Adjustments

I feel like I'm going through a period of transition and introspection right now.  I am really emotional about the oil spill in the Gulf, and that's on top of already feeling overwhelmed by all of the recent earthquakes and floods and economic strife and atrocities that humans commit against each other.  It's all just too much.  I find myself sitting down to write and not knowing what to say because there's just too much to say.  At least for now, I will revert back to what I know; what I can touch right now; the minutia that is daily life.  I will breathe in and breathe out and notice this moment right now because it is really all that I have.  And in being available for myself, maybe I can also be available for someone else.  That's a start.  This mother Merganser was seen by my friend Barry, who took this picture as she shuttled her babies down the falling tide on Woodard Bay.  A perfect example of being in the moment, I think.

Bronwyn is on summer break, and I have to say I am loving my mornings with her.  Instead of rushing to get out the door, we snuggle and read books and maybe take a tub just for fun.  I have been taking some time, too, to work on a fun new clutch design.  I haven't gotten things perfect, but I'm enjoying the process of fiddling.  I have discovered that I love pleats and so this new clutch will feature at least one.  Here is what it looks like so far:  These are being donated to a friend's raffle to raise money for breast cancer research.  Hence the pink theme!

Peace and love to you my friends; have a lovely week!

Sunny Happy Love

At last, the sun has made an appearance.  It is amazing to me how much of an impact it can make on my attitude, for the better.  Bronwyn is officially on Summer Break and she's sleeping in, which is lovely.  Time is of the essence, though, so quickly I wanted to show you what is making me happy in the creative department.

One of my favorite surface designers, Heather Ross, has come out with her latest fabric collection.  Her prints are on linen this time and the line is called Far Far Away, Chapter II.  It is full of fairy tale, sketchbook whimsy and I'm in LOVE!  I got my first shipment of a couple of her prints and immediately made these sweet zippered boxy cases.  I can't decide which one is my favorite!  They are all available in my Etsy and Artfire shops. 

Summer Time

Well it's official.  It's summer.  And I feel a bit blue.  It has been raining to beat records here and my tomatoes are wondering, "What the heck?".  Today is Bronwyn's final day of school, and I just can't seem to get everything done.  I decided that maybe summer needs a bit more encouragement to make an appearance.  Why not?  So I made a Strawberry Clafouti in the hopes that the season would feel more welcome in my home.  So far, it's still raining, but at least the house smells lovely!

Here's the recipe for this delicious, slightly sweet, creamy custardy treat.

STRAWBERRY CLAFOUTI

8 oz fresh, washed, strawberries, cut in half lengthwise

2 tsp cornstarch

3 large eggs

1 cup milk

2/3 cup flour (I used unbleached white bread flour)

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

powdered sugar (for the top)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter a shallow 2 quart baking dish (I used a glass pie plate). 

In a bowl toss strawberry halves with the cornstarch until evenly coated, then arrange the berries with cut side down on the bottom of the dish.

In a blender, whirl eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth (about 15 seconds).

Pour batter over strawberries.

Bake until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center (about 50 minutes).  Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.  The fruit rises to the top so you can see it and rests on the custardy filling.