if you read one book this year...

...make it this book.

I've been waiting to blog about this book by Michael Pollan -- The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals.

Seriously. I'll buy you a copy just so you will read it.

Until I have some time to sit down and blog about my thoughts on this book, visit Pollan's website for more info www.michaelpollan.com

mad hatter

Rose picked me up for the bus station Friday night and we arrived back at the Curtis House, aka "the Farm" as I like to refer to it, to the smell of homemade lemon tarts. Aren't they just gooey devine little pastry creations? Gloria made these from scratch. Rose is doing her apprenticeship with Gloria, who owns the Curtis House and Gloriosa & Co. Gloriosa & Co, among her other projects and talents, is a one-stop-shop for sustainable events. She can house a wedding or even, hold the reception in the garden at the Curtis House, catering the event with food procured with food grown locally and/or straight from her garden, flowers from the same beds - it's amazing.

I helped out with one of these events on Saturday - an afternoon high tea. 'Twas a jolly good time. 

Pictured is the lemon tart; the Curtis House; the menu for high tea; tea party set; one of the garden's at the Curtis House; Flower arrangements on each table, from the garden; Johnny Jump Ups, an edible flower that made all the little tea sandwiches seem so fancy and formal; maple scones; sugared lilacs; Rose taking out the china; Me, Gloria and Rose, photographed by the sweetest, smartest 7-year old Elias; Rose enjoying Hibiscus iced tea

starting basil

I am waaaaaay too anxious to start gardening. There is a thunderstorm outside right now and it won't be time to plant for several more weeks. Basil, however, can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting, giving me something to do while it's raining out! We (Ethan, the two neighbors and myself) are all very excited about growing, and eating, basil. 

Basil is a staple item in our cooking. We use it when making raw pesto, thai dishes and Ethan's delicious sweet potato sandwich.

boston birthday

This past weekend I went to Boston to curate a Glovebox art show. After a stop at Prana Raw Cafe in Newton for raw sushi and kombucha, I stopped at  the Home da'Pot for supplies. In addition to the things I needed for the art show, I took the opportunity to pick up some organic potting soil and seed starter supplies. 

It was a great way to celebrate my birthday with my best friends and I even got a very special birthday call from India - the best present ever!