It got so quiet it seems.
A cozy silence in the air.
A change.
A deep breath.
More cooking and baking.
The day temps are dropping, fall is swirling its way into the desert.
October has left us, November has entered.
A collection of photo snippets from the last handful of days decided to visit.
Lighting of candles…
Twinkling of piano keys…
Paint on the palette.
Washing brushes.
Tea at the early morning piano.
Lighting jack-o-lanterns every evening still, until they shrivel away.
Halloween dinner…
An invention with the ingredients I had on hand…
Beautifully browned pork loin on a bed of garlic herbed basmati wild rice (which took 1 hour/forever to cook from scratch), covered in a spinach + sweet onion nutmeg concoction, topped with a scrumptious cherry sauce (which I made from organic frozen cherries) - plus al dente buttery fresh asparagus.
The aromatic rice, plus spinach with nutmeg and cherries over pork, was so over the top good.
We turned on black lights and made fruit drinks with tonic water so they would glow.
It was a wonderful Halloween evening.
Tea days are here for certain.
Cool mornings and reading things.
A little chill in the air.
It's funny how summer leaves from one day to the next.
I like to open certain books randomly, and see what the page says.
As warm sun emerges over the big mountains, bees come out in droves.
Love seeing the bees.
Today, collecting some of the tons of leeks out there, and some basil.
Potato leek soup will happen in a few hours.
Oh, what a scent…
It was a lovely busy weekend.
Dinner for two, whilst standing in the kitchen, hit the spot.
Standing around, music playing.
Rambunctious dogs.
Me rolling up some homemade sushi…
Lots of wasabi in the soy sauce.
Green tea…
Standing around eating and laughing and talking.
Love those moments.
Dia de los muertos was a day for us to remember our furry girl…
I am so happy I pressed her paw print into polymer clay the day before she died.
Her paws were moist and muddy, so they left some soil in the imprints which I LOVE.
Miss her, always.
Memories of loved ones who have departed fluttered about.
Marigolds and candles here and there.
And then, there were potato latkes.
Shred some potatoes, add some eggs…
Spice up as you wish.
You can salt them after so that the potatoes don't release too much liquid before cooking.
Mix up…
Form into cakes.
Pop in a pan of hot olive oil, cook until browned on both sides.
Eat.
Sour cream, jam, applesauce, ketchup…
Your choice 😉
How can you ever go wrong with a potato latke?
By the way, where is my fave tattered sweatshirt to paint in on cool days???
(I have two of the same one all painted, do you keep two of things also?)
Oh, someone stole it for a nap.
If you can't have your mama for nap time cuddling, I guess her sweatshirt will do.
🙂
Heart love!
If you want to be touched beyond words and sob your eyeballs silly, watch a movie called "The Whale." Luna will touch you to the core. Oh Luna……. (it's on Netflix instant)
How have you been?
What does November bring your way???
Love, V
Vanessa!!
Lovely lovely words and photos. So much color and autumn goodness. Tea would hit the spot right now. It’s gloomy and chilly here today…yes, tea would be dandy.
I always wanted to learn to play the piano. I’ve dabbled with it a bit, but only a tiny bit. I do love to play guitar, though.
Sweet Baby. What a beautiful girl.
xoxo
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
P.S. Give Miles and Matty a big hug from me, okay?
Hello, sweet Vanessa
You are making my mouth water with the food you are posting here. The sushi looks divine! And the pork loin combination looks mouth-wateringly scrumptious, as does the potato latkes…yummm!
And the black light for Halloween brings back memories of when my husband used to put rock and roll posters on his apartment wall (back in the day) and the back light would highlight the neon blues and greens. The era of ‘Hippies and Flower-Children.’
Those were the days….
And that sweet paw print of Baby’s, such a memory treasure.
And all of your lovely memorials to All Saints’ Day (which is also my birthday).
I’ll just say I can sing one of Paul McCartney’s songs now and it fits how old I am!
I have seriously been transcribing my Sci-fi novel notes onto my computer. I have tons of rough draft pages in many lined binders…about four years worth of pages and notes. I may just bring this dream to fruition!
XO
Miss Teresa
I set up a little alter to our dearest Cuppa Tea and and went to the Dia de los Muertos procession which is always an amazing experience. I have some friends who have lived in Tucson for years and have never been, and I am always like why not?! It is so lovely and there is so much culture.
I have never made potato leek soup, but it sounds awfully tasty….
I love this post, Miss V! Sweet Miles face as he sleeps with your sweatshirt, the beautiful altar. It is all so wonderful! I’m glad you are feeling good and having such a special time.
love & blessings
~*~
What a well rounded post!
I have to say that even though I don’t eat meat, the pork sounds yummy! Maybe I should try it on tofu? : )
I love the altar you set up. Nov. 2 was my husband’s birthday.
I put applesauce or sugar on my potato pancakes. I just love them!!!
That sounds like my dog. He always steals our clothes & then snuggles up on them & sleeps. I guess they find comfort in our scent. The next best thing.
<3 Such a beautiful post, and that paw print is so special. November is treating me well, so far, and I am so grateful. Halloween, and Samhain, were splendid.
The food all looks wonderful~
Marigold and candles, oh yes!
Cuddly dog on sweatshirt is sweet.
Shrinking pumpkin faces too.
The images you create always delight.
Oh my…I am getting hungry looking at all of the yummy food you have prepared!
xoxo
Dena
My daughter dressed as a Calavera Girl this Halloween and was happy to educate all the kids who asked her what she was about the customs of Dia de los Muertos.
She even spoke Spanish to the homeowners (I speak pretty well, but am not a native speaker…she only speaks English)when she went out trick-or-treating and was so proud. The adults oohed and aahed over her.
The Autumn brings Dutch Apple Pie and Turkey Stew with it….and many lovely opportunities for movies under big fluffy blankets 🙂
You really can’t go wrong with potato latkes. Lovely days, soak up every wonderful moment.
I have one of those sushi mats to roll things up, but I haven’t gotten around to playing with it. I fear the first couple of rolls will be laughable and there’s some special secret I won’t find; but I oh-so love veggie sushi, so I need to make the attempt. Yours looks delicious, like all of your food always does! 🙂
I love your dreamy writing style, Vanessa 🙂 November is going to bring me my sweetheart 🙂
x
It sounds as if you are having a peaceful transition as nature puts things to bed, settling in and preparing for a winter nap.
So many beautiful things! Now you have me craving green tea and sushi…
November brings changes to me. I don’t know what or when but they ‘ll come…
LOVE “the Miles” sleeping on your sweatshirt. I got very teared eyed thinking and feeling your LOVE for Baby! I wish I would have taken a paw print of my past furs!
Totally LOVING your November foods. YUM! Just LOVING your post that makes me so happy and Thankful, Miss V. <3
You have words of wisdom Miss Vanessa…..
I am smiling…
Beautiful photos.
Oh, I forgot to add. Apple sauce goes really well with potato latkes. They look so yummy.
Vanessa you are beautiful inside and out and create beautiful photos and art……love love love Gina
Your posts always make me want to come to your house. It seems so cozy there.
November is bringing a flurry of activity and changes. At least, I feel within more calm, which is always a good thing. Missing your furry one, reminds me of how I miss my sweet cat Mabel every day.
Oh Miles, Could you be any cuter? I have been following your blog since he was a puppy. Two things, first I love Miles so much. I always quickly scroll through your post before reading it hoping there will be a picture of your dogs. (My dog Roo reminds me of Miles and Matty reminds me of our dog Cinnamon) My husband, also a dog lover, loves to see your pics of Miles. Second, your food always looks amazing! You are so talented!
So far, November has brought some yummy latkes my way. Thank you, Vanessa, for inspiring me to make some yesterday. Can’t go wrong with those.
xoxo’s
Autumn memories and beautiful colors. I have been struggling with enjoying my autumn this year, as I lost my sweet and feisty kitty, Skippyjon, in October. I also have a paw print memento of him that they gave me when he went over the Rainbow Bridge, and I’m glad that I do, but it still makes me cry when I look at it… but anyway, thank you for sharing the beauty and warm thoughts that cheer me and all of us when we visit. May your Autumn continue to be beautiful and gentle …. <3 <3 <3
Shar
Sharleen, I am so so so utterly sorry. That pain is so sad and
terrible. Huge hugs from me and the furs. Only lots of time heals –
and even then. When I see Babys pic on the wall, or her paw print I just
want to wail. Huge hugs!!
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 11/12/2013 5:59:48 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,