Baking And Bread And Blooms

I mentioned recently (during Week In The Life I think) about my emphasis on creating new pathways. Doing things a little differently in the basic routines around here, catching up on things that have been neglected (stuff like changing exterior light bulbs), and generally making new memories. Some days it's easy and others it's really, really tough.

I've been baking bread. I've had the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day book probably at least a year. Two weekends ago I finally tried it - the basic recipe - and it was awesome. Simon's a really big fan.

I made cookies from the back of this month's Everyday Food magazine. Loved them.

I spent a good deal of time outside over the weekend working in my yard. We live in a place that gets a lot of rain and a lot of cloudy days so when the sun comes out it just feels wrong to do anything but be outside. I weeded and then bought a couple more peonies and two white hydrangeas (I've been dreaming about adding those to my yard for awhile).

I love that Anna likes to come outside and play and hang out with me. She's also becoming an expert at going to the garden stores with me. I'm working on encouraging Simon to be outside more too. Yesterday the two of them spent a good portion of the late afternoon playing pirates outside - hunting for treasure in and around the front and back yard.

I think about my parents so often when I'm in the yard. Thinking about how much they love to be outside, thinking about how I had jobs to do in the yard as a kid when we weren't at the pool or a soccer game like weeding or picking up the dog poop. I think about the energy and the love that goes into the dirt and the stress that's relieved by digging and pulling and lifting and breathing the fresh air.

I had friends over on Saturday night for Cinco de Mayo. Anna and Emma ran around and around and played and made mischief (like painting each other and the carpet). Kim & Dave & I made my Dad's margaritas and cooked and talked about books and gardens (I want to start composting). Simon and Ben watched lego videos on u-tube. It was so nice to have them here.

Here's to new pathways in familiar locations.

My Week In The Life album is in progress - I've got the first five days of photos printed out. I stayed out of my office this weekend and will be on a field trip with Simon today so it will be a few more days before I share my album here.

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44 thoughts

  1. Jules! says…
    05/08/2012

    Your bread looks BEAUTIFUL....added this book to my wishlist!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Linda Marie says…
    05/08/2012

    Hi Ali,
    Your plants look beautiful...I haven't been able to garden the last few years and really miss it. It's satisying to see what you plant grow into something beautiful.

    LOVE the connection to your 'UP' word: rising bread, vines, tall tree, and up time with your friends.

    focusing on my OLW this weekend as well
    thanks for all you do! so inspiring! :)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      05/08/2012

      Love that connection too Linda - thanks for reminding me of that.

  3. Mel says…
    05/09/2012

    Have you read The Happiness Project Ali? Based on this post, it sounds like it might be right up your alley. A friend of mine just read it, and it's on my list. :)

    I've always wanted to make my own bread. And, you should totally start composting! It's awesome- my roommates and I did it in college actually.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Missus Wookie says…
    05/10/2012

    Composting is great fun - we have a wormery as well, lots of fun and the nursery next door bring the Anna sized students over for a field trip :)

    Being outside in the garden is high on my list at the moment - between showers here too.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Suzanne B says…
    05/10/2012

    The bread looks awesome - I've been wanting to try the version in that book - I just got it from the library.

    Which cookie did you make - it looks "lemony"

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Johanna says…
    05/12/2012

    Love all of your new giveaways! Just like Spring - my creativity is blossoming - with your help!

    Reply 0 Replies

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