Summer

 Summer is here. Being a teacher is intense and I don't know if it would be possible to keep it up without a break. I am finally finding time to organize my home and exercise outside and cook.  And sleep--I'm not tired!

 The Santa Barbara Botanical Garden meadow and wildflowers.

 I'm finding time to play around in the kitchen again. Shopping for quality ingredients (and new veggies) makes me happy.

Andrew and I had an indulgent breakfast at Jeannine's. And then walked it off at the beach. I like to go the dog beaches and laugh at all the happy offleach pooches.

 A wedding giftcard to William and Sonoma was burning a whole in my pocket (almost two years later). I spent the last bit on a Zoku Ice Pop maker. I've been a little obsessed with fruit. I also like to put frozen fruit through my juicer on the puree setting and eat it like sorbet.

I'm getting into oatmeal (and fruit!) again. I really appreciate the Steel Cut instant oats from Trader Joe's. The great thing about oatmeal is you can add so many different toppings--it never gets dull.

July

Bike shopping. I've been on my bike everyday to attend a nearby writing institute.

I love it and am considering an upgrade from my old school 24 inch Girls (too small) Schwinn.

I ride on a bike path at a snails pace so I confess...I don't wear a helmet.

But I adore this watermelon one.

Brer, my dear neighbors' bunny, prepares for big changes in his household.

He remains calm while...

Courtney is boldly taking on motherhood. I am so excited to witness this!

She is sweet and caring and full of grace and intelligence.

I have a hunch this will be a happy baby.

Lizard's Mouth

 

Hi Brett! Thanks for taking us up the mountain (again).

View of UCSB and the coast from the mountain.

Over-exposed film grain.  Lots of crevices to leap over.

I might like the sun too much. 

 

The strange and beautiful yucca.

Warm rocks.

 

Cave men find shelter.

Chillaxed!

This is a wonderful, easily accessible, short hike with an amazing view.  It totally chilled me out the day before a big job interview.

P.S. I got the job!

Early Summer in the Garden

 

Dainty, delicious daffodil-yellow squash.

Ruddy red-green rhubarb--my first batch ever!  Looking forward to strawberry rhubarbness all summer long...

The zucchini monster is welcome in my garden.

Forget-me-nots for remembrance.
There's something amazing about a blue flower.

School's Out

Feeling completely adored...the last week of school was a lovefest. I am so proud of the kids and how much they've grown. I also work with some wonderfully inspiring teachers. They are so generous with their craft!

I got a book from my students filled with their illustrations and sweet sentiments they wrote out. I don't remember ever being so kind to a teacher. Pictures of me (in Hawaii getting married), pictures of me and some of my students, and pictures of Andrew and me as a couple.

The end is bittersweet!

No Saturation Required: The Rose Garden

One of my very favorite places is the Rose Garden.
I like the sound of the fountain, the warm stone benches, and the fragrance garden that surrounds it.
I like the golden retriever that regularly takes a plunge into the fountain.
I like the old ladies with motley mutts, who tell me once a week that their dogs are vegetarian.
I like the beautiful Spanish style homes across the street with trellised lemon trees.
I like telling the tourists who ask me, the local, about the Mission across the street.
I like watching commercials filmed and photography students set up shoots.
I like the purple mountains just beyond and witnessing their colors change with the season.
I like looking up at the monstrous eucalyptus trees and thinking about how pleased my dad would be with the quality of their care.
I like slipping off my work shoes and putting my toes in the cooling grass.
I like looking down at the glittery ocean and the sailboats dotting the waters.

I like the roses.
They makes me feel dreamy about a celebration of love
with flowers, friends, food, family and fun.
These days I especially adore deep saturated jewel tones.
Please pass on the pastels and give me the rich festive hues of of Summer.

Classroom Colors

Original Artpiece: crayons+watercolor set=
Wax-resist turtle with watercolor wash.

 

A cheap bag of dried beans= 

Luscious Legume Wall Garden

Book Report in Paper Bag: Can you
identify this great work of literature?

Sun-warmed strawberries earned by dedicated gardeners.

Patio Tomatoes

Fuzzy canary-colored tomato blossoms preview
delicious sandwiches to come.

Patio tomatoes are great for apartment dwellers. Find a sunny spot on your porch or doorstep because this compact variety was bred for containers. Though I have 12 huge tomato plants growing happily in my outside plot I can't help also having one waiting to greet me when I come and go.

The first tomato!
Pink geraniums, pictured in the shadows,
also love this time of year.

Views from La Perouse

Hiking around La Perouse Bay on our last Maui trip. La Perouse was a French explorer who anchored at this site in 1786. This place is now a protected area. As the sign says, show the dolphins aloha.

I think this was the last place lava flowed on the island.

Oooh, don't silver, green, and black look sophisticated together?

 

Parking in the lava.

Wild billy goat in a prickly kiawe grove.

A Perfect Day to be at Sea

Snapshots from sailing the SB coast last July.

Isn't this great?

The salty sea air, 
the wind blowing in your face...

a perfect day to be at sea! 

A fine strong wind and a following sea.

King Triton must be in a friendly-type mood.

--The Little Mermaid, 1989

View of UCSB through the porthole.

Island Hopping: My Hawaii Highlights

Last night's Maui sunset from Dad's porch

OAHU:

BBQ w/ my college people. It is amazing how many alumni are from the Hawaiian islands. When you go to college on The Mainland quite a bond forms when you are from the culture and climate of Hawaii.

North Shore. Most Maui-esque, countrified part of Oahu.

Family: I enjoy watching my cousins' little baby eat mangoes.

I loved the Lyon Arboretum--the University of Hawaii Tree Museum. A misty forest tucked in the hillside behind the city. I grew up with plant people and I can't look at something growing without thinking about what it is.

Kayaking in Waikiki. Ｉlove looking over at Diamond Head. We caught some really fun waves in a tandem kayak and managed to avoid running over tourists.

BIG ISLAND:

The bounty of Hilo's farmer's market: $1 for FIVE papayas. Unbelieavable.

Coffee farms with free samples.

Sparkling black sand beaches with sea turtles smooshing up next to you when you swim.

I developed a crush on Miss Piggy my Big Island cousins' gorgeous potbelly pig. I put one of her future offspring on my wishlist.

Outdoor showers on my cousins' farm really make you feel one with nature.

Kona-side beaches with their windswept kiawe (mesquite) trees, rope swings, and crystal clear waters remind me of Maui's south side 20 years ago when I was a small keiki.

MAUI

Ahhh home.

A dip in the clean streams of Iao Valley was the first stop off the plane.

Lots of walks in the country hills (cow pastures) and rambling gulches. We've been doing a lot of back routes that remind me of my roundabout bus rides to school growing up. Embarrassingly, I was ill prepared for the Haiku humidity and just about passed out from heat stroke on the 10th mile (uphill) of such a walk. Luckily, a kind stranger rescued me and drove me home.

Hiking lava fields and beaches over in La Perouse, hotel hopping, and hanging out with my best friend's lovable kid sister.

More Maui adventures to come before we head back to Oahu for a final summer adventure.

Santa Barbara --> Hawaii

Exploring Letter 'O': Octopus Holding Oranges by my youngest student (age 3).

My summer teaching job is over, with its many highs and lows. I am currently with family in Hawaii, re-immersing myself in the culture I grew up in. I feel like a fish back in water. The air is so different. My skin is naturally moisturized and my hair is salty and wavy. Apple bananas and poi. Mangoes and plumerias. Luscious warm ocean water. Balmy rain showers and trade winds.

I love Santa Barbara and I've created a good life there, but this place will always be home.

Summer Loving Had Me a Blast

One highlight of working downtown all summer long was spending my lunch hour at the beach. I slipped a bathing suit top on under my clothes, kicked off my work shoes and rolled up my pants so I could dip my toes in the cold California sea. The warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves, and the smell of the ocean air relaxed and recharged me and made me a better teacher.
Fresh picked goodies from the garden. I successful grew a whole head of garlic from one little clove! Digging up bulbs is like digging for treasure.
My friends. I am grateful to have a solid group of quality friends in Santa Barbara.

I Modonnari, The Italian Street Painting festival at the SB Mission.

Getting my hippie on at the annual Summer Solstice parade which was hot, hot, hot.

What were the highlights of your summer?

I heart Yoga

 
Photographing Happy Buddha in Makawao, on Maui

Practicing yoga has been on my to-do list for years. I took "gymnastics" as a child, which was actually just some muddy footed country kids doing yoga stetches and somersaults in our neighbor's racquetball court. Then I had a brief love affair with hot Bikram yoga one summer on Maui while home from college. And since then it has only been in the few minutes I spend stretching after gym workouts that I strike a pose (rarely).

I've been taking 2 to 3 classes a week. I doubt I'd be as content/happy/balanced as I've been without it. The job I'm working this summer is pretty intense. High-needs tiny little kids in the poorest neighborhood in the area. The external rewards (money, positive leadership, morale) are limited but the teaching part, the actual connection with kids is powerful and worthwhile.

Before I start spewing sobs stories about life in the ghetto, I'll share some positive aspects of my yoga experience this summer:

*One class I go to plays really fun music in creative ways. We dance freely for a few minutes. It's extremely popular with around 50 people squeeze in until our mats are practically touching. The teacher has a humble sort of charisma that reminds me of John Cusack.

*I can suddenly do half-moon-pose after six weeks of falling down. My strength and balance are returning which make me think I'll be able to at least pretend to surf with my sister in Hawaii (soon!)

*I've lost weight without trying/keeping track/ or strapping myself to an exercise machine. A welcome surprise. My fat pants are falling off and my snug clothes are comfy again. hooray!

*I see the slightest suggestion of muscles on my body. Wow. I'm on my way to two-pack abs.

*My mind is clear and I feel a warm happy glow (endorphins?) which make me less likely to call my sisters/cousin/neighbors and rant about erroneous parking tickets, skunk attacks, social injustice, etc.

*My regular yoga teacher has given me prayer beads from India, vegan chocolate, and lots of compliments. Did you know I have open hips?

*I'm learning to train my unruly mind with meditation. Being aware of my breath is helping me at least recognize the path to being a calmer and more present person.

*Free tea.

Anyway, I strongly recommend it.

Growin' Thangs

I may have posted a picture of an artichoke bloom before--but, I grew this one myself. They are a creative addition to funky/fun flower arrangements.

Pumpkins in July--say what? These sweet little sugar pumpkins were happy surprises. Pumpkin seeds from last fall managed to sneak their way into my beds through my compost. YUM.

Sprouted potatoes off the kitchen counter are now planted in my accidental potato patch.
Tomatoes galore. I was admiring the bubbles on these sweet little cherries and gave them a photo op. My favorites are the little orange sungolds tomatoes.
We took the kids in my class to Butterflies Alive at the Natural History Museum. Sixteen preschoolers were astonished by the thousands of butterflies enjoying nectar rich goodies. I have to say, I am a lot happier working. Most days confirm the decision I made to be a teacher.