"Berry" Happy in Toronto

               

Everyone keeps asking me if I had Poutine while in Toronto. The answer is No, I didn’t.

What I had was better.



I know what you're thinking: what could be better than greasy fries smothered with brown gravy and cheese curd? Right?! Unfortunately I've yet to experience that culinary wonder, but I did eat pretty much everything else in Toronto during my two-day trip, some things twice, and others for the first time.

Keep Calm & Compost

With all the bad news this week (I think we all know what I’m referring to) it’s nice to take solace in the simple things, like fresh air, nutritious food, and getting dirty! I am scared of what the future will bring, or take away, but I’m trying to approach these anxieties in a Zen-like manner; this is my mantra: the only moment is the one I’m in, and the most I can do is what I can do with my two hands, right now… which is why it’s time to compost!

First Compost

I know, I know... you are on the edge of your seat, waiting to hear all about my first compost!  Well I am happy to say the wait is over! Here it is! After weeks of researching and saving up my green food waste, I was ready to build my very own makeshift compost bin. Since I wasn’t sure which one to buy (there are several varieties) I decided to keep it simple and use a large, old, wooden planter I found in the backyard. I dug out the old potting soil, and got to work!

I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up

But why would I want to? This fall is like no other. For the first time in my life absolutely nothing is wrong. This is the best fall since the Yankees won their three-peat back in 2000. I’m as happy as I was then, maybe happier… I’m as happy as a puppy with a treat… and maybe that’s because I’ll soon have a puppy of my own. Or it might be that I’ve just relocated to a small town where the days are sunny and I sleep in a tree house beneath a canopy of leaves. But those reasons aren’t the only reasons. 

In Search of Lost Time, In Search of Tomorrow: Paris and Myself in theHere and Now

Cette matin I went to my first open- air market in Paris, Marche Biologic des Batignolles (see photos below). A mere fifteen minute walk from my apartment and I found myself immersed by the scents, sounds, and sights of a glorious culmination of all things culinary, as well as hand made soaps, perfumes, oils, shoes, and much more. Making my way through the hustle and bustle of the folks trying to find the freshest biologic nourriture*, I couldn't help but wonder if this is how it always was.

                         

 

Beneath white tents and swaying trees, leaves already painted by l'automne swirled to the ground where I stood waiting and watching the man shucking sea shells at le poissonnerie. The unmistakable odor of fresh scallops and sea salt wafted through the air as I awaited my turn to order. How lovely, how joyfully simple I thought, we are all here, strangers, but fellow humans sifting through the earth's bounty beneath the shelter of her very own trees. Magnifique!

Falling for Something New

What is it about the fall season that inspires us to take chances and try something new? Perhaps it’s the faint scent of burning wood that fills the air, or the maroon and honey colored leaves preparing for their final glorious flight. Even the autumn winds that whisper through the trees bring forth mystery and excitement. Whatever the reason, the fall feels both new and familiar: a paradoxical spark of magic. It speaks to each of us at our deepest level letting us know that it’s time for change.

Get ready for more falling leaves!