Posted in August 2009 …

A Diamond In The Rough

Remember my neighbor, Novella? She wrote a book called Farm City, The Education of an Urban Farmer. It’s a very worthwhile read. I finished it last week, just in time to relish in her open house/farm tour yesterday. She lives less than two miles away from me, in a grittier section of Oakland where abandoned … Continue reading »

Imperial Mix-Ups

When my sister was little, probably in the six to ten year range, she would play the piano. She would sit down, scootched out on the piano bench so her feet touched the floor, and play completely random keys with one of the pedals pressed so the notes sounded echo-y and mysterious. Then she’d let … Continue reading »

A Tale of Three (and a half) Galettes

During my stopover in Seattle I had unbridled access to my mom’s savvy cooking insights and a lovely, full, working kitchen.  I hadn’t had the pleasure of cooking in a kitchen that nice in a long time – disposal, dishwasher, ceramic bowls and an endless supply of clean wooden spoons. I felt like I’d clicked … Continue reading »

Life’s A Peach

I’ve been trying to treat my weekends as they should be treated – like wide open windows with endless views that beg for exploration. So, on Saturdays and Sundays I don’t spend all day in front of my computer job hunting. Instead, I try to enjoy my little spot in the world while attempting to … Continue reading »

My Neighbor, Novella

This interview with Novella Carpenter, Oakland’s urban farmer-in-chief, is worth listening to. I’m going to drive by her farm soon. It’s only a couple of miles from me. If she’s there, I’ll be sure to say hello and offer to help – harvest tomatoes, clean the chicken coop, whatever! Who says WWOOFing can’t take place … Continue reading »