*****change!*****

wow, some magical things are happening around here! i'll check in soon ...! be well out there. 

reflective thoughts.

 I'd like to become an earlier riser again. even if i get less sleep while adjusting. i work a lot of late nights (till midnight) now, so it's not the easiest to go straight to bed and then get up early. however, i do feel that even though it's been nice to sleep until 11 and go to work at 3 i'm not getting anything productive done. some of this is normal getting-used-to-the-seasons-changing routine. i have cover letters to write that I've really been dragging my feet on. I'm really resistant to leaving Louisville. There's really a lot going through my brain right now, potential decisions that don't feel ready to be decided. Stick it out here and try to run the home-based Montessori business? Leave and get good experience at an AMI school? Get Waldorf teacher training? Stay and work a part-time freelance teaching gig at the Waldorf school next year and run my own Montessori business?

I'm still feeling unhappy about my computer time. I spent too many hours with the screen and not enough time with friends. I've been really reflecting on friendships lately, the fake facebook ones (not including those dear who are far, of course) and the real ... offline ones. also pondering the quantity and quality. how to sustain and grow friendships in the digital age. it feels like new territory. but what if we just shut off our laptops and really try to engage? join an interesting group or something. I need computer-free days. Hmm.

I am also concerned about my lack of knitting and learning to sew. These are things I dream about constantly. Yeah, dream about. I never want to DO them. Where do you crafters get your inspiration? Do you have to carve out time, or does the magic simply happen?

I guess I'm just going through a bit of a ... limbo phase. Normal for this time of year. This, too, shall pass. I'm reflecting on where I've been, where I am, and where I'd like to go.

At least I know I'll be doing plenty of baking along the way. This week and next, between the two, I'd like to get to banana bread and pumpkin-chocolate chip bread. I enjoy sharing the treats at work. Baking is truly a meditation for me.

I also need to take to the yoga mat. In class form. Preferably soon. My two-month hiatus from yoga is not good.

Christmas will be different this year. Here, away from home. None of the usual gift-buying (except a few things for immediate family) will happen. I am more determined than ever to pay off my Capital One card. Student loan payments are coming due.

I am happy with reading more in the living room now that I've reorganized and made it cozy. Last night, I fnished The Help and I just read the first chapter of The Alphabet versus The Goddess, about how literacy introduced patriarchy. I think I'll love it. I'd like to also be reading the Little House on the Prairie series through the holidays. I never finished the Anne of Green Gables series, either.

That's all for me. I'll be celebrating my birthday on Saturday with a new tattoo and a little wine-snack soiree at my house. This week I plan on buying tights, leggings, knitting needles, and a vintage coffee table.

I love you, my muses. Happy week to you.

today was a wonderful day of staying home most of the day. i also went out and bought yarn for a dog coat I plan on making once the right size needles are back in stock, a vintage desk chair, butter dish, and 1940's red clock.isn't it cute on my yellow table? the flowers are from Trader Joe's.

Today, I also made the pear butter cake from Apples for Jam (which looked almost exactly like the one in the photo above, culled from google images). That cookbook sure does produce some deliciousness! I also imbibed in some pumpkin ice cream from Trader Joe's. It's so wonderful having Trader Joe's here now, at last.

I've decided to carry on with my home "school" now that the dust is settling! I think, two days a week for two to three hours sounds right. Of course, we'll make and eat lunch together! It will just be a seed for what's to one day come (hmmmm starting my own farm school?). I no longer have space for a dedicated classroom but with a gorgeous apartment, plenty of child-sized furniture and Montessori materials, I am just as confident. It's so important to fulfill your dreams, even if they start very small. I'm also considering a once-weekly children's knitting group.

I'm spending too much time on my computer again. I really am thinking of setting limits for myself. Worked last time. I'm not doing ANY knitting, but I am doing a lot of thinking about it. I am happy with my decision to not knit any gifts specifically for Christmas or birthdays this year. Instead, I like the idea of sending a little love to someone year-round when they're not expecting it! I think "happy christmas" and "happy birthday" suffices. Really, I do. I'm really getting over material Christmas. I can't wait to give to the local food bank, and some favorite charities. Like Farm Sanctuary and St. Jude's.

I'd also like to focus on reading more, for pleasure, of course. Computer time really eats away at that.

The remainder of this week will be somewhat busy, but I think I'll make tofu chili and pumpkin-black bean soup again, and I think life is calling for some pumpkin-chocolate chip bread, hm?

be well out there.

cooking, centering.

 I really keep meaning to return to this space more often than I do.

I wish I could post my beautiful pictures, my knitting, my sewing projects. But I don't even know where my camera is, and getting used to a new job with sometimes wacky hours has made me often just too tired/uninspired for crafting. plus i'm not doing ANY holiday knitting this year, so i lack the usual motivation for this time of year. i can't wait for the crafting bug to hit, though. i'm amazed it hasn't yet. but like i said, routine is different.

been trying to cook when i can, as that always centers me and makes me feel whole. Tonight, I made the green bean souffle loaf from Apples for Jam (GREAT comfort food cookbook!), and tomorrow I plan on making pear tart from the same book. I also made a great pumpkin and black bean soup this past week. Does anyone have a good slow-cooked beans dish for me? I'd love to use (dry) kidneys or pintos. Let me know! I'm really craving beans this time of year.

tomorrow is a rare day off. i plan on making some order out of my "studio" which is the third time this poor environment's been moved around the apartment. i don't think i've ever worked in one of my studios yet. i really hope this changes, though if i get a job i'll be moving from here in six months or so. sigh. such is life.

does it bother anyone else that "holiday" (why can't we just say christmas? i'm not even religious) starts now before halloween is even over?  i'm rarely in the shops but i was at old navy buying some new jeans for work the other day and they were playing christmas carols. drives me mad. definitely puts a damper on my spirits. :-( just a vent. sorry!

if anyone would like the recipes for what i've been making, i'd be happy to post them.

happy week to you! i'm off to read The Help.

fall cookin'

I wanted to pop in and share with you two recipes you MUST make. The first is from Apples for Jam and uses up apples which are currently plentiful here at the farmer's markets. Apple bread!
I made mine without the walnuts, well, because I'm not crazy about nuts in bread (and I also didn't have any walnuts). Apple Bread (walnuts optional!)

3/4 c sugar
1/4 lb. plus 3 tbsp. softened butter
2 eggs
1 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom (I used ground coriander, it was fine)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
salt
about 2 apples, peeled, cored, coarsely grated
2/3 c walnuts, lightly toasted/coarsely chopped
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping
2/3 c walnuts, finely chopped
1/3 c brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

heat oven to 350F. butter and flour a loaf pan. beat together sugar/butter till "fluffy" ... add eggs, beat them in well. add flour/baking soda/baking powder/cardamom/cinnamon/pinch salt. mix well. add apples, walnuts, vanilla. mix well. scrape into loaf pan. for the topping, mix those three things together and scatter abundantly over the batter. bake 45 min but check after 30. cover top with foil if it's already quite brown. cool slightly, then turn out carefully. serve slightly warm (of course!!) ... this bread is SUPER moist and delicious!!!

Simplify.

Here I am again, popping in as promised.

i'll be back in a few ...

i will try to pop in here tomorrow ... miss this space.

some recent reflections and happenings.

Wow, it's been a long time since i posted.

But the master's thesis is in the mail (!!!!!) after six weeks of working endless wee night hours on it each day, so that frees up my time ... briefly. I just got hired at trader joe's, which is finally opening a new store here in Louisville. I start working for them next week. I'm still at the Montessori school, and I applied for a two-day-a-week position at the local Waldorf school teaching a parents' day out program two mornings a week. I broke up with dbf a couple weeks ago. Unexpectedly, old issues (of his), unresolved. Amazing how the tables turned, and now i'm a fabulous single woman again (wondering if she should go to a sperm bank ... only half joking ....). I am sprucing up the apartment and changing the chi. Antiquing, putting out yard sale treasures. A pumpkin. I'm looking for a roommate. I'm painting the room former dbf has been currently occupying, awkwardly, the one that was going to be the classroom :-( I found lace curtains at a yard sale and I'm going to paint my room a shimmery gold (think, metallic gold marker). I have baked blueberry muffins and chocolate chip cookies from scratch, and zucchini bread is on deck.

I met a good blog friend, who's local, at the farmer's market (that was lovely, cate). The weather is much cooler here at night, I have to shut the windows in my room. I bought yarn today!! For a pair of knee socks for me. And I bought a book that has a pattern for a dog sweater for my beagle. This past weekend, I went to our local art fair and got many bars of soap to pair with dishcloths for gifts. I also bought myself two gorgeous multi-wood cutting boards from a regional craftsman and a pair of earrings made from red sea-glass. Splurging a bit has been good after the stress of the last few weeks. Are there still unpaid bills? Yes. But this was necessary. Especially as I have nothing major coming up for the next months to spend money on. I am dreaming about an Alaskan cruise next summer. I've been slowly switching my dog and cat to organic food brands. I've been snacking more and cutting down my own grocery bill by eating smaller quantities of really healthful, REAL FOOD, stuff. I've been eating ... ovo-lacto vegetarian. I will only eat eggs/yogurt/cheese produced locally and responsibly. I can't believe how much I'm currently enjoying grass-fed, non-homogenized yogurt from a regional organic producer. My body is feeling more full, longer. For lunch today, I had a grilled goat's milk cheese sandwich with local tomatoes. I'm thinking about switching my vegan Earth Balance with nasty palm oil to real butter. I hardly use butter. I sub bananas for butter when baking. I'm reading some Sally Fallon and agreeing and disagreeing with her. I still don't think I can eat animals, even "happy" ones. I'm done with labeling myself, though, even if my vegan friends hate me for it. Meals overall are getting simpler, last night was quinoa with tofu and sauteed veggies and steamed kale, tonight was quinoa and steamed kale with tahini. I have to steam the kale just right. It's still not my favorite. It's local kale though and not too bitter. Snacks are local apples and almond butter. Lots of stove-topped popcorn with olive oil, too. Smoothies. With chocolate almond milk, honey, kale, flax seeds, maybe some peanut butter. Eating right feels great. I wish I could do more yoga ... have to carve out time for that. Getting back to the Y starting tomorrow. I've lost about 8 pounds on the scale, many more in inches (4 on my waist!) over the past couple months. It's slow, but it's progress. Hoping the fall and winter are quiet, overall. Slow. I'll try and pop in more often.

food, food

Ok, going to see if I can figure out the new Blogger interface .... and give you a post with the pictures I've been long dutifully erm ... meaning ... to post! Life is a bit busy when you are running a household and trying to get two huge papers written by Oct. 1! However, I am confident that I've done enough research on topic one to write paper one this saturday. then two weeks to get paper two out of the gate! running household = cooking meals, cleaning house, doing laundry while dbf works AND goes to school full-time and keeps the bills paid. My part-time job is paying for our buy-a-house-someday-soon? savings. So will the business I'm trying to start, which has both morphed and been delayed a bit. Heck, the walls have been patiently waiting for a second coat of paint for weeks now. Oh well, they can wait some more. September/October are art fair heavy here in Louisville. I can't wait. I just hope this lousy cool, rainy weather we've had for four days straight now - yep, not one peek of ole Mr. Sun -- changes. It makes me lethargic. At least it also is good weather to curl up with pioneer novels! I am about to finish O Pioneers! by Willa Cather and read the entire Little House series for the first time ever. So this post is mainly about food since that's what I've been doing lately, lots of, as we head into fall and things (soon, soon!) will slow down a bit .... though I am hoping that knitting will pick up! Maybe more morning hikes, too. Adam and I did get a strenuous lovely one in last weekend before it got too hot. here's the food ...

I'm back to local local cheese for a bit (local eggs I've been doing for a while now already). I do switch from veganism to vegetarianism now and then. I'm giving up on labeling myself. I just want to eat what feels right to me.

zucchini spaghetti, broccoli, and bean balls ... that was vegetarian lunch today

my famous vegan chili topped with vegenaise

polenta and black bean casserole (vegetarian)

omelette with local summer veg ... red onion, green zucchini, purple peppers!

lentil dal with spinach (vegan) Oh, there was a night of Gillian Welch thrown in for good measure. She was absolutely wonderful. Her songs have a way of getting into my head for days, weeks, even. Love you, Gillian.

and here is our living room, all tidied. It still needs ...a dining room set, a coffee table, a couch, and more plants, but it's a sweet beginning. we love how the place is just flooded with light all day long. Wow, I'm tired ... been getting to bed by 10 p.m. lately. Waking up around 7:30. Wishing I could do 6. Hey, this night owl needs her baby steps. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Can't wait to chat again soon. Love and light, K.

delicious zucchini spaghetti

scenes from the woods, where i spent a bit of time saturday night ...


I made this tonight for two busy people (me and boyfriend) and whipped it up in less than 10 minutes. no, seriously. so of course, i had to share! i have no photo, i was too busy eating it! but trust me on this one. especially if your garden has a zucchini glut ... it's the time of year, y'all!

based on a meal i had at a raw vegan restaurant in baltimore:

shred one or two LARGE zucchini with a grater, and plop into a large bowl.

add a large amount (maybe one package) sauteed mushrooms (i did mine in veg broth with rosemary added) ... i know, not raw ....

then add a whole JAR, that's 25 oz., of spaghetti sauce ... i used one from whole foods that i love, it's the 365 brand "italian herb"

add one can of drained cannellini beans for protein and texture

add one or two huge handfuls of nutritional yeast

add a lot of dried or fresh oregano, basil, thyme

mix it all up, chill for a few hours in the fridge, and voila dinner is served cold!

next time, i'd like to try it with raw "meatballs" ... next time maybe.

tomorrow night we are hopefully doing polenta bean bake if i can figure out how to make polenta from scratch. i suspect it has something to do with cornmeal? my local food desert grocery store did not carry it, but i can't deny their wonderful selection of organic canned beans on sale, which i loaded up on. the bean bake will also feature raw monterey jack cheese produced locally. i'm in a vegetarian phase again.

also on this week's menu plan: pad thai with tofu, lentil dal with spinach on rice, and tempeh with a maple-mustard-balsamic glaze paired with corn fritters and garlicky collard greens. we'll see what actually gets done.

here is a vegan bean salad with rice (delicious with frank's red hot added!)and the roasted veg/quinoa/pesto thing we crave lately)


I also wanted to blog about Unplugged Sunday, which some of you may know Heather over at Beauty that Moves started some months ago. I've been trying to do this with my boyfriend, and we usually make a delicious home-cooked breakfast featuring the herb roasted potatoes from vegan with a vengeance. we walk our dog to the new local organic market in our neighborhood, we stop for coffee at a new coffeeshop, we go for a long drive with a picnic lunch and go hiking. however, i've found it next to impossible for adam to give up his cell phone for the entire day. he seems to NEED to have it in his pocket, he says, to check the time. but he checks the time more than i've ever seen anyone with a watch do. it's caused quite a bit of argument and stubborn childish foot stamping (um, literally) on my part. every week for three or four weeks now. i don't want it to be this way, but i've learned that i'm just going to have to enjoy unplugged sunday on my own for a while and see what he makes of it. i can't believe how much i get done, but all at a pleasurable pace. yesterday i wrote down all of it to share with you:

woke about 9 a.m. .....

walk with dog and breakfast at a neighborhood diner (mmm blueberry pancakes...the dog had a side of bacon) ... this all took about two hours

came home and did pleasure reading for two hours

spent another two hours doing laundry/dishes/tidying up the apartment/making a snack/organizing the book nook upstairs

went for an hour and a half walk with the dog in the park, and spent another half hour driving to and spending time at the local health food market to pick up a few goods

made a batch of leftover hummus and heated up leftovers for dinner (we are a huge fan of roasted local veg/red quinoa/homemade pesto these days)

took out a large batch of recycling, wrote a grocery "items needed" list, made sundried tomatoes, organized my craft/work studio, washed bras in the sink, frogged two very old failed knitting projects

did some more pleasure reading, and turned the lights off about 10:30.

what an awesome day! it's amazing how, when you take the internet and cell phone (the cell phone i barely use anyway, i'm a throwback and i often seriously consider ditching it altogether) out of the equation, time SLOWS way down and the day seems to stretch on and on. and look at all i did, pleasurably! yay, me. great way to start the week.

tonight, i think i'll start a dishcloth just to have a knitting project going until i get some yarn for my two upcoming bigger projects (knee socks for me and a winter wrap for the dog). or i'll work on the shawl i've been slowly crafting for the last few months. it has a few errors, but overall it's a beauty and i learned a few new skills doing it (ummm patience among them?? lol).

the research papers are feeling a little less scary now that i more or less have all the sources and literature i need for both ... now it's just a matter of investing the time to read and take notes on everything in advance of actual writing. i spent three hours of my day reading, one on a treadmill at the YMCA :-)

I am pleased to tell you that I think I've been losing weight, if not on the scale then the weekly measuring tape tells truth ... losing anywhere from a half inch to four inches on various body parts.

I am settling into my 15-hour/week job at the montessori school. i've been asked if i would like to do 25 hours but i'm not sure what will happen with the home business so that's all up in the air. i do love the freedom if not the scariness of not working full-time. i needed this break like i needed air. today i bought a notebook to track ALL daily expenses as so many experts tell you to do. we'll see if it saves us money. we have to save money.

a few months ago, i blogged about not being sure what direction my blog posts were going in. is it a simple life blog, a food blog, a craft blog, a daily ramblings blog? i found that i just wanted to be ME. i want my posts to resonate with what's important to me at a given time, not to be labeled as some perfect superblogger like (sorry) SouleMama ... it's an issue I'm having with "vegan" right now, too. I love to eat vegan, and I do most of the time. When I eat dairy and eggs it's infrequent and I'm very picky on the source. But I'm not sure I want to BE a VEGAN. ya know? well, any thoughts would be appreciated. we're always striving to be our very best selves, and I think it's wonderful to be inspired, but I also think it's important to just BE the things you think you want to BE, and not analyze them so much or present them as a perfect spread in a blog.

here's to a happy week, loves. i'm thrilled to say i'll be watching gillian welch live tomorrow night, in my cowboy boots!

love and light,

karen


p.s. a word about the sundried tomatoes. sadly, i wasted six lovely local tomatoes because i had them in the oven on "warm" for 12 hours ... they really need only about 5. what i do is cut all the squishy watery middle parts out, cut the tomatoes into strips (i use the oval tomatoes, not the round ones), salt them to draw out water, then put them on a cookie sheet in the oven. when they're done, i stick them in freezer bags, plop them in the freezer and voila. oh, well. next time i hit the farmer's market i'll try again!