea, being open to their ideas and activities they want to do on the farm with their friends it is not uncommon to see at any given day an "army man" ducking down into his man-made foxhole (seriously... the oldest two boys dug a 3' deep x 12' foxhole in the back prairie) recently the two oldest boys had a few friends over (as did our oldest daughter last year at this time) to play be free be boys
a surprise meal of "mush" and a slice of bread for the soldiers (the mush was browned sausage with a homemade white sauce) the meal was served from a cast iron pot and an old ladle that was used to plop it onto the tin plates
it was hilarious... when I came out of the house and rang the bell... they all came running as I yelled "chow time!!" an order of "line up!" was issued as a plate and metal spoon was thrust into their chests the dish was plopped on and one kid just stood there... so I said "move along soldier!!" he looked at our son and said "what is this? " I responded "slop!... now move along... " the grin on my face told him I was not feeding him something rotten:) that boy's brother then said... "I don't care what it is... I'm starving" our kids... our boys are starving for their imaginations to be fed... they need the necessary food to help them grow in strength upon temptations... there is no denying that the world can influence your thinking and try to coerce you to do things you don't really want to do ("but everyone else is doing it") grow together as a family... starts by praying together as a family... and listening to their hopes and dreams whether you choose to celebrate this day or not: stay safe in both spirit and self peace + blessings,
comes at a time when you are least expecting it... like conceiving a baby or falling love (preferably falling in love first)
so many of us are removed from our heritage — well, i am -
i don't live in Hungary or Ireland, and cannot step outdoors and run my hands against the ancient stones that were laid upon the church's walls hundreds of years ago
photograph taken on our travels to Idaho here where I live, on our little farmette... if felt as though there was more of a history when the barn was still standing... we do have a corn crib that is quite old... which i am certainly not complaining about to have instead all of that is physical history... things you can touch and feel... what i am talking about is finding my culture within
within who i am... all of me
it's kind of exhilarating thinking of that... the foods that i both create and crave... the clothes i both make and wear... the faith i both live and breathe i could dedicate a whole book written on finding my culture within... i do think so many of us who like to journal our lives onto the net for anyone to read should not be scared... we shouldn't hold back ourselves...
there is strength within all of us to just embrace who we are and the culture we have made for ourselves why? because it's exposing ourselves why also? because we are able to look at whatever images we wish and read whatever we'd like to form this culture
it's not our ethnicity, that will never change... that's in our blood
it's our own personal workings in our daily lives that makes up our culture and it's intellectual activities
when I recently switched the dining and living rooms, the 'new' dining room had been sorely forgotten with creating a space to reflect the season/farm/us
friends of ours were having a garage sale... a nearby farm... and this little $35 table was just what this room needed
she even gave the kids and me free pumpkins... thanks Mary! {{ a bit of country
{{ nests and gathered feathers from years on the farm
(here's a funny tidbit of a story involving the non-coincidence of our "campers": our friends John and Mary came by about a week ago to drop off the flyer of their garage sale they were having because Jason forgot to tell me the details — and that very day, the male "camper" that is here found out that he needed to get a new crankshaft... their engine is literally out of their truck... the whole thing... and John is a mechanist... he has a barn dedicated to this purpose... he fixes up vintage cars for a living... a shop to make any car lover drool... so their engine is now residing on another farm while they live in our barn in their camper — where it is warm and he can clean his tools and parts of the engine... basically... if John and Mary hadn't come over to give me that flyer, we might have totally forgot that he would be able to re-work the engine for the campers and order the necessary parts... isn't that just so amazing??)
truth be told... it's been a rough few weeks... (nothing to do with our new camper friends here)
gone are the warm sunny mornings with busy hands in the garden... I am running on this lonely habit of preparing... preparing meals and more food in the potager... putting up swags and hay couches
having the 'campers' here from Colorado for the past few weeks, with her being a spry 26 year old, I understand even more these miles and years that have separated me from my youth... oh good gravy... like I'm old or something? no, i know that i am not old... but i can't help but feel my bones more... the shape of my hands — the wrinkles on my face — the heart hurting from a recent blow of betrayal... all of these things have shaped the last two weeks since the sale and by gosh did i need to decorate and make things fresh
here's two of my pumpkins now...
changing up my surroundings makes me forget second guessing myself + my strength + my loves
family... friends... feathers... finds from the farm (that's a lot of 'f''s)
here's to a fabulous fall weekend... and enjoying that hot cup of coffee in the chilly mornings and another big thank you to all of you who have given me your sentiments about the farms through emails, letters in the mail and sharing your photographs... we had such a great time with you all here!!
that is our hope for all of you at the upcoming show we are hosting for all of these fabulous people
HERE'S A LIST OF OUR INSPIRING VENDORS that will be joining us for October 2012 Barn Sale/Flea Market in no particular order... ANTIQUES, VINTAGE, RE PURPOSED, RUSTY AND COOL... Cracker Jax Counting your Blessings Eclectique Boutique A Sort of Fairytale A Beautiful Party Gray Graniteware Farmhouse Lis Dunn Designs Simple but Different Lemon Grass Designs Whimsical Perspective Red Bird Vintage Rachel Polly 'bags by Margaret' Carter's Cottage Nikki Sisk and Nancy Bratcher A Ruffled Nest Fabbychic All My Musings Fine Line Antiques Francie Skoflanc Peg Feltes FOOD LIST:
Steve from Farm Food (serving locally raised all beef hot dogs)
Anne Marie from Farm (serving coffee, hot cider, gluten free cupcakes, regular cupcakes, cakes, pies, pie pops, etc)
Christina from Simple but Different (working along side Anne Marie... because she's my sister and we love her baking!!)
there will also be warm apple cider and coffee
I'll be sharing pictures here and on this blog for the next 2 weeks
Greg Wheaton is gracing us with his soulful music for both days this October!! you can check him out here (his CD's will be for sale... but they do sell out quickly)
it is sitting in my dining room's corner... all rustic and worn now...
i have always liked pie safes, and this one for under $10 at a local store caught my eye, and though I don't have any before pictures, it is just a new piece, was maple, and nothing special it also had a thick wire on it we removed the wire and put in this old screening and took off the handle completely our daughter painted it in old white anne sloan paint, then distressed it :: she did a wonderful job: :
it was recently photographed for some food styling i have worked on with traci thorson as the photographer maria's cabinet and amazing styling was my inspiration for the shot (these are not the pictures by the way of the food styling... it was of a savory pie:)
now, for the next part of this week's renovation... what the 'hay' to do with this shelf above my sink! i love the sign that i bought from stacey back here at the may sale, but too summery for me right now what to do! suggestions would be fantastic...
definitely one of my favorite meals during this hot summer sliced avocado, Havarti cheese, a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly chopped basil on whole wheat bread served with fresh cucumber slices if you have multi-grain bread or a sourdough, this dish is even better this meal I will sorely miss in just a very short time
all this time shuffling around the house preparing for school and the activities that follow the ending of the summer such as filling up the cellar with the preserved goodness from the garden, makes these quick and satisfying meals essential but truth be told... I cannot wait to simmer a pot of soup and slow roast a chicken (besides, I am losing my touch around the kitchen without all the daily cooking! it's been raw foods or grilled meals... I think my family is ready for it too) many of the women I know are purging the unused and unloved items within their homes' cracks and crevices... dusting off things that they don't use and donating them to charities such as I am there are so many things I do not use, or really like, that we have taken in from friends or purchased ourselves, and I think this time of year is so exciting because there are so many wonderful sales out there my advice: buy what you really like see what's out there help support those local businesses original art at the art shows... that antique dresser from a local shop... whatever your tastes are, here are my picks for this weekend: ************************************************************* Room 363 (one of the most talented display artists I know owns this shop)
if you live around Chicago, then you are familiar with Naperville a new shop, called Room363 is opening the doors this weekend for the very first time *************** and if traveling (or living) West, A Ruffled Nest in Sycamore is open this weekend too (I would definitely recommend trying to get here at 5pm Friday... she sells out quickly) I will be there before 5:) I have my eye on a neat old dresser
******************************** In DeKalb: a ribbon cutting ceremony at Carter's Cottage (Christie carries Annie Sloan Chalk Paint... and even has a new classroom for this very purpose... I have used that paint and love it!!!) looks like this avocado/Havarti meal will be my 'go to' sustenance for a quick meal before heading off to shop ************************************************** peace + blessings,
opening your mind does not mean you let go of your moral standards or values or heritage opening your mind means to soar through life with grace and determination to become stronger
a stronger connection within your soul
your soul is, and always will be, there whether you open your mind up to learn from others is entirely a choice Native Americans are, and always have been, connected within the Earth and their spirit... their soul... as well as the pioneers who were peaceful and respected their lands and wanted to live amongst them they learned from each other and I never want to be so closed off that I don't learn from others as well
learning how to hunt using a falcon or eagle — like they did — an unbelievable mirror into our lives we are always on the hunt for something... for more clarity... for more knowledge... for a deeper sense within our soul...
why we are here who we are what to do next
like a bird of prey i begin this day on the hunt... for sustenance, to fill me up temporarily, keeping a sharp eye on my surroundings... not caring if my wing is broken... just needing and wanting food to keep me alive
finally a restaurant nearby that sells local organic food!
Two Brothers... formally known as 'The Roundhouse' — in Aurora, IL. and totally get the battered green beans — yum! We are looking forward to selling some hot peppers and herbs to them!! yeah! maybe we'll trade beer instead of money... epecially the dark beer (not pictured here... that glass is long gone) (can you tell I'm looking forward to the weekend already?)
herbs are starting to be hung to dry in the kitchen... and being that I don't have a summer kitchen outdoors (someday I hope!) it sort of feels like it with that ladder up there and the fresh herbs drying when you are drying herbs, they shouldn't receive any sunshine — hang in smaller bunches from hemp twine in a dark place — I like this spot because I can snip here and there when needed in recipes, but soon the herbs will be harvested and dried in much bigger quantities for storage for over winter this is the time I start thinking of food storage... canning... freezing...
I receive quite a few emails in regards to 'how I do things' with the grocery shopping/etc... and I'm working on that to show you who are interested but it takes time I've been calculating things, making notes, writing this and writing that
August 15th is the big reveal of the October Barn Sale/Event theme as well!! I can't wait to let you all know about it! back to the potager I go...
I think a lot of us can agree, that when looking back upon something you are passionate about, you learn from your mistakes, and if you still have that passion, you strive to perfect it...
So recently when I looked back in my 'sewing' files on my computer, I have realized something...
(a dress made with an antique dresser scarf front and buttoned shoulders)
that I love creating things... unique items to wear...
(pillow case dress)
~this outfit for when she was 3 is one of my favorites~
I also love taking pictures of the girls after making them these creations...
(... these below are some of my favorite photos with her in this dress)
Over time... my designs spun to more hand sewing... in the quiet of the outdoors... under the oak tree or ancient white pine Sewing to me, is like how I view food... taking things slow... paying attention to details...
(ruffled pants)
Prices of fabric used to be around $3 — $7 when I first started sewing independently... patterns were around $2.75 (generally)
~Prices have gone triple that now~
Linen for example (like the pictures below here) is $14.99 per yard
and patterns are up in the $10 — $13 range for good patterns
(this purple dress here was without a pattern)
for the good stuff — made in USA — high quality
So...
I started not using patterns because of the prices... but could NOT sacrifice the fabric quality...
and when not using a pattern, my creativity seems much freer to express the mood of the dress with such things as French seams... mini pleats... more puff... less poof... a gather here... and a gather there...
(see this dress in it's entirety here)
When my daughter started competing in Irish dance, the dresses are literally over $1,000 yes, you read that right... thousands... we saw one at a competition and the mother proudly explained it was made in Ireland and was over $3,500.
good heavens.
"I can do that" was my first thought
and this is what I came up with — an almost replica of that $3,000 dress
however, mine is made out of an old red sparkly (cheap looking) dress I cut up for the red, but the rest is all hand done to my daughter's exact measurements with new fabrics (just in case you were wondering... she won 1st place medals with this dress) Due to prices increasing with linen, I did have to raise my price of "Elizabeth" and her "companions" (that all sold out right away)
The weight of life is not set upon a child's fragile shoulders — their burdens are noticed by the all of a sudden long legs, crooked smiles and voice changes...
They may not be ready for marriage, but they are ready for life, and it will be upon them in a few long steps — their bodies are almost completely ready, but their minds are wondering, learning... being a teenager I was surprised to see these young adults engage in Camp of the Setting Sun...
I wasn't going to be upset or convince (at least my son) them to go if they didn't want to...
yet — they participated in all the games I came up with, wore the silly t-shirts I made, and were a part of the group of 13 children that were in camp... The history of this camp started when the oldest cousin was 5... I happened to be at "grammy's" when she was watching him for an overnight stay... he was with a play bow and arrow walking around outdoors... and a talk from his "Aunt Anne" explained how Native Americans used to hunt for food upon this land near the 'great river' (etc etc) We talked all about being outdoors — the moment is captured forever in my mind
I ran indoors, grabbed a few hot dogs, wrapped them in aluminum foil tightly, placed them in the tall grass prairie and the little hunter of 5 years old went into the wild of the land and the wild imagination of his creative mind, and hunted for his food... he found them all, unwrapped them and relished in his mighty victory
He asked us if this was camp... "yes... it sure is"
He now sits behind a desk in the Navy studying to be on a nuclear submarine — still holding protection — and learning... a gentleman at 20
Seeing the eyes of his ten month old brother, in his mother's arms, this week brought back memories of those carefree days of no children — just dating Jason — and so many memories of camp
I relayed this story of Camp of the Setting Sun, to another brother of his, 5 years old, to his delight, while his eyes opened wide and listened to this true tale -
I don't know this little 5 year old brother well — since they live in South Carolina and were only visiting for two weeks... plans for camp emerged... per Grammy's request... it was time again... after a 5 year break for this camp leader,Aunt Anne, it was almost a necessity
=games =laughter =togetherness =memories =gone for the day hiking =a jaunt to the park =tents and sleepy children the next morning =hot dogs
3 teenage boys were dubbed camp counselors this year... instead of holding hand held games they embraced life and left the nearby steps to manhood behind and captured their childhood one last time
tears upon this journal
one day I will be able to talk to the teenage boy of mine... not today... tears prevent my clarity of speech
did I help them upon their journey? to embrace their connection with eachother... embrace the love that out pours from their Grammy?? heaven only knows how much she loves them no amount of smores could express this... but the sweetness of camp was anything but boring
"the alumni"
these young women are now officially out of camp, but hiked down to 'the great river' with all the kids =the perfect ending= (p.s... thanks girls)
the word boring never came up like Grammy says... "only boring people are bored"
Bad breath: The avocado is one of the best natural mouth wash and a remedy for bad breath... WHO KNEW!? Cholesterol: An avocado contains oleic and linoleic acids that are effective in lowering the LDL cholesterol and increasing the healthy HDL cholesterol. Immune system: Regular consumption of avocados strengthens the body's immune system. Muscle and nerve: The high potassium content helps balance our body's electrolytes, aids muscle activity, nerve function and energy metabolism. Caution: People who are sensitive to latex should avoid touching or eating avocados as it contains an enzyme called chitinase that can cause an allergic reaction. For more info... http://www.juicing-for-health.com/avocado.html
here's a "not-so-local" farm avocado smoothie recipe: (serves my crew of 7 in juice glasses) Get out the vita-mixer your great uncle gave you... peel/core one whole avocado and put into blender with 1 cup ice & 1 cup milk & 2 teaspoons of agave nectar (use yogurt instead of milk if you want) blend on high
thousands of years man has cooked on the open flame thinking of that is surely humbling isn't it? we have so many modern conveniences that sometimes we wrap ourselves up and then get caught up in that wrapping and don't remember how things "used to be" for our fellow brethren before the late 18th century if you count wood burning ovens, then you're still not that far away think about that for a minute wood fired cooking was the predominate source of cooking up until about 160 years ago that's it... 160 years is all my grandfather is 95, so it was just 65 years before him (roughly speaking of course)
this is not the type of cooking for everyone, and I understand that, but doing it once and awhile is an extremely eye opening 'event'
and I mean event! The children and Jason all heard of me reading to them aloud some passages of books like psalms or something about wood fired cooking... recipes that were found in this awesome 1970's camping/cookbook... and some much needed modern day inspiration for using foods in healthy ways. Our oldest son is always willing to please my culinary challenges, so he went out there with me to 'start the fire' at about 5pm...
We eat late in the summer to avoid cooking in the heat, and this area is shaded by the mature pine trees on the north side of the kitchen garden... After a tree fell from a storm we have used the thick pieces of the trunk for our seats -
by 5:45 the fire was ready
a tripod with a grill is all I have used thus far just make sure you set it up before you start the fire, or it will make your job alot harder:) also a point of note... wearing long skirts without a thicker apron on front to hold it down is not a smart idea... thus I would highly recommend if wearing a skirt, wear your thicker denim one, not the light airy one that could quite possibly get very very close to setting your skirt on fire... though this would help flame the fire, burns are nothing to joke about! the wood was started with using pine needles and some twigs once it got going, we added some smaller logs he had split and some left whole another point of note... he did all the splitting with an axe he looked about 24 when splitting that wood it wasn't hard because the wood was very dry and the axe sharp this was another way for children to be a part of the cooking even back before stoves
cooking with your children doesn't always mean they are slicing the produce, but it goes back farther than that with the gardening, the preparation, the setting of the table, the hand picked posies from the gardens... all this week I will be featuring open fire cooking and different techniques all by trial and error... xo+fired up blessings,
not smiles or frowns, but how do you show others what's inside of you?
sometimes it's food... or writing... or photographs... or blogs
I used to express myself through dance
I used to love to dance -
I took ballet, tap, jazz, and modern
my favorite being modern
modern dance can be risky to watch sometimes — as all theatre or performance art is — (not all suitable for young ones) performance art is just that... performing an expression of the meaning behind the dance
if you have ever been in a play, or sang in public, or danced for others, then you know that sometimes when life is throwing you a curve ball (feeling ill... experiencing heartache... wallet bone dry) it may be hard to express that joyful dance or song when you don't feel so joyful
and that is where true talent lies... being able to express the feeling behind the piece... regardless of what you are doing in your personal life... however... your personal life is exactly what is driving that performance out of you... it's up to you to express yourself the best way you know how
but giving up is the easy way... so when you are feeling lousy... think of a better time in order for you to enjoy that moment, or day, or week, or month or year
the same for life... when it gets messy, don't forget your blessing
this movie is due out in the UK, but I'm sure it will be playing in the states too... someday
here's a contrast in expression, but how I love it so...
Both artists have recently passed this world into the next, and it just got me thinking (and reafirming) how I need to keep being authentic and let whatever is me shine too... to try to express myself the best way I know how
trying to avoid bananas is hard for this mother of six... it's so easy to keep a few on hand in the cooler in the car for a quick snack for baby Daniel or the other kids (or me)... but it is not a local fruit
if I was to eat local fruits that are available at my farmer's market it would be mostly berries in the late spring — summer and then apples, peaches, and the possible plum
not complaining, but pretty much just whining that I wouldn't be able to eat bananas again if I go with that idea of only eating seasonal and local with no waste
with all that being said, I did recently have a few bananas on hand, and some ripe strawberries
for this food styling, I brought it into one of my favorite pieces of furniture that rests off of our living room... it's an old cabinet, and Jason replaced the back boards with a wide tongue and groove... a recently favorite place for me to take photographs of my last food styling job for Jo Packham's new book which I had the honor and priviledge to work on (more on that later)
even makes a great dessert if served with ice cream or freshly whipped cream
in blueberry season, add whole blueberries as a substitute for strawberries
and if they love it so much, i started thinking maybe i would too after all, they bloom prolifically, come from an herb, and are grown organically (at least here on our farm)
really, sage is a fantastic addition to any flower bed
the benefits from sage blossoms 'stem' back (pun intended) from Medieval Europe where they used to eat them to strengthen memory and promote wisdom there are essential oils in those sage blossoms: thujone and borneol when should you cut them? in the morning after the dew has evaporated you can harvest the blossoms, and dry them like this for later use:
it was so delicious and fresh, and stretched my small basil plants and oregano as well... if you do not like pecans, you can use walnuts or pine nuts as a substitution
you can also add in two chopped up spring onions, which I did the second time making this dish, and really enjoyed that flavor as well (please note: the onion is not listed in the following original recipe)
there you have it
as a side note, the studio opening was more than amazing a steady stream of people all evening supporting breast cancer and sherrie's new shop as well a great time downtown sycamore i'm so proud of her and i had so much fun with my daughter too hope you all have a fantastic weekend xo+blessings,
please note: sage flowers are safe, but anyone can have an allergic reaction to a new food
