New Skills

Christmas baking is underway and this house smells like gingerbread.  This is my first foray into rolled and cut cookies as well as (gulp) attempting to decorate them.  Practice with Royal icing is about to commence.  Thankfully these cookies are destined to be ornaments and not edibles.

It's always good to learn new skills.

Speaking of new skills, my two portfolios; Abitazione and Farms and Barns are going on sale this weekend at the Carmel Visual Arts Center in, well, Carmel.  These portfolios are sets of small to tiny photos contained in the above boxes.  It doesn't matter if they sell or not, I'm enjoying working on expanding the portfolios.  I've fallen intrigued with the small photo collection in a box format and will continue with these cherish-able photo findings.

In bocca al lupo.  m (no v)

Portfolio Making

I have been attending a series of art photography workshops for the past several months. It's called FotoSaga and was started by the photographer Carol Henry.  We will be putting on an exhibition in Carmel in early December.  We are putting together portfolios of miniature photographs held in small boxes.  Above is a sampling of my portfolio entitled Abatizione (Home). It's in Italian to honor v.

In bocca al lupo.  m (no v)

Red Sky

An incredible sunset during that beach shoot we did a couple of weeks ago.

In bocca al lupo.  m (no v)

Fog

Last night's job site.  Fog coming in from Carmel.

In bocca al lupo.  m (no v)

Sunrise at the River

 Carmel River Beach in the early morning this past Sunday.  We wanted to avoid the weekend crowds, and we did.  Mostly ducks greeted us.

The clouds were just beginning to burn off 

For us it was a peaceful and pleasant ramble in the sand.  Afterwards we met a friend for coffee and were home before most folks were up and around.

It was lovely.  Now we start the next round of chemo.  v is doing so well, he is astounding.  Thin and losing his hair, he just remains cheerful and energetic.  He has no intention of giving in.  I am with him every step of the way.  We support each other.

In bocca al lupo.  m & v

Morning Coffee

So far so good, this morning.  We are moving slowly.  Coffee and the newspaper after breakfast.  I get to play with my new camera (a BIG learning curve).  Easy supper is already planned, we're having potato salad.  I picked up some nice baby potatoes at the farmers' market.  They are all different colors.  They are boiled, the eggs are cooling and the rest of the ingredients aren't aware of their fate as of yet.

V presented his pillow to me after he awoke to find quite a bit of hair remaining on it after his head had left it.  What can we do?  His hair is falling out.  As much as we hoped he would be one of the rare people receiving his type of chemo who do not lose their hair, he is not one of them.  We have caps and hats at the ready.  I have one on the needles as I write.  It needs a little backtracking.  I made a mistake somewhere.  But, it will be finished soon and it is of the softest blend of wool and silk and it's from Italy, as is v!  He has his energy and that is what I am most thankful for today.

Tomorrow is the Big Sur Marathon.  What a great spectacle.  If I were a runner I would run that race.  There cannot be a more beautiful venue.  Unfortunately, because of the race, Highway 1, south of Carmel will be closed.  That means we can't get to church. As much as this would be a great day off, it also signals our beloved Father Bill's last day this season.  He won't be back until November!  We dropped by to bid him farewell, yesterday.  I'm not a Catholic (v...) but this man is the most genuine, kind, wise, and sweet pastor anyone could look for.  It's a long stretch before November.

So, as I'd hoped for last evening; we have a free day to relax and put our feet up, or take them to the garden (maybe the library and a coffee later....maybe...).  Ah! here comes the sun!

In bocca al lupo.  m & v

The Path Around Carmel

We took a walk around Carmel Bay. One can either walk along on the sand or the path above the beach.  We chose the path.  It was windy and cold.   Although we didn't see any surfers we saw tidepoolers and this fisherman.  I missed a shot when he pulled his catch out of the waves, but he obligingly cast off again.

The walk around the bay takes you from the crashing surf all the way around to a more protected beach at the mouth of the Carmel River.  Further along you leave the ocean behind as you walk toward the Carmel Mission.  Along that portion of the walk are the marshes.  All the while one is circling the village of Carmel which is only the turn of the head away.

An invigorating yet peaceful walk.

In bocca al lupo. m & v