2012, Week Thirty

Another full and fun week in Oakland.

Mt. Burdell Open Space hiking
July 15 – We went hiking in Marin on Sunday. I’d forgotten how dry things get in summertime here in California. The East Coast is sooo lush and green in July, it’s quite a contrast. I’ll still take dry and brown over green, but monstrously humid.

Sometimes dinner has to come from a jar
July 16 – Monday night I had a mini-revelation about dinner: Sometimes it’s ok if I make pasta with jarred tomato sauce. No one is going to hold it against me. It was kind of a relief.

Beautiful Orchids
July 17 – My co-worker Rachel brought me a beautiful orchid for my birthday. I love the way the morning light looks coming through its petals.

New Knitting Project!
July 18 – I got ready to pick up the knitting needles for the first time in a long time, to make a new baby blanket for a new baby! I love these colors, and once I got back into the swing of knitting (all the counting is not my strong suit) I’m remembering how pleasurable it can be.

Wine and Harry Potter
July 19 – Thursday was a night for wine and Harry Potter. I had dinner with my good friend Eunice, and it was great to catch up. When I got home I debated trying to do some work but the lure of Goblet of Fire was too strong. So was the lure of Riesling.

I did take a picture on Friday. Just one. And it was terrible. So I’m going to spare you, and share instead two photos from an awesome and inspiring and totally fun event I attended on Saturday.

Teahouse Studio
July 21 – I got to go to a food styling and photography workshop with Tracy Shutterbean and Joy the Baker. The studio space, Teahouse Studio, where the workshop was held was a dreamy place, full of light and color and whimsical touches. It made me feel so joyful just being in that space.

The workshop was a total blast and I left feeling so energized and motivated. I had so much fun playing with props and food and all that terrific light. Here is one of the photos I took at the event:

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake
July 21 – This is a Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake. Yeah, you heard that right. It’s too delicious and I really shouldn’t be allowed to know how easy that was to make.

Thanks so much to Tracy and Joy for giving us all such an inspiring day. I’m letting all that magic spread through the rest of my week (even though I am battling a cold today).