I like to think that with the start of each Spring, the cool winds come through to brush (or tuck under the rug) all the gray and dry remnants of Mr. Winter. I also like to think about the growth that comes with the new season.
Can you imagine the excitement that some of nature's silent creatures have for the warmth, seed, greenery, and rain?


Posted above is the little trooper on Chris's desk, which is an avocado plant. Positioned by the office window, he has out grown a pot and the two neighboring lemon seedling plants beside him. It's very interesting to me how plants grow. Instead of sprouting, strengthening a wide trunk and spreading leaves out all sides of itself, plants grow upward. The avocado plant continues to grow in stature and every so often, by surprise we'll see another leaf emerging tiny and green but covered in detailed plant "arteries.
Chris has also started some garlic pods too, they're growing extremely quickly.

I'm looking forward to having another patio garden again this year. I wish for a yard next spring, but for now I'll settle for my 5 gallon bucket tomato plants and planter herbs.
All in all, Spring seems to bring about a new confidence in us all. In winter we were holding our heads low, covering our ears in knit hats, shielding our lungs from breathing in too deeply. Now it seems everything is raising their heads to the wind.
Our dogs are loving the open windows in the apartment. I constantly catch each of them lifting their snouts higher than usual, closing their eyes.



One of the thrilling parts of writing a thesis to me, is writing a paper that's all that you want. If I could be a professional researcher, I'm pretty sure I would be. I've up to my knees in stacked Civil War library books. The mailman has dropped off at least 4 packages at our house in the past 7 days. My favorite by far has been a book part of a four part volume titled, "Guns of '62". The books is filled with over 650 Civil War photographs.
One of the recent discoveries of my research, is that war photographers like Alexander Gardener and his team, were known for moving the dead soldier's bodies in many circumstances and rearranging them for "patriotic" and "honorable" photo opps to send to the American public. I'm not sure how I feel about this. After learning that some of the Civil War photographs that I've been most moved by in the past, I have recently learned some were part of the photographer's "move".
It really changes it for me and I can't really imagine how I would feel if I were a mother, sister, father, wife, etc. of the dead and saw this. How would you feel?


Also, due to some recent medical issues, I've had to start changing my diet quite a bit.
Here is a recipe that I think was successful and yummy!

Orzo and Goat Cheese

1 cup uncooked orzo (I used the tomato, spinach one)
2 quarts water/organic chicken stock (I used half water, half chix stock)
pinch of salt
3 garlic cloves minced
3 organic mushrooms minced
1 cup frozen spinach
2 to 3 tablespoons of young goat cheese

Bring to boil. Add orzo in slowly along with mushrooms and garlic. Let boil for 8 to 10 minutes. Add in spinach. Turn off heat. Drain. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of goat cheese. Enjoy!

Valentine's full of strolls, handmade cards, garlic dinner galore, homemade ginger snaps, salted caramel brownies from Amelie's the night before Valentines, strawberry preserve cheesecake on Valentines, and precious tulips.

Spring Essentials '11

Divine Spring essentials! I know you've been craving them :)

(Courtesy of J Crew, Sperry, and Anthropologie)


Also try a recipe for Strawberry Lemonade:
Berry flavor abounds in this cool, refreshing healthy drink.

Preparation time: 20 minutes or less

Servings: 8.

5 A Day servings: 2.

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
4 pints fresh strawberries
2 cups ice cubes
6 medium lemons, fresh juice to equal 1 cup
2 cups cold water

1. Combine sugar and water in medium saucepan and bring to full boil over HIGH heat. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow sugar syrup to cool completely. Pour into large pitcher or beverage container.

2. Puree berries in food processor or blender. On HIGH speed, add ice to blender and puree until smooth. Pour berry mixture into sugar syrup.

3. Add lemon juice and water and stir until completely dissolved.

4. Serve in chilled glasses decorated with a sprig of mint, if desired.



To sip on the dock, of course.

I've recently become a little obsessive about the history of the Civil War lately.
The elements that tie down the Civil War today for those of us so interested in it are other things that fascinate me as well. The existing photographs from this time, I'm finding are many more and well extended past the works of Matthew Brady and his photo team.
I've been reading just about anything I can get my hands on and my Amazon shopping cart is now empty of books that are currently in route to my little black mailbox.
Some of the elements and documentation of the war that have recently knocked me off my seat have been things such as a small navy book of Confederate war poems. I like to imagine a time when men with swords, funny cats and Avett Brother like beards, recited poetry to their fellow soldiers and "belles".
Also, the photographic evidence of animals in the presence of battle is also incredible.
Today I read about an eagle the Wisconsin regime named "Ole Abe" that would visit regularly with the soldiers, perch himself high above during battle and then rejoin after the fighting had subsided.

Reasons being for my extensive research have stemmed from a critical paper I'm writing for my MFA program. I encourage all my readers to do their own research in hopes to find your own family link to the men in gray or blue.


I should also mention the above photograph is one of South Carolinian war photographer, Samuel A. Cooley. He is the gentleman to the right of the camera, with his hand resting on it. In all my ancestry research, I hope to find a blood link to him.