"Nice People with Common Sense do not make Interesting Characters"

That quote is by  Isabel Allende, which ends ..."They only make good former spouses." Isabel is a Chilean-American writer whose work is described as mythical- realism. Sometimes you get sent a TED talk or stumble upon one by accident, and I tell you what, they are small gifts. Most of them I'd pay a ton of money to see in person, but you get to see them all free on Ted.com. I was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's TED speech on creativity and I just got sucked in.

Then there is the TED talk by Helen Fisher... who talks about romantic love and sex. Fascinating research regarding why we fall in love with one person rather than another. Her answer, "Timing, proximity, mystery. Mystery elevates dopamine and the brain pushes you over the threshold to fall in love with someone who fits in your 'love map'- a conscious list of traits that you hold onto when you grow up, and you gravitate towards people with complimentary brain systems."

I completely believe in manifesting reality. I wish I had access to some shortcuts however. Sometimes I wonder how certain things surface and become apart of my life. Everything is a learning experience and I often wonder "why the hell is this happening," until after it's over and I am a changed person with new vision, or at least, sharper lenses. Most of us have very round edges or somewhat fuzzy vision until we have a few experiences to make things clear.You know what they say, "enjoy the journey.." but what if your journey is a rusting, rattling bus with no brakes or seat belts and you want to get off? I suppose that's when you jump up into the driver seat and take the wheel.

Lot's coming up! Bottling at Elsom Cellars is around the corner, then harvest! Other dinners, Slow Food Seattle and freelance projects in the works. AND little Prunella turns one in September!

Mark and I as Snow Leopards...of course

Heatless in Seattle- Random Thoughts in a Chilly Summer

There were some days that tried to feel like summer...sunset this past July at Gasworks Park on lake Union in Seattle

I read some reports that air conditioner sales were at an all time low in the northwest, while Oklahoma's air conditioning repairs were at an all time high. I don't need triple digit temperatures for months at a time, but when you live in Seattle, there is only three months when it's warm and sometimes sunny. Not this year though. I never put away my winter sweaters, and I often turned the heater on in my car. I'm holding out for September and October. 

I was telling my mom that if there were ever a year for it to be acceptable to be cold, this year would be the one. She's going through chemo and radiation for a cancer that will not quit, and she's been indoors and immobile most of the summer. No one is more ready for a change than her.  And then there is Prune...

Prunella dreaming of hot weather

Prunella ate most of the blueberries that ripened on our bushes this year

Sometimes when you cannot get sunshine, you need to find other means, like eating it! I've consumed my body weight in cherries this year, like all years I guess.

Last of the season's cherry harvest, bought from Pike Place this morning...not sure what to do with them. I better think of something fast before I eat them all one by one.

I'm trying to find other things to be happy about when times are tough and the weather is dull, like Spotify   I'm enjoying this awesome new music website and still learning how to navigate its waters. I'm trying very hard to enjoy the moment and stress less. Nasturtiums are blooming, I just paid my car off, and i splurged on going more blonde= more sunshine substitutes! Lastly, I'm loving the Head and the Heart and want to leave you with this magical video: