Friday's Quote

'She reads books as one would breathe air to fill up and live.' 

Annie Dillard

The books and magazines are stacking up these days. A stack on the nightstand, the coffee table, a stack in a basket here and there, the counter -well you get the picture. I had to go around the house the other night and centralized my 'stashes of knowledge.' These days I am devouring content on natural living, herbs, chemical free skin care along with some chicken research - not as random as it sounds. We still continue to the chicken debate here [do we do it and when?]. 

If you ever want to get to know someone better or really get to the heart of what's going on in someones life, ask them what they're reading. A book is the internal movie playing out in the mind -- that book can speak volumes [pun intended - hehe] about a person's internal dialogue. And in my humble opinion its a much better question to ask at a dinner party versus 'what do you do?' or 'how is work?'

These days, here's what's in my 'stash of knowledge' stack: 

Non-Fiction: 

:: Once Upon a Flock: Life with My Soulful Chickens by Lauren Scheuer

:: Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar 

:: Natural Skin Care by Vintage Remedies

Fiction: 

:: Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

Magazines: 

:: Whole Living (The magazine is no longer produced, but back issues can be found online and they are still relevant.)

::  Sweet Paul 

:: Mother Earth Living 

:: Mollie Makes

Hope Elephants

This word, 'hope' is one of my favorites - it has been for years. It's a small word, thrown around quiet a bit in day-to-day chit chat [''I hope you are well'' ''I hope I don't have do that'', etc.], but there are some powerful intentions that accompany this four letter word. 

And that's exactly what's happening in Hope, Maine where two rescued/retired circus elephants, Rosie and Opal, are lucky to call home. We visited them a while ago - can't believe I never shared this part of our Maine trip with you. I was completely besotted with them and continue to think of them often. 

Their eyes are just incredibly soulful. Did you know they have the ability to recognize and remember other elephants based on their features? Me neither. Talk about intelligent. 

During the visit, I couldn't help but sense how much hope for a bright future they have brought to their town and more importantly the hope they have inspired to save their own species. It was quite evident from the way the visitors, young and old, interact with the staff on the tours, the look on their faces, the curious and serious questions being asked.  

Through their sanctuary of two, where they receive comprehensive medical care, well rounded nutrition based on their needs, activities to prevent them from getting bored and lots of unconditional love from their caretaker [a veterinarian] they raise awareness of the dire situation elephants are in --being poached at frightening numbers.  

It is through awareness efforts like these where an immense amount of hope resides. Hope that the next generation is given the gift of seeing these magnificent creatures here on earth versus a history book. 

Hope has the power to carry us and deliver powerful things my friends. If you happen to be traveling to Maine, I highly recommend stopping by to visit these two lovelies in Hope, Maine. 

P.S. If you're wondering if we brought home a puppy, we did not, but it's not entirely off the table either ;)  

Friday's Quote

Where does the time go? It feels like ages since I have been here to say hello and share the latest. On my mind today, is my best furry friend. He is currently passed out on the couch [although he did move when I started snapping pictures - he's not a fan of the paparazzi] and hasn't a clue that his quiet little world could soon be permanently disturbed. 

We're toying with the idea of getting another dog -- I keep saying 'we must be nuts,' with the hope that I'll change my mind, but I really do wish to bring another one home and so does Arte. Up until now, our conversations on the matter go something like this: 

me: I really want a puppy. Can we please, please, please get a puppy? I want a puppy. 

Arte: No. Jax would not be okay with that.

me: I know. BUT I really, really want one. 

A month, later he is the one begging for a puppy and I'm saying, 'No. Jax would not be okay with that.' This dog of ours has us wrapped around his furry paw. Heaven help him adjust because as of now, we're both leaning towards bringing one home. There was a terrible story in the local news about fifty dogs being rescued from terrible treatment and conditions. Sadly, there seems to be more and more of these stories and it's becoming increasingly difficult to stomach them, but this one has left me thinking, maybe it is time to rescue a pup. 

Often times when I hear about animal abuse, I'm reminded of this quote: 

'You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.' James Miles 

As far as another puppy is concerned, well, stay tuned....

The Market

It's a lazy weekend. Not the kind where laziness and boredom go hand and hand. Rather, a lazy weekend where one hour slowly slips into the next as I make my way from one small task to the next, enjoying the open windows, the breeze, the coolness across my skin and a trip to the market. 

The colors of the season tempted me to bring home one of each when I went with a short list consisting of peaches, corn, tomatoes and cucumbers. 

And besides some pesto and a waffle, the list was adhered to and instead my lazy weekend trip to the market consisted of taking pictures and soaking it all in. 

Sunflowers and Lavender

The flowers of my summer: sunflowers and lavender. A funny combination when you think about it. One so strong and bold, the other more subtle and delicate in comparison. Both beautiful in their own way and balancing each other out, like yin and yang. 

Sunflowers never did wind up making their way into the garden this year, which makes them all the more cherished when I bring them home from a market or a farmer's road stand. 

My dreamy lavender on the other hand is in abundance to the point where I almost didn't know what to do with it all. 

But have no fear, old jars have been put to good use holding big bunches of lavender that now line the stairs. A sight that simply makes me smile. I even put some next to my nightstand so it's one of the last things I see and smell on way to dreamland. 

Friday's Quote

'Hello August. You're an old familiar friend that tries with all it's might to hold onto the last beautiful days of summer. The air you bring is different than the one that came before you, with hints of what's to come. Your days are sweet with a soft glow that reminds one to savior these precious days and to live in the present moment. For these days, in due time, shall pass and fade into a new season.' - Yours truly.