scenes from our weekend

This weekend we said goodbye to the last three of our chickens.  We had a good run.  Lots of omelets, ice cream, and baked treats over the years.  Some horrific nights with raccoons.  Mostly a pleasure.  We are not done with chickens, we just need a break.  We also need to tare down the chicken area as the wood is totally rotten.  This is their chicken coop.  I built it out of wood scraps and painted it pink and called it the dream house.

We also got out of town for the night.  Headed to my families cabin on the coast (or on the ridge above the coast).  It's a blessing to be able to get out of town for the night.

And to have coffee with this view.

And to have your sweet make this delicious breakfast.  Polenta with tomato sauce, arugula, fried eggs, sausage, and avocado.

I try not to take it for granted.  I sit out on the deck, even if it is raining, to look at the ocean.

I'm back to the grind this week.  Working on an exciting new collaboration (details to come soon!), working on new strange shapes with some cutting boards.  Getting ready to start on our (dining)room table.  The drizzle outside has me feeling quite optimistic. 

Something New

This is an adventure. I am going to TRY to document this adventure. I know I will have to prove my diligence as I have certainly dropped the ball in the past. What happened was... I started working full time (I wouldn't wish that on anyone) and I was so burnt out when I wasn't working I was driving to or from work, sleeping, eating, and trying to be still. Everything else seemed to slip away from me.

That time wasn't all bad, I completed an African American folk magic (Hoodoo/ Conjure/ Rootwork) course and an apprenticeship. I learned about herbs, roots, oils, powders, incense, I learned ceromancy (divination from candle burning). I made magic. I also reawakened my spiritual connection and I realized if I wanted to maintain that connection I needed to quit my job.

THEN I stared this vintage project with my pal Bud Snow (coming to a flea market near you).

AND I started cooking again with my pal Sister Robin (Caravan Roadhouse underground restaurant will be back in action in the spring).

AND I started making herbal tinctures and waters, combining my medicinal and magical appreciation for those sacred plants.

Also, in that time a house that my great grandfather built burned down, which broke my heart. I got a few planks of wood salvaged from the fire, I got a piece of him, and I taught myself woodcraft.  My goal is to showcase wood's natural beauty and form, with the hope of connecting us to everyday things. I think a subtle and beautiful reminder of where the thing came from is important. It gives us an opportunity to reflect and maybe give thanks.  I like the idea of a mundane thing like a cutting board or a skillet or a bowl being a cherished heirloom piece. Something that will last many lifetimes if used, loved, and taken care of. When I slice a loaf of bread (I've also been making sourdough with wild yeast starter) on wood that was once in my great grandfathers' hands, I'm connected to him. I know him.

http://www.sarasanger.com/

Now all these projects are colliding (hooray!) and I am open to wherever they take me, and you can follow along if you like.

We do things slowly. We are always (and forever) learning. We work hard. We are careful and thoughtful (that is our goal). We want to bring together. We want to celebrate making and doing and things that get better with age.

 http://hendleyhardgoods.bigcartel.com/