One of the ways I love to initiate my house as a home is to cook.  I didn't know this about myself even two years ago, but once I moved onto Capitol Hill (w/in 115 feet of Kelly), she and I used to cook together no less than twice a month, often more.  Though I deciding to teach myself, she was a great motivation.   She often touted it as a way to add a great deal of warmth and soul to your home.  Once we moved here, I admit that something in me was waiting to make this house a bit more complete...until she and I had  shuffled about the kitchen together.  I love cooking, especially when it's not a chore and when it's for several of the people I love.  This past weekend, we decided to make butternut and goat cheese raviolis and amazing gingerbread/pumpkin cupcakes with citrus frosting.

ONE:

I've begun this (I think) good habit of refusing to turn on my computer in the morning until after I've sat in quiet.  My house may not be quiet, but internally - I try to quiet myself.  This may include a pensive cup of coffee while staring out at the cedars, but it almost always includes journaling and reading.  Perhaps it's a lingering desire from my more religious days ("quiet time"), but  I find that without this sacred space, I am quite anxious and unfocused throughout the day.  This morning, I sat with the most delicious cup of Ethiopian coffee and read a few excerpts of Dillard...from both Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (my favorite chapter "Seeing") and A Writing Life.  I also journaled and had Carson and Rilke at the ready.  It is no formula for a good day, as even now - I still feel anxious to begin the day.  But I believe it to be a soulful practice.

TWO:

Vignette: short, impressionistic scenes.

I thought I'd take you around my place...

print via dearcolleen, Ikea frame

bar set: gift from wedding

whiskey glases: crate and barrel via sister-in-law, Julie

toasts book: gift via taddy porter

citrus press: thrifted

ice crusher: thrifted

birdcage: gift via sister, Teresa

bowl: thrifted and repainted white

tea towel: willliams/sonoma, gift via cousin, Erin

citrus: Trader Joe's

out the kitchen window

vase: repurposed Bulleit Bourbon bottle

flowers: mini calas via Trader Joe's

owl wind chime: gift via taddyporter

my very first tomato!
plant gifted via the saint


checking in on the zook.
also gifted via the saint


another one coming in!

If only arriving at a place in your life where you feel truly at home were as easy as getting in the car, filling up the gas tank, going a little insane from the monotony, and driving there.   Maybe that's why I love road trips so much; the destination, progress, and arrival are clear-cut and easily navigated.  Plus, there's usually a kick-ass soundtrack and milkshakes to distract you along the way.   

More pictures of our trip to come...

Including a last-minute detour to see HER.

Happy Monday, fellow humanoids.

crm