Blog

Endangered and Dear Monarch Butterflies

Endangered and Dear Monarch Butterflies

You may have heard the unfortunate news (yes, more bad news) that Monarch Butterflies have been added to the endangered species list. Thanks to my neighbor Danuta Loane, I had the pleasure of taking care of some monarchs during their metamorphoses – a few Summers 

Summer Saltibarciai – Lithuanian Cold Beet Soup

Summer Saltibarciai – Lithuanian Cold Beet Soup

What an afternoon feast!  Yesterday, I made Summer’s favorite soup: Saltibarciai – or Lithuanian cold beet soup.  This was the first time I ever made this traditional recipe, because my Mom always keeps me well stocked in this beautiful pink soup. BUT, we had beet 

Garlic Harvest is a Good Day!

Garlic Harvest is a Good Day!

It’s time for one of my favorite harvests – GARLIC! If you are like me, you double or triple the garlic “suggestion” in any given recipe.  Having bundles of fresh garlic hang right outside the kitchen allow me to cook  with ease as I know 

Each Other’s Sunflower

Each Other’s Sunflower

Good Morning, Good Morning! This past weekend, Patrick and I toured several Farmers’ Markets.  Each time I glimpsed a big, yellow headed sunflower bending heavily over a bucket’s edge, I wanted to scoop it up and bring it home.  Somehow, I resisted, but I would 

Temple to Self-Reflection

Temple to Self-Reflection

During May and June, I took time off from regular duties to connect more intently with nature at Spring Bird.  It was a dreamtime of greeting each day with a question – what needs to be done on the ground? – Who is calling for 

Lots of Pots!

Lots of Pots!

During these last few months, I have been enjoying making lumpy, heavy and clunky terracotta pots. This process of rolling, stacking, and smoothing coils into a cohesive whole is a creative therapy that is very much welcomed and needed right now. In addition, I love 

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

Listen to the latest episode of the Woolgathering Podcast! In this episode, Beatriz follows that magical feather to its stopping point, and Grandma Eartha bakes away her worry. Listen HERE or wherever you get your podcasts!

Happy Full Moon

Happy Full Moon

It’s a full moon! This moon is: a sweet balm for bees a whizz, bang of a firework a sip of joy in a clinking glass a “short shorts” Summer Happy Full Moon Everyone!!!

Trees En Plein Air

Trees En Plein Air

A couple weeks ago, I painted over an old painting. It’s been about a million years give or take since I have painted on canvas.  I enjoyed reuniting with the process as I painted this stylized tree.  It was even more enjoyable to paint en 

Wondering About Willow

Wondering About Willow

Weeping Willow invites us into our dream worlds.  Today at Spring Bird, it’s cloudy and rainy and perfect for daydreaming. I’m wondering what I could experience or learn if I was a tad more flexible and dreamy like dearest willow.  What magical waddle could I 

Protecting Baby Oak Trees

Protecting Baby Oak Trees

Patrick and I have been clearing the invasive species around some of our big oak trees. In doing so, we are uncovering the young baby oak trees that were planted by squirrels and bluejays.  An acorn planted in fall will sprout the next spring with 

Planting Trees for Abe and Pen

Planting Trees for Abe and Pen

In May, Patrick and I planted two trees in honor of our kids.  We planted a Dawn Redwood for Abraham and a Weeping Willow for Penelope. Abe was born in Berkeley, California, and before we left the bay, we took him to the redwood forest. 

Painted Pots on a Ledge

Painted Pots on a Ledge

In creating our greenhouse, we “cleaned off” the small slope that rolls down the sunny side of the former pool. In removing some zealous plants, we excavated what I call the “bump out”, which is actually the little bunker that contains the former pump for 

Confronting The Chaos

Confronting The Chaos

This is my favorite corner in which I like to practice yoga.  I start most days and end most nights, on my mat, saluting and submitting to these plants and the trees just outside the windows. (I forgot to draw the twinkle lights which make 

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

June 2022: Beatriz Chapters 15 & 16 In this episode, Gloria returns home after her volleyball game, and Beatriz confronts the darkness of the night. Listen HERE or wherever you listen to your podcasts!