valentine.

here is a wonderful piece from bell hooks, including a chat with thich nhat hanh, on the importance of cultivating love.

holiday.

yesterday.

cornish game hens stuffed with lemon, sage, butter, and garlic, and more butter and sage stuffed under the skin.

















mixed beans sauteed in butter with garlic, lemon, and thyme.



















sweet potatoes, roasted with hens, then caramelized in brown sugar, butter and a pinch of garam masala.
















sausage stuffing with gianelli luganiga sausage, sourdough from work, celery, onion, garlic, chicken stock, red pepper flakes, and thyme.























pumpkin tart topped with powdered sugar and candied walnuts.

thankful.

my partner. my daughter. my family. my skills. my friends...but most of all, i am thankful for how difficult my life has been this past year. thank you pain and joy - for being my teachers.

the guest house

this being human is a guest house.
every morning a new arrival.

a joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

welcome and entertain them all!
even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of it's furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
he may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

the dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

- rumi

preparations.

fresh baked rolls i brought home from work.



















thawing the hens so i can stuff them with sage, lemon, garlic and butter.



















drying out the sourdough {also baked today at work} to be used in sausage stuffing tomorrow.

halloween.