Thoughts Archives - Spoon & Suitcase

I Write Because…

Posted on June 7, 2017December 31, 2017 by Mary

Simple steps adorned only with poetic messages. “The butterfly does not sing the years but the moments: For this reason, its short time is just enough.” Flaneur

I believe we all are writers. The only thing separating us are the filters we choose to use to describe an experience. Our filters may be color-driven, emotionally driven, memory-driven or personal belief-driven. It’s all these variations that make one moment in time appear in a thousand different ways. I write to hold certain moments close, to learn from the past, and to celebrate my friends and family.

I find it fascinating to take a snapshot of an event in my mind, capturing only my feelings and remembrances. Reviewing past photographs helps me to go deep within and unearth times in my life that mark a turning point. I can feel the salt on my skin after viewing photos of my early years rafting all day long at Mission Beach. I smell Jessie’s puppy breath, my first dog who was my constant companion while living in Australia, by just looking at a picture I have of her hanging in my bedroom. I feel gratitude and a sense of accomplishment after looking at photos of the tiny fig tree I planted not even four years ago and seeing how at home it now feels at a height of over seven feet tall. Always when I see photos of Italy, my heart pounds and I am in love again. All these moments were important to me in some way and by expressing in writing the emotion they carried, give me intense satisfaction. Sharing these emotions reveal our vulnerability and make us human.

Five years of blogging have taught me how to look within and not be afraid of who I am. This platform has given me confidence to keep writing, even more fervently. As I embark on year six, the camera continues to click as I change the lenses more frequently, fine tune my focus and always look for the unexpected.

To celebrate the past five years of my writing journey, I’d like to share some of my favorite stories.

A long ago past adventure in Paris: June 4, 2014 Time Travels

A recent Italian love: May 18, 2017 Take Another Little Piece of My Heart

Inner feelings: March 25, 2015 My Life as a Leaf

My favorite pastime: April 12, 2016 Play Ball!

Family Stories: June 18, 2014 A Drink of Nature
May 17, 2016 The Egg

Art!: Artful Traveling

Coming soon! A new look for this blog with easier navigation and ability to print recipes!

Writing frees my soul, grounds me in the present, and makes the fire of my spirit dance with delight. Mary Knight

Ciao for now,
Mary

A Kitchen’s Best Friend

Posted on April 28, 2017May 15, 2017 by Mary

How beautiful and trendy! A piece of artwork for your kitchen.

The other day as I was whipping up a lemon chiffon cake in my Kitchen Aid, I felt this rush of love and adoration for this appliance that has been the stronghold of my various kitchens for over 37 years. I know it sounds crazy to be in love with a kitchen appliance but really, it’s about the stories it harbors. The Kitchen Aid has assisted me in making pasta, grinding meat, kneading dough along with basic mixing for cookies. This work horse deserves a tribute.

It’s a family love affair. My mom purchased her first Kitchen Aid in the early 60’s after being enticed by the ads in her cooking magazines. An avid cook with a fetish for cooking gadgets, the latest avocado green Kitchen Aid soon graced her kitchen counter, matching the decor of bold blossoms of orange, yellow and green wall paper that peppered her kitchen. Mom wasn’t the only one who embraced this new time-saving appliance. I latched onto it too when my teenage sweet tooth took over and chocolate whipped cream-stuffed angel food cake and pineapple upside down cake became my specialties.

This is what my mom’s Kitchen Aid looked like circa 1964.

I received my first, very own Kitchen Aid at the ago of 23, as a gift from my grandmother who was proud of my culinary accomplishments from La Varenne cooking school. So this tribute is to you too, Grammy, a fine cook and wonderful Bohemian pastry maker who influenced my cooking style from early on.

As a pastry chef, my Hobart, made by Kitchen Aid, was my best friend, cranking out Italian meringue by the gallon, kneading pounds of brioche and mixing tart dough for the next day’s pastries. It was the boss of the kitchen.

Because I have a curious nature, I researched a bit more about this amazing appliance to see just exactly how it came to be. Here’s what I discovered.
The first mixer was produced in 1919 by the Hobart Corporation and was called “the Hub.” It was designed by Herbert Johnston after observing workers making dough by hand and thinking there must be an easier way. The Kitchen Aid continued to evolve, getting exposure in Good Housekeeping and Harper’s Bazaar. It was in vogue to own one of these time-saving machines. In 1955, five vibrant colors were introduced: Island Green, Petal Pink, Sunny Yellow, Antique Copper and Satin Chrome. Now you really wanted to invite the ladies over to see your kitchen! Cooking became a lot more fun!

Vintage Kitchen Aids

Talk about an appliance that transcends time. The style has changed very little and it has continued to be center stage for the home cook as well as the professional. I decided to write about this fabulous appliance because I have recently renewed my relationship with it. It sat in a cabinet with little use for years. Now that I have moved it to my counter, I am enjoying its power a couple of times a week. My Kitchen Aid inspires me to want to test just one more recipe and I’m having a lot more fun in my own kitchen!

Do you have a favorite memory of something you created when your Kitchen Aid first joined your kitchen? Please share!

Stay tuned next week for a recipe for Almond Meringue Rhubarb Cake. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Click here to watch a great video on the history of the Kitchen Aid.

“You may feel that you have eaten too much…But this pastry is like
feathers – it is like snow. It is in fact good for you, a digestive!”
― M.F.K. Fisher, The Art of Eating

Ciao for now,

Mary

It’s Showtime!

Posted on March 16, 2017May 23, 2017 by Mary

This week only! Buds everywhere! My garden has stated that dormancy and hibernation are over and it’s time to create. Create leaves and buds that will burst forth into fruit and flowers. It’s such a delicate time of year. The crossover, so to speak, of stillness and the conservation of energy, to the release, in tiny increments of stored up power. The curtains are going up and it’s showtime.

There is one drama queen in my yard that loves to act up and challenge me. She is the fuyu persimmon tree I named Francesca. I planted her last May. As much as I talked with her, fertilized and watered her, she completely ignored me. Like she couldn’t care less and wanted to die. No new growth, just sticks for arms. She seemed to glare at me, holding her ground and not budging. She stood there steadfast, pouting for almost a year. I was ready to replace her with an understudy, a pretty plum tree. Last weekend while on my garden rounds, lo and behold, she finally decided to make an appearance and deliver green buds! Was it all the rain we received this winter or did her neighbor, Reed, the avocado tree, give her a pep talk? “Hey girl – You’re late for curtain call!” Whatever the reason, I am grateful she has finally decided to join the family.

Reed, my avocado is loaded with buds. I’m dreaming of a bumper crop!

Besides the visual, there’s the sensory expression of spring. The sweet scent of orange blossoms drifts in the air, five different songbirds serenade me as the mourning doves chime in with their rythmic beat of coo coo, coo coo, coo coo. Hummingbirds shower in the water spewing from my sprinklers and bees pollinate everything they can find. It’s my own live theater production that keeps evolving before my very eyes. Everyday a new song, a new bloom, a new me reacting to the show. And so life unravels one day at a time….

Look carefully for the hummingbird relaxing in the pomegranate tree

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”…
“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…”
― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Ciao for now!

Mary

Food Fraud Exposed Editorial

Posted on January 13, 2016May 21, 2017 by Mary

60 minutes recently aired an exposé on the Mafia’s control over food production in Italy, called “Agromafia.” It is scary. Chlorophyll and sunflower oil or canola oil mixed together to form olive oil; detergent added to cheese to whiten it; cheap wine touted as expensive reserve. Food is a big business, especially in Italy.

The show focused on Italy but the Italians aren’t the only culprits in the food industry. Remember the melamine from China in dog food that made so many pets sick? Food from China is often boycotted because we distrust their full disclosure of ingredients. I’ve been researching various food products around the world and each country has its pocket of villains trying to make an easy buck. God knows our country is not exempt and also has its share of fraudulent manufacturers.

It’s a world wide epidemic and why? Our need and want for more choices but at a low cost lures us into buying with our eyes closed. If you are paying $9.99 for a gallon of olive oil, do you really think you are getting the real deal? We convince ourselves that we are getting a bargain without questioning the source. As my high school English teacher, Mr. Bell, said repeatedly, TINSTAFL. There is no such thing as a free lunch!

There are many agencies that regulate food fraud including the FDA. Actually, my last shipment was randomly flagged and held over in customs for six weeks until an FDA agent could “test” my olives and make sure they were acidic enough. They passed the test with ease and I learned that some food companies pass through unnoticed with possibly tainted food while others, like mine, must endure the food safety process.

Beware of companies jumping on the bandwagon to sell trendy foods who do not do their research. My travels over Italy have led me to the true creators of authentic, family grown and unadulterated products. I care about what goes into my body and choose to support the independent businesses rather than the “box” brand names. I rely on them to deliver quality and they rely on me to buy their products. Food Fraud Resources is a great website and a tutorial for helping us to distinguish between authentic and fraudulent foods. There is an especially interesting article on fish that will surprise you and also make you swim away from certain seafoods. foodfraudresources.com

So let’s not live in fear of products from other countries, but rather be aware, read labels, and support the people who really want to make a difference in the world.

Here’s a video clip from the 60 Minutes episode:

Agromafia

Visit my site, thevirtuousolive to view a video from Galantino, the olive mill I receive my beautiful, pure oils from. You can see first hand how they produce their extra virgin olive oils.

Enjoy and drink your olive oil!!

Mary

Experience Risotto with Wild Bolete Mushrooms

Posted on August 26, 2015March 10, 2022 by Mary

Mushroom risotto. The flavor is so sublime, why complicate it with too many other ingredients? The essence that is the mushroom carries the flavor with the assistance of shallots, dry white wine and parsley. Watch carefully. Do not overcook. Do not overstir. It’s a lesson in patience – a zen experience.

Let the risotto evolve and reduce with gentle stirs and ladlefuls of broth as needed. Do not overwork it – just like life. Don’t over think. Just let the magic happen. Earthy, delicate, straightforward. A recipe that taught me when to add broth. When to stir. When to let it rest. This is why I love to cook. The food talks to you and lets you know how it would like to be treated. Maybe I should have a chat with each dish I make and get their opinion on how they’d like to be prepared.

Resist giving into the temptation to cook the rice until it’s mushy. Risotto should be like pasta, “al dente” with a little teeth to the bite. This gives the rice character so it doesn’t sink into the sunset as a nondescript bowl of cream of rice. What I want to share with you is not how to make risotto, but rather how to experience risotto.

Mushroom Risotto

Print Recipe

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon butter
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 shallot chopped finely
1 cup chopped mushrooms or rehydrated dried mushrooms or wild Bolete mushrooms
1 cup Arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine
3 plus cups vegetarian stock or chicken stock - warmed on the stove
1/4 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - optional
chopped parsley to garnish

Method

Melt the butter and oil together.
Stir in the shallots and sauté until soft.
Add the mushrooms.
Stir in the rice. Let the rice immerse itself into the oil.
Add the white wine and cook on medium heat until the liquid is nearly evaporated.
Now, slowly stir in the broth of your choice, about one cup to start. You will notice that it quickly is absorbed into the rice.
Give a little stir so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom, then ladle in another 1/2 cup or so of the broth.
Continue this method until the rice is cooked. The rice might absorb 2 1/2 cups or 3 cups.
Taste frequently and salt to taste. It is best when there is still some liquid in the rice so it is a bit saucy!
If desired, stir in parmesan.
Garnish with parsley. I also garnished with pieces of grilled zucchini as shown in the photo.
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ciao for now!

Mary

Take Flight

Posted on June 17, 2015March 31, 2021 by Mary

How can you not help falling in love with birds? Every morning as I write, I gaze into a wonderland of constant fluttering and tune into their radio station. Finches share the seed feeder with mourning doves, pigeons and even crows. If a hummingbird isn’t drinking from my bottle of homemade sugar syrup, it’s sucking nectar from my wild and overgrown purple salvia, and the bountiful orange and lemon blossoms. Occasionally, a hawk visits. When this happens, a hush comes over my garden and life freezes. Clans of wild parrots swoop in just to shake things up, with their bright green flash of feathers and loud squawking alerting the neighborhood that they have arrived.

Many days I wish I could join them, dipping and soaring, watching the world anonymously. I would enter another realm, and embrace that sense of freedom and exploration wings provide. Oh to dream!

I couldn't help sharing this gorgeous creation of nature. — I couldn’t help sharing this gorgeous creation of nature.

Although my garden is not unique, I feel like I have created an environment for a multi-cultural group of winged species who harmoniously co-habitate. How can we capture this state of being and use it as a model for we humans? I think a good place to start is to close our eyes to color and size, and focus on sharing more of our real, vulnerable selves. What are your ideas?

Ciao and take flight to your dreams,

Mary

“Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.”
― Terry Tempest Williams, When Women Were Birds: Fifty-four Variations on Voice

My Garden’s Fairy Godmother

Posted on April 8, 2015May 21, 2017 by Mary

The delicate beauty of the rich orange pomegranate flower always amazes me. My tree this year, its third, is flush with flowers which means lots of fruit this fall!

Sometimes neglect yields great surprises. My garden is my sanctuary and I feel very disconnected when I am not able to spend time weeding and cultivating. These times when I feel so overwhelmed by life, my friend Mother Nature steps in as if to say, “I’ve taken care of your garden for you so you can catch your breath.” This seems to be a frequent occurrence in my land of fruits and vegetables.

Handfuls of mini, almost like wild, strawberries suddenly populated their leafy home. — Handfuls of mini, almost wild-like strawberries suddenly propagated prolifically in their fertile home.

The month of March entered and left so quickly that when I finally took time yesterday to purge the lettuce gone to seed, I was able to take a closer look at the activity. It was as if a magic spell was cast upon my garden and my fairy godmother left behind a few things to surprise me.

A layer of gravel lays between my raised garden beds. It’s not unusual for random weeds to pop up and survive in this bone dry rocky dirt. Over the weeks, I watched as unusual “weeds” randomly sprouted. I did not pull them out, thinking they might be dandelions. Yesterday their identity was revealed – they are Italian Chicory from last winter’s garden. How amazing that they rooted themselves in gravel, amid serious neglect and are now growing tall dark green stems! Even though I am surprised, these guys found a place to camp that mirrors their native southern Italy with its dry, arid weather. This was one of my favorite plants last year as it finished off its cycle with profuse periwinkle blue blossoms that continued to bloom into May. These squatters can stay as long as they like.

I would never have guessed that Italian Chicory could survive in a land of gravel.

The leaves of my hidden beets are so pretty, I admired them, (and ate their leafy green tops all winter) longer than I should have. As I finally plucked them from the earth, they emerged as veggies on steroids, at least twice their normal size. Lesson learned. These will be pickling beets – ginger pickled – to be enjoyed for weeks to come.

As I made my way to the back fence to check on my grapes, all I could do was gasp. My severe pruning last fall paid off and now the vines are reaching over the fence. The best surprise – teeny, tiny clusters of lime green infant grapes clinging to the tendrils! It was as if they grew a foot overnight. Summer fruits awaits.

I love the delicious green grape leaves that will soon decorate the length of my fence.

It’s time to plant tomatoes and I am in love once again! Thank you my gardening fairy godmother for continuing to keep me dazzled and inspired.

“However many years she lived, Mary always felt that ‘she should never forget that first morning when her garden began to grow’.”
― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Ciao for now! Love,

Mary

My Life as a Leaf

Posted on March 25, 2015May 21, 2017 by Mary

Several mornings a week, Sparky and I hike the trails overlooking the ocean near my home. Scrub brush and a few old shedding eucalyptus trees line the pathway. Each day I choose a fallen brown parchment leaf that speaks to me and represents how I feel and determines the mood for my day. Somedays it’s a leaf with torn edges when my knees are acting up. Somedays it’s a large broad leaf that shouts, “Think big! Dare to be bold!”

Further along the path, a transplanted old stump sits upright beckoning daily hikers to adorn it with rocks and twigs in a balancing act. My usual contribution is one of my chosen leaves which I think look like wings and encourages me to fly. This representation of accumulated nature seems to say, “Don’t let anybody knock you off your path!”

This morning I was feeling a little blue so wanted to find a greener leaf as a sign of newness and rebirth. It seems almost as quickly as the leaves fall, they turn brown with age. How quickly life passes… Only one wilting green trio was in sight. I picked it up along with a lanky, slightly curvy dark leaf and walked them to the “pillar of strength.” I carefully tucked the leaves among the balancing rocks and whispered a prayer for lightness and flexibility in my life. As I proceeded down the trail, there was a spring in my step and a release of tension. A team of 20 pelicans glides in front of me, their gentle strength and synchronicity with nature reminding me to embrace life with grace and not to flap so hard. A new day has begun and I am here enjoying the solitude of nature and salty ocean breezes. How can life be any better?

Sparky enjoying a few moments of reflection at his favorite spot. — Sparky enjoying a few moments of reflection at his favorite spot further down the trail.

“Everything you can imagine is real.”
― Pablo Picasso

Ciao for now,

Mary

The Gift

Posted on February 4, 2015May 21, 2017 by Mary

I have just received the greatest gift – The gift of time. This opportunity in time came in the form of sharing my house with my mom for nearly five months while her kitchen was being remodeled. I write about time, talk about time, obsess over time, and wish for more time. In this case, I am ever-grateful for this precious time spent with my mom.

We ate breakfast and dinner together, shared our days, joys and frustrations. We learned how to be sensitive to each other’s feelings and how to fine tune the balance in sharing space. We giggled as we watched Saturday Night Live together, between snoozes. The best part – I learned a lot more about her and what made her who she is through her stories of past times. In the meantime, we bonded deeply. Her breadth of wisdom and ability to see beyond and over the rainbow kept me grounded. I am in awe of her strength through difficult times and wish I had more of it. If you ever want someone on your side, who believes in you to the end of time, that would be my Mom.

Everyday I held onto this time, securing it in my heart for future reflection. As time happens, her house is now ready and it’s time for her to move out. It reminds me of when I left my family home for college. We both procrastinated, knowing the inevitable would be difficult for both of us. It’s been one of the most fun five months of my life – like a long slumber party with your best girlfriend. As much as most women want their own identity and do not want to be just like their mothers, when I look into her clear blue eyes and see the beauty of her soul, I want to be more like her.

Thanks Mom for being the best roommate, soul sister, friend and confidant a girl could ask for. I am in love with time spent with you!

“When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself.” -Nancy Friday

Ciao for now. The next few weeks will bring recipes of lemons and chocolate!

Mary

The Rain Storm

Posted on December 10, 2014May 21, 2017 by Mary

Alley cat lounging on a car hood. Check out her reflection. Bella.

I wrote this in late September in Lucca, Italy while listening to an intense thunderstorm. As much as I wanted to include a photo of rain, I could not find one in my photo library, hence this interesting cat. It’s funny how we always want it to be sunny for our photos. I have learned a lesson and will now document rain or shine! Enjoy my first experiment with prose.

Wednesday, 7:30am

The Rain Storm

The sky roars waking the earth with its thunderous baritone.
Rain soon arrives pelting the ground with fierce intention.
Softer yet deeper rumblings vocalize, then echo as they fade across the universe.
Gentle and steady cascades the water, like a summer waterfall.
A single “boom” and flash of light signals its cloud bursts must continue.
Another long, drawn out tenor note fills the fresh air leaving a lingering stillness.
How I love to be surprised with these arias of song on this otherwise ordinary morning.

Love and Happy Holiday Times,

Mary

It’s a Mystery

Posted on September 3, 2014May 21, 2017 by Mary

James Knight. Master mystery reader and collector.

This is a story about passion. My dad’s and his books. The library that housed his collection vibrated with intrigue, drama, murder, beautiful women and titles like “Dead as a Dummy,” “Stiffs Don’t Vote,” “No Tears for the Dead,” “’The Case of the Terrified Typist,” and “ Bones of Contention.”

When my mom’s house sold, I took on the task of systematically boxing up these treasures. Little did I realize that I was about to be baptized into the world of mystery writers. These crime scene authors are now my friends as I categorize the over 1,000 books my dad collected over a span of 50 years. Names like Geoffrey Holmes, Nicolas Freeling, Rae Foley, Manning Coles and George Coxe are now etched in my mind; my dad’s favorite authors.

My mom, Carolyn, blowing dust from Dad's antiquities. — My mom, Carolyn, blowing dust from Dad’s antiquities.

As I pull each book, many of them cloth-covered, from the shelf, page markers denote an event at the time of the reading. An airplane ticket to Mexico, a card or note from me, a receipt telling where the book was purchased, giving us a clue to its value. My dad’s presence was heavy in the air, guiding me, teaching me, sharing his love and the art of reading for leisure. I learned to show interest in someone else’s passion even if you don’t think it’s your thing. I wish I had asked him about this collection, when he started it and how he knew which books would be valuable someday. I wondered if he read and re-read the books of the 40’s and 50’s because it reminded him of a time he was familiar with and it brought back fond memories.

A library awaiting its fate and new home in boxes. How I wish a collector would adopt them! — A library awaiting its fate and new homes in boxes. How I wish a collector would adopt them!

Curiosity got the better of me and I opened up a 1946 Geoffrey Homes, my eyes now trained to see dates and First Editions and the first line had me hooked. I sat down and read page after page, enjoying the writing and how the author created the setting. This 15 minute respite gave me that “aha” moment where I finally realized how my dad felt when he opened one of these books – like time traveling, letting your mind escape for the moment. I gratefully added this book to the stack that would join my library. This mystery lure runs also through my blood. As a child I read every Nancy Drew I could get my hands on, often trading them out at our used bookstore. My dad and I shared a love of Agatha Christie and later still Tony Hillerman both of us reading literally every one of these author’s books. Life is a mystery. The plot continuously unfolding, revealing what we chose to see, hiding clues for our future along the way. I now embrace a different part of my dad, this shadow of him, his true passion. I appreciate this gift. It’s become personal. Thank you Dad for sharing…..

Sending love and good mysterious happenings your way,

Mary

Simplicity

Posted on April 23, 2014May 21, 2017 by Mary

Simplicity. This word kept coming to mind all week. It is defined as:

Easy to understand or do

Freedom from complexity, intricacy

Sincerity, naturalness

Why this word? With the intensity of spring’s vibrancy and a nudging to accelerate my goals, mirroring my garden’s growth, is this an attempt to make me feel small? We all strive for a simpler life, mention it in conversation, but we just keep adding more to our schedules, pushing ourselves forward. It seems so contrary.

Sometimes a tiny incremental shift is all we need to realize simplicity.

Want to experience simplicity? Take a walk. Today I felt the pressure of work projects, home upkeeps, writing this blog – overload. So, what did I do? Got out the leashes and took myself and the dogs for a long walk. The feel of the warm breeze, the scent of blooming roses, the stillness and comfort of a familiar neighborhood and the sound of quiet – only the click of canine nails on the pavement. My mind releases and stalls in the present moment.

When I return, I realize that I have put the pressures on myself and that I ultimately control them. During my mindful or mindless walk, my sub-conscious brain has decided what pressures to let go. I just don’t realize it until I plug back in at home. Suddenly the world feels lighter and simplicity is captured.

…….Be Simplicity Itself….

Ciao and love for now,

Mary

Spring Awakening

Posted on March 19, 2014May 20, 2017 by Mary

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere:

And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintery rest. Percy Bysshe Shelley

March 20, 2014 at 9:57am PST, the sun will cross the celestial equator traveling from south to north thus ushering in the Spring Equinox, from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night). Welcome Spring! It’s time to celebrate!

Blossoming Clivia grace my yard but for such a short time.

The dawn of spring gently awakens the youth in all of us. There is a connection of light and hope and newness. A chance to push through and move forward as a seed emerges from the earth. Spring’s visual display of determination reveals tiny souls to the world growing into certainty. A metaphor for life.

My emerging Paradiso fig finally is leafing! — My hibernating Paradiso Fig finally is leafing!

Spring and the Equinox are two of the most powerful times of the year. A time for rebirth, celebrations, movement and progress.

A newly planted Muscat grape vine shows off her healthy, shiny just opened leaves.

At this time of year, I celebrate Mother Nature and her inspiration. She is a display of life and giving everyday. I see hope through the tiny green nubs poking out from frail and barren branches. She shows joy through her vibrant palette of colors dancing across my yard.

My Mom's lemon tree bursting with buds. — My Mom’s apricot tree with buds emerging from a winter’s sleep.

Seedlings appear out of nowhere, like the dense purple lavender and matching Salvia flowers that magically have taken root in random vacant spots. They surprise me with their strength and hardiness. It’s a willingness to continue and not give up.

Dense and brilliant lavender loved by the bees. — A bee tickles the lavender, teasing out the sweet nectar.

My garden is singing, the melody of its movement beckons me to notice every new life form. Bees, hummingbirds and worms work synergistically to pollinate and aerate to keep life balanced.

I hope this bee makes some great lavender honey somewhere!

The sweet and equally tart Meyer lemons and juicy, fragrant oranges sharing their abundance with me are the overture for springtime. It’s almost time to think of summer veggies, but for now I will remain in the present, observing the evolution of winter morphing into spring and the realization that life marches forward.

A Reed Avocado in full bloom. I wish for avocados this year!

Each year at this time I write down the dreams and wishes I am planting and hope come to fruition. It can be as simple as anticipating a new bud on my avocado tree making its way to maturity or a more ambitious vision like adventurous travel, abundance in all forms, opportunity, or love. In reviewing my past writings, it amazes me how many of these manifestations have come true. It really is a time to express what you would like to create in your life.

Magenta geraniums that are almost blinding.

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?” Neltje Blanchan

Happy Spring Equinox!!

Ciao and Love,

Mary

Artful Traveling

Posted on January 29, 2014May 20, 2017 by Mary

Beautiful and tempting macaroons lure me into this shop for a taste

As the years retreat, like soldiers who have lost or won a battle, I march forward down life’s path with a renewed sense of passion. My passion almost always lies in the discoveries that travel brings. This past year brought forth many new heart-opening journeys that are influencing me in new ways.

I love Europe for its art around every corner, so freely displayed. During my last adventure abroad, I felt the presence of art all around me, so strongly in fact that it stirred an emotion deep inside of me. I was struck with an awareness of how every person on this planet leaves his or her artistic mark in some way. It might be grandiose like the intricate baroque cathedrals; indulgent and visually stunning like the cakes and pastries presented in the windows that look too beautiful to eat; the street musicians who entertain with such a flair or the paintings on the village walls, simplistic and with a message. I was viewing the world through the eyes of the artists who created these personal works. This new awareness flooded my senses and inspired me to document and explore my experiences in all things artistic. My focus for the year is love created by art or is it art created by love? I dedicate 2014 to this theme.

A peek into a private garden revealed the owner’s passion for sculpture art

Nicola found this old piece of pottery under a tree along the pathway in Lucca. As the rain erodes the ground cover, these treasures are revealed

These dazzling creations catch your eye with intricacy

Nestled into a doorway in Florence, an accordion player sings for his supper

A friend that kept me company at La Mimosa

A chocolate lover’s paradise. I love the photo of the man. Who is he?

Brilliant reds lining the streets of Pietrasanta

Artisan bread – so white and organically displayed in Lari

Signage rustica and handmade. Your eyes want to read the entire menu

Wine dispensary housed in a small vegetable market in Lucca. The painting says “Try it. You’ll like it!”

A farmer at the local frantoio, or olive mill, waits for his olives to be pressed into oil

Layers of art. I wonder if one person created all this or if it was a collaboration?

Thanks for letting me share my view of art with you. Keep your eyes open. Art is everywhere!

Grazie and with love!!

Maria

Autumn Earth

Posted on October 20, 2013May 20, 2017 by Mary

Fall is a season of contrasts. Besides the obvious color change of leaves, there is a distinct softness in the air, a kind of fuzzy morning haze, with warm afternoons, cool evenings and if you’re lucky and the skies are clear, a chance of a green flash over the ocean with the setting sun. I love this time to reflect on what has grown, in my life and my garden, and the sweet anticipation of what’s to come.

My garden also is a contrast of various stages of growth. The Angel Pomegranate tree I planted last summer has gifted me five garnet red beauties. It has doubled in size and I imagine will continue to multiply its harvest next year. The Meyer Lemon is heavy with green fruit that is beginning to turn yellow for a most likely January crop. My raised bed gardens are filling up with young plants. I started chicory, kale, lettuce and beets from seeds. It’s so interesting to be able to identify the plants when they are so tiny!

Baby kale just learning its identity.

Romaine lettuce – very assertive.

Although not yet recognizable, these will be transformed into red and golden beets. So lovely.

Fava Beans started from seedlings. The anchor of my Italian garden.

Speaking of Italy, in a few days I embark on another adventure, this time to Tuscany. I’m staying on an agritourisimo (farm) for two weeks and immersing myself into the country lifestyle. This is the beginning of the olive harvest season and I am hoping to learn the craft of making olive oil with my farm family. Tune in for recipes I gather as I meet and cook with the locals and savor the foods of the season. The ancient cultures have so much wisdom to impart. I’ll keep my eyes, ears and heart open to learn from them as well as continue my search for Black Madonnas. Let the journey begin!

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Ciao for now!

Mary (Maria)

Garden of Life

Posted on September 13, 2013May 20, 2017 by Mary

Every person has their own garden. A garden of wishes they hope to grow into fruition. When we are young, we plant many seeds of all the things we hope to accomplish in life. As we age and have watched those seeds become living dreams, some happy and healthy, some are weeds that need to be sorted through and recycled. Some become overgrown and litter our mind. I love to weed. It gives me time to deeply contemplate what needs more attention and what needs less. As I loosen the invaders with my fingers and tug gently to release their roots, it is a form of catharsis for me. It’s like clearing my mind at the same time as cleaning up my yard. I can see things more clearly. The trees, flowers and bushes now can shine and be a focal point, their once tag-along side kicks removed. The mind relaxes; the body aches a bit but feels stronger for it. There is almost nothing I’d rather do on a sunny weekend than trim and prune and weed my yard.I am making it more beautiful and hospitable for the birds and butterflies and bees that call my garden home. How we tend and care for our “gardens” reflect how we live our lives. Infuse a little love in everything you do and watch what happens!!

One of the many hummingbirds that delight in the abundance of salvia in my yard. — One of the many hummingbirds that delight in the abundance of Salvia in my yard.

Love from my garden to yours,

Mary

Transitions

Posted on April 12, 2013May 20, 2017 by Mary

Sparky pondering his nest transition.... — Sparky pondering his next transition…

The transition to spring nudges me to do things that I have had on a procrastination list – cleaning out closets, purging my computer of used emails, exercising regularly and last but not least, preparing my raised beds for summer veggies.

A clean slate with which to paint a new picture.

Why are we such creatures of habit when it comes to “spring” cleaning? What prompts us to create space especially this time of year? To me, transition is a form of new creation, a fresh outlook, and in my garden, a literal new viewpoint of colors and textures. My juvenile pomegranate tree has transitioned from a spindle of naked branches to an explosion of vibrant green leaves and sunset buds soon to become my favorite leather skinned fruits.

Summer will tease charming blossoms into autumn fruit.

Such delicate beauty!

The aromatic sweet peas that have lit up two areas of my yard with cotton candy pinks, snow whites and deep velvet purples are slowly saying goodbye, much to my dismay. It’s like a good friend who is going on a long vacation. I know they will be back next year but miss them already.

How much prettier can these pinks get? Everyday I am grateful and amazed. They are glorious!!!!

The last of my lettuce is in my refrigerator, ready to share with friends. I am grateful for such an abundant harvest that kept me fed and healthy for months. As I cleaned up the last of the broccoli, I noticed that my beets are finally ready to be released from their slumber.

New beets so sweet. Don’t forget the green tops which are just as delectable.

Spring revealed! Beautiful fraise, so tiny and fragrant with the scent of French woods.

So, as nature is constantly transitioning, every day, every minute, I am learning to do the same. Little, incremental changes, that mimic nature’s rhythm, help us shift into the new, opening up space for creative forces to take hold. What will you shift today?

The new has arrived! Summer “fruit” is brewing!

Avec l’amour de ma maison à la vôtre, le bonheur et la bonne santé (With love from my house to yours, happiness and good health)