I believe in the transformative power of stories. I am a high school English teacher, serendipitous farm girl, LEO wife, step mom, and writer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
“This afternoon was the colour of water falling through sunlight; The trees glittered with the tumbling of leaves; The sidewalks shone like alleys of dropped maple leaves, And the houses ran along them laughing out of square, open windows.” ~Amy Lowell The first day of fall. Transition. We have arrived at the half-way point of … More Apple-a-Day Mason Jar Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette
“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” ~Lewis Grizzard I have a confession to make. Yesterday, I bought a bag of tortilla chips. The prospect of the fresh salsa and guacamole that I was making today for my latest Mason jar salad was too tempting. As you may know from previous … More Garden Fiesta Mason Jar Salad
“Your hands hold roses always in a way that says They are not only yours; the beautiful changes In such kind ways, Wishing ever to sunder Things and things’ selves for a second finding, to lose For a moment all that it touches back to wonder.” ~Richard Wilbur (from The Beautiful Changes) The leaves in … More Glowing Green Mason Jar Salads with Avocado Vinaigrette Dressing
“When you wake up, think about winning the day. Don’t worry about a week or a month from now — just think about one day at a time. If you are worried about the mountain in the distance, you might trip over the molehill right in front of you. Win the day!” ― Drew Brees … More Fall Forward Healthy Lifestyle Challenge
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” ― Anais Nin Tomorrow begins my thirteenth year as a high school English teacher and I have been so lucky to share the wild journey with my … More Caprese Pasta Salad in a Jar
“There is nothing like soup. It is by nature eccentric: no two are ever alike, unless of course you get your soup in a can.” ~Laurie Colwin Yesterday, as the temperature in our house spiked to 89 degrees, I had a difficult time believing that a couple of weeks ago it was chilly outside and … More Mushroom Barley Soup ~ Plant-Based Comfort Food
Most experts agree that there is no comparison between fresh and dried basil in terms of flavor. The fresh leaves have a flavor complexity and intensity that is largely lost in the dried form. If storing for a week or less, basil can be wrapped in several layers of paper towels and placed in an … More Harvest Rainbow Mason Jar Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing
Queen Anne’s Lace Her body is not so white as anemone petals nor so smooth–nor so remote a thing. It is a field of the wild carrot taking the field by force; the grass does not raise above it. ~William Carlos Williams Last week as I drove to Marquette, I marveled at the sea of … More Fennel, Cabbage, and Apple Salad with Avocado Hummus & Ginger Vinaigrette
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ― Mahatma Gandhi I have been negligent in posting lately. The truth is that I have been in a slump. The start to my summer was very strong with solid routines, blissful time spent outside gardening, and a flourish … More Plant-Based Comfort Food ~ Red Lentil Sloppy Joes
“We are asleep with compasses in our hands. ” ― W.S. Merwin A couple of years ago, when my niece Kristine was in high school, she gave a demonstration speech on how to can dill pickles. After her presentation, when she told me that there were students in her class that did not know that … More Embrace the Old-Fashioned with Two Homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette Recipes: Basil & Mint
Produce with Amy 