Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

It's the beginning of strawberry rhubarb season and I took time out from all the things that usually get most of my attention to bake my man, aka The Garden Gnome, a birthday pie. With the left over strawberries and rhubarb, I made a compote that he likes to mix with yogurt.  It was deeply satisfying to make something in time with the season, for my beloved, from a family recipe that connects me to a line of ritual that brings soul to our kitchen.  I want to create more time for this. Time to bring soulful experiences into our life.  Making something in season from a recipe with a meaningful history is on my list.

Emerging Spring

Creeping Jenny and Violets

As much as I love weather with personality, and colder ocean colored days, every cell of my body is yearning for some warm light on my skin and colors to emerge in the garden from the damp mud.  This weekend we have been gifted with the most glorious days and the sentiment it inspires, "Another Day in Paradise".  Because the sun is long in coming here, we Oregonians lift up, smile, dance, go outside and greet each other with that joyous look on our faces we all understand. We are recharged with joy.  I got out early and took a few pictures of the spring colors growing fat in my garden.


I am loving the eccentric garden path wall my man, otherwise known as The Garden Gnome, is building.  All of his stone walls have spines and sensual protrusions scattered throughout.  We both have stone lust.  It's a good thing.


Now, to the studio or to the garden? 

Gouguin Emerging - Tree Peony

Tangerine Tulips and Ajuga

Affirmation Talismans

Kelly's Affirmation Talisman

Sophie wanted something really special for her friends and inspired by my celtic bells, asked if I would create Affirmation Talismans for them.  Kelly's birthday was coming up so I made hers first.  Sophie described her and shared qualities she loved in her friend.  I could picture her easily in my mind.  I began to visualize colors, textures, symbols, lines, with her in mind.  I made sketches and listed the stones that carry the attributes I thought would affirm those beautiful qualities Sophie treasured in her.  And then the making began.

Sue's Affirmation Talisman

Sue's essence also formed easily in my mind from Sophie's description.  After sketching, musing, and finally making all the pieces that would form her talisman it was completed.

I loved creating something meaningful and powerful, unique to that particular person and what they may want to express in their life.  Soul work.