Last Fall...

 An update in pictures, since I didn't really blog last fall. 

I got up really early for work, but at least the sky was pretty. 

 I was in the audience and saw a filming of The Tonight Show. Jay Leno is funny and nice, like we thought. The studio felt really small. I saw some Action Star, Michelle Bachman (!) and Sugarland. But I was mostly glad to see Jay.

 Pears. I like to snack on fruit in our community garden. And take pictures.

 I turned 30 and ate rum cake at the beach.

 My sister sent me a picture of a sailboat that washed up on the north shore of Maui. Ghostly/awesome/weird.

 I learned how to play with my iPhone and make picture collage. California kids!

 My sister sent me picture of fruit she was picking in Mom's yard on Maui. #homesick

My newest favorite PJ shirt from Cristina. I do love DC.

Mac Nuts and Hula Hoops

Walking at the beach on a foggy morning. Never know if I'l see dolphins or horses.

The iPhone app instagram kind of became my new blog. I posted these pictures over the last few months with a short caption. I thought I'd share some of my favorites on my blog....the old fashioned way, right?

These macadamia nuts grow in our friends' yard. They don't mind if I snack on them, but you gotta work for them. You place the nut in a hole in their cement. Then you delicately drop a heavy brick on it. The goal is to shatter the shell and not smash the soft white nut. By the way, raw macadamia nuts are way better than roasted.

Evidence of fog through the peer.

An evening at home depot inspired impromptu hula hoop making. It's just a precut pipe and a connector. Pretty cheap...around $6 total? It would be fun to pretty it up with electrical tape.

Farmers Market: Fall Version

Pom Poms.

More Jewels.

 

Fresh flowers...smell like Hawaiian leis.

Where almonds come from.

 Healthy mama.

Harvest Season in Wine Country

 

Emu-licious.

I love living a short ways away from wine country. Wine is yummy of course but the scenery is even more delicious. We hit up a new place and became acquainted with a few emus. I think of them as Dinosaur Birds. Those claws, those thighs, those prehistoric faces. I fed this friend wild strawberries.

Tasty! Grapes are so multifaceted...wine, juice boxes, PBJs, grapeskin extract, grapeseed oil....and:

Raisins. California raisins, in fact.

Cheers to wine country.

Fall is Here

 

Homegrown Pumpkin Patch.

Apple prints, apple sauce, apple tasting.

My job is really fun.

(Though I am starting to miss grown-ups a teeny bit).

Octoberly

High Tide.

Love the Ocean.

I gave up a regular coffee habit during lent... but I reserved a place for all types of tea.

As seen in the neighborhood.... I love fall. 

Textures of Thanks

So much to be thankful for.
The colors and textures of this holiday captured me
As I meditated alone in my kitchen.
Savoring moments with beautiful plants
Carefully grown for us to enjoy.

Colors were collected for display:

Prehistoric pink proteas,
Purifying white sage, 

Cheery citrus boughs,
 And golden pomegranate branches 

Dotted with jeweled fruit.

 

Celebrating *true* riches 

With good-hearted people.

So much to be thankful for. 

With Silver Bells and Cockle Shells

Last season I purchased a pile of tuberose bulbs (something I had written and posted on a Things To Do list）at the Farmers Market. I was so happy to harvest my very first of these fragrant flowers. I grew up with them in leis but never had actually seen one growing.

This sassy hummingbird kept frolicking about in my pineapple sage and flirting with my camera. The sun had already dropped so low-light didn't make for any good shots. I love that tuberoses also suit him.

I planted milkweed, since it's the only food source for monarch caterpillars. These caterpillars are enjoying it and will eventually pollinate my plants as lovely butterflies. Though I think they are also pretty charming as chubby caterpillars, don't you?  Our community garden is an official monarch waystation on their seasonal migratory path. You can see them clustered together in the branches of the nearby eucalptus.

Bounty

1 : something that is given generously

2 : liberality in giving : generosity 

3 : yield especially of a crop 

 Lacey, lush hydrangeas

We carried our bouquets home in our arms,

Looking a bit like bridesmaids.

Neighbors I hadn't met, urged me to make a selection

from their pumpkin pile. Heaps of kind folks around here.

I liked the Weird One dressed in gorgeous green.

The little orange-y ones grew in my garden.

Please don't let the organic, farm-fresh veggies

Petrify in the drawers.

Carrot hula or root vegetable ballet?

Twenty Eight is...

Cyclamen in custom pot--courtesy of Rachel.

Stuffed skunklet.I have issues I need to work out. Thanks Gina!

A California tradition: birthday orchid from TJs.

 
Like old maple syrup 
and not specifically intended for those born in October, 
but fitting just the same.   

Amber (my middle name!) earrings from Andrew. The guy has good taste (he picked me, after all)--and writes clever notes. 

Octoberness

My email to the world as Andrew put it.

Hawaii was Hawaii in all the ways I wanted it to be. It is impossibly beautiful--and it's home. I'm feeling more like myself. Ｉchecked in with my people (and miss them even more). Now I'm back in California and I've had a few teensy tiny pangs of homesick but I'm actually more content being here now than I was before.

I hit up my best yoga class and remember why I love it. My muscles are so sore from two days ago that I skipped tonight. I don't think my arms could hold me up.

My vision has worsened, which is supposedly normal. The good part about this is I hadn't realized and now my new contacts make me feel like I have super human vision.

My garden is comprised of clay beds with brown weeds sticking out. I'm visualizing these weeds gone, as well as composty, fluffed-up dirt, and fresh new seedlings. But, what? Any ideas? I'm drawing a blank.

I'm reading "The Tortilla Curtain" and I love it so far. The social commentary is gritty/honest/horrifying. A book hasn't made me look forward to bed time (read-time) like this in awhile.

I'm aware that this is a silly, random posting. I've missed blogging and it's October again. Some have asked and I'm Emily October only in a quick attempt to find a still-available domain name. October is my birth month and one of my favorites.

Pumpkin Eaters

One of my favorite thing about fall is the bounty of squash and pumpkins. I love their colors and sculptural design. The prices are generally amazing considering how much food can come from such a compact piece of fruit. I recently bought a pile of sugar pumpkins that were on clearance for $1 each.

In an attempt to clear some counter space, I've had several culinary adventures with pumpkin in the last few days. I begin by cutting the pumpkin in half, scooping out the seeds and strings and baking it face down in a glass cake pan. I add an inch of water to the bottom of the pan so it sort of steams itself. I bake it at about 400 degrees and start checking it at after 45 minutes.

I made two versions of vegan PUMPKIN PIE. I am not vegan but I like flirting with the idea---and I like the challenge. Occasionally I will experiment with vegan recipes when I am out of eggs or milk products.

One version involves replacing the egg with a 1/4 cup cornstarch. I didn't have cornstarch so I used rice flour.

It turned out really well and though it was a hard pick, my boyfriend preferred it.

The other version calls for using 1/2 cup firm tofu as the firming agent. This version was smoother in texture and had slightly less pumpkin flavor. It also turned out yummy.

Not being a big fan of crust, and as a lazy chef, I made both of these crustless so they were more like custard squares.

In the end I un-veganized my creations by serving them with whipped cream. I shared pieces with several friends (not scaring them off with the vegan label) and they said they liked it.

I had some extra pumpkin pulp so I decided to make a quick soup for lunch with leftovers. I made THAI PUMPKIN SOUP. I sauteed some onions and celery in olive oil, throwing in some curry powder and salt. I blended the veggies with the pumpkin, and then tossed the concoction in a pot with about half a can of coconut milk. I added some lemongrass stalks from my garden, which I removed before serving it with fresh basil leaves. It was fabulous!
The final bonus to cooking with pumpkin? The seeds. I mix them with salt, pepper, and olive oil and brown them on the top shelf of the oven, again at around 400 degrees. With very little effort and waste you have an indulgent snack. You can easily roast the seeds of other squashes--such as acorn or butternut in the same manner.

Lemons, Limes, Pottery and Politics

I bought some watercress seeds--and I am already anticipating those pungent, under-celebrated greens in beautiful salads, and wilted with garlic. I found my way to my favorite gardening store Island Seed and Feed. It reminds me of the small town feed store I grew up going to in Makawao. It's complete with an old farm cat, hens, locally collected seeds, fresh honey, great organic veggie flats, and a folksy feel I love.

On November 4 I proudly wore my "I voted" sticker and was surprised when they gave me coffee on the house at Starbucks. I tend to avoid Starbucks due to their lack of free wireless but I am glad my need for caffeine led me there. I spent time writing and had a friendly conversation with an elderly fellow who retired here from Switzerland. Ｉ told him of my Swiss background (my Grandpa was from Switzerland) and he knew the family name. Then we talked plants and I took notes.

I really love California. It feels like a nation unto itself sometimes. I got to vote on some important propositions, namely:

Yes on 2: Improve the treatment of farmed animals. Give those poor chickens and piggies more room! I have been a vegetarian for the last 10 years (despite my occasional fish) mainly due to health and habit. In the past few years IＩhave grown to appreciate the environmental implications of my choices—but lately, only in the last year (I am embarrassed to admit,) has the concern for animals had anything to do for it. I think falling deeply in love with my family's tiny dogs had something to do with it. Lately it has felt like more of a spiritual choice. I do not need to take life to sustain life.　　

Good news: Prop 2 passed--but I am sorry Prop 8 did :-(

Other good news:
*I bought a dwarf lime tree. My Meyer Lemon tree has brought me (and the hummingbirds!) great pleasure. It burst with fragrant blossoms and is now displaying about 50 bead size lemons. There is something about watching a tree grow and change with the seasons. And I have the perfect view of these mini-trees from my kitchen window.

*I am LOVING ceramics. It was such a challenge to learn to center on the potter's wheel. I am not used to thing being so hard! I was so frustrated that I gave up for a few weeks and focused on hand building and molding. My exceedingly patient (and talented) boyfriend marched me into the studio last Friday and coached me on the wheel for 2 hours. By the end of the session I had made one honey-pot shaped symmetrical piece.

Evoking images of Ghost...

It was just what I needed. I went into another studio hour and whipped out two perfect bowls and a mini-mug (with added handle and all). It reminds me of learning to type or driving stick shift; that mind/body co-ordination that can be a challenge to get but once you "get it" it is yours to keep.

I recall each member of my immediate family trying to teach me stick-shift and giving up on me as a lost cause (including my younger siblings). I really thought I was hopeless--but then I got a boyfriend with a manual car I wanted to drive. Andrew really is a gifted teacher (others agree--you should read his students' feedback from the math course he taught at Portland Community College).

I haven't been a dedicated blogger in the last year, but I plan to be better (and bolder). It really is a great way to make sense of life. So, keep on checking—and I'll be back soon!

Telling the Truth: Growing up is Hard

Weathering the storm...

This has been a difficult month. I am trying to remember that challenges bring about opportunities for growth.

Three hard things:

1. Andrew was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He's doing really well and we're confident he'll be fine and know we'll both be better than ever from this in the long run. Still, surgeries and chemo aren't usually part of the plan in your 2oies.

2. One of my best friends, who has been far away from me, is facing a divorce. It is hard to imagine my beautiful friend being hurt and feeling alone. I am proud of her for being so strong and getting herself out of a bad situation.

3. A couple we are friendly with just lost their baby the day before it was due. A lovely, radiant mom-to-be and her husband who was already the doting dad. They did everything right--it is so senseless and tragic. My heart is broken for them.

I have never felt older. I know life works in cycles of ups-and-downs and am quickly learning that things don't always go as expected. Changing and adapting to new circumstances is part of growing up... I have an internal debate about to blogging about these things. I decided I to be honest today rather than write about the flower arrangement I made this morning or the gingerbread I made last night.

The Pleasure of Growing Up

I had a wonderful birthday! I love being 27 so far. It really is an elegant sounding age. I think the truth is I prefer odd numbers.

Highlights from the last few days:

*Andrew got me a Eee PC because he wants me to write a book. It isn't much bigger than a graphing calculator, so I'm trying to get used to typing on a smaller keyboard. It is very quiet and portable and I am currently writing you all from a hip coffee shop in downtown Santa Barbara. So far it really is proving to be Easy, Excellent, and Exciting. And a huge upgrade from my 2002 dinosaur desktop computer.

*We went out to dinner at The Palace Grill, sharing an indulgent platter of well-spiced seafood. It was a lively Cajun spot, where the staff and patrons sing songs together; they passed out the lyrics to It's Amore while we were there.

*We took a moonlit walk on the beach. The sand was still warm and all the white caps in the ocean were glowing under the moon. The best things in life really are free.

*Lots of wonderful phone calls and messages from people I love. I am a keeper of friends--near and far, but mostly far it seems. Watch out folks, if I pick you, you will be mine forever!

*My best girlfriend in town, a southern gal from Kentucky and a talented baker, presented me with my very first Red Velvet cake. It was delightful--I also got a DVD copy of Steel Magnolias so I understand the significance of such a Southern delicacy.

*I bought myself a new orchid with the TJ's gift card I won. And then I purchased a new pet: A lovely blue and red Beta fish. He is extremely happy and is currently going by Sparkles, aka "Sparks." I bought Fluffy, my goldfish, exactly a year before. I've heard fighting fish are much hardier.

*Pottery class was very informative--and challenging! I've gone to the studio hours twice so far and am still working on centering my clay on the potter's wheel. I stare in awe at the people who whip up masterpiece planters and vases in mere minutes. When I asked for some tips, a talented older guy told me the squat, lopsided piece I was working on and rather proud of--my best bowl yet-- was "beyond repair." I laughed and felt better when he said the same thing about one of his huge, impressive vases.

What is new and happy in your lives, readers?

*I'll add pics at a later date--my digital camera is still broken.

Happy October

Reasons I feel like celebrating:

I woke up to rain. Hooray! It is currently cleaning the dust and ash off of the leaves--we finally got some homework/coffee shop weather around here.

It's my birthday month! I like the sound of being 27 waaaay better than 26. I'm ready. Bring it on.

I joined the posh Rec Cen at UCSB. I've been biking or walking there most days and am having some quality workouts. It has been WAY too long. Why must I always have to rediscover that working out makes me feel better in all areas of my life?

I've been purging major clutter from my home. And my strong affinity for light blue has disappeared--I'm over the "beach house" theme. Suddenly, I am drawn to black, whites, and reds. I rearranged the furniture in our bedrooms and am going for a more sophisticated look.

I've applied for some jobs I actually really want. And my little sis Lantana got a dream job I am living vicariously through.

It's squash season again.

I got out my paint can and slapped a fresh coat of glossy white on some dingy, chipped, multicolored wooden stools I've been collecting.

Figs! I recently picked some and they are my new fave. My body enjoyed them soooo much. Then I read they are super high in iron, magnesium, and calcium. I must have needed those.

I got one of my early birthday presents--Andrew signed us up for a pottery class with our good friends.

Oh, the same good friends regularly brew--and we were given a pack of the most rich, decadent, delicious homemade beer. One shared is indulgent enough.

I read an article about living simply that validated my lifestyle--we already are a one car family, don't have a home phone, don't have cable/tv, frequently buy things second-hand, and grow some of the food we eat. It made me feel pretty hip.

Love/Hate Oregon

Great microbrew can be found at the Blue Moon.

I just spent a week in Portland, Oregon, visiting old friends and returning to old haunts. While living there off and on for nine years I developed a very strong love/hate relationship with the place.

Things I love about PDX:

1. Very good beer
2. Great prices!
3. Trees and greenery are refreshing
4. Easygoing people (mellow drivers)
5. Charming neighborhoods (I love certain bubbles)

6. Farmers' Market

Will work for food (our old Saturday job).

Things I don't miss:

1. Smokers
2. Weather (though I was there for a perfect week)
3. Trees (somehow seem a bit dark and ominous)
4. Hipsters
5. Strip malls
6. Billboards

My highlight of the week was kayaking on Oswego Lake and seeing a catfish and a mink. And meeting handsome baby boy Finn!

Loving the Lake in perfect Oregon sunshine.

I've spent the last year really missing Oregon (well, mainly my friends who are like family) and longing for all the things I used to love. My visit made me realize that I like Oregon but I don't love it. I always knew in my heart it wasn't for me--yet, absence really can make the heart grow fonder.
After checking in with my past home, I'm feeling very ready to embrace life here in California.

October Air

I want to get into a classroom soon. I'm a good teacher and I want to be of service. Several teachers I've chatted with in the area me tell me that subbing is the best way to get my foot in the door. And that there are a whole pile of teachers about to retire. But that it's still a tight market... but I do hear positions open up when teachers quit to marry rich men. ha.

I've been really really missing the kids I nannied for too. The Olsens really became my family and I have more roots to Oregon than I realized. It was recently the anniversary of Graham's passing. That angel boy is free now, but he is still so alive to me. It can be hard to comprehend.

I know that the classroom thing will happen... and I look forward to the kids, the surprises, the community, and the learning. But in the meanwhile I've been fulfilling my need to nurture in other ways. I'm becoming master of my domain. In my unemployment I have turned into a bit of a desperate housewife. I've been cooking and planting and arranging and displaying and organizing. I even have a vintage apron I found at a thrift store back in the day. After the intensity of last year I am enjoying all this "me" time.

I've planted bulbs for the first time. I love the spring surprise of daffodils and tulips and yummy smelling hyacinths and paper whites. I'm excited by the bounty of fall and have been making a lot of yummy stuff.

Tonight was: Butternut squash pizza. It was a very gourmet experience (and incredibly delicious). I made up the recipe: it has ricotta cheese, a cream sauce, mushrooms, and squash of course. I love squash so much, I've even been adding it to omelets with good results!

Andrew got me a green sewing machine for my birthday. It is adorable. I love how he encourages my creativity (he bought me an easel last year and now he keeps begging me to write children's books). I need to come up with some simple sewing projects now. Any ideas?

Oh, I also got a splendid, spunky little goldfish for my birthday. I gave him a million names, my favorite being Fluffy. He died yesterday though. My mom warned me that they are toilet food. I didn't cry but I felt like it. I think he came with a parasite. I really was a good fish mom.

Andrew and I took the tandem bike out yesterday. Santa Barbara is an amazing location: we rode down by the beach and then up in the foothills, stopping for a hike through an organic farm. I love how fresh flying against the air on a bike makes you feel. Plus, you can go really fast when there are two people.

Much Love, More Later.

Emily