.discovery.

I went for a hike yesterday - up into the hills to see the contrast of winter colors and the coming of spring growth. The washed out colors next to the newness almost seemed electric in their contrast. The clouds clung to the mountain and in weather unusual to the dry central Washington - a light mist came watering the Big sagebrush giving the air an invigorating earthy smell - a healing aroma of new life - spring. 

Big sagebrush grows wild (and rampant) in the foothills here. A plant that has given much to the people of this land with its many uses - ceremonially being placed in sweat lodges to alleviate respiratory ailments and/or to cleanse the air with its invigorating scent. It can help soothe the sting of mosquito bites. As well as, a natural dye - making a bright yellow hue. 

As I climbed higher into the mountains I noticed the vibrant fuchsia buds on the Big sagebrush leaves - galls. The Big sagebrush leaf produces this fuzzy fuchsia gall as a reaction to the burrowed larva of an insect - nature is so amazing.

I felt lost in my own land. A reminder of how much newness can be discovered from the known. I hope you go out and discover - today - this weekend - this week - this spring.

.idaho.

going through pictures from the road trip. this is the third state visited and the first state we photographed, idaho. 

a beautiful dry arid landscape.

.thrilled.

photo source: lifewithacinnamongirl.blogspot.com

Julie over at Life with a Cinnamon Girl is birthing a quarterly cook-zine, Seasoned.

"...I have spent the past month in the kitchen working up all kinds of delicious meals and if the kale, leek and white bean pizza that we just tested out has anything to say...it's that you should really pick up a copy come early January! The cookazine will be available in digital and hardcopy. Not only are there going to be twenty-something recipes from our kitchen there will also be articles about winter life from some of my favorite people on the internet and off."
(Seasoned Quarterly).


It is a seasonal zine that will be filled with yummy eats and delicious conscious thoughts about mind, body, and food. She asked her readers to submit wintery pictures and I'm thrilled to say she picked two of mine!! Be sure to check out the zine on January 7th.

.drives.

taking drives up on badger mountain road the clouds hung low and the snow piled up. 
how easily i can change my environment (perspectives). 

happy weekend to you and yours.

.peshastin pinnacles.

apples for days.

yes, we have matching fanny packs. <3

turquoise and sandstone.

not a cloud in the sky.

an old man?

there's my dream home...do you see it? the teepee on the right side? <3

My sister came for a visit this weekend. I haven't seen her in 8 months, but the beautiful thing about my sister is when we are together the time apart always melts away. We jumped right back into the conversation we ended before I left...life, philosophies, and the BIG question: what is next?? We are playing with the idea(s) of building a life of our own. After this weekend our conversations made the possibility seemed possible. 


I love this time. This transition period when there is a freshness and reacquaintance.


Days are flying by with Nana visits, garden fresh foodie adventures with my Mama (stuffed anaheim peppers?!?!), homesteading practicing, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and losing myself in the mile high pile of library books (libraries seriously? Might be the best thing ever?) but it feels good. 


I think right now it's my purpose to foster my heart, positivity, and regain my flow. 
And with this moment I'm finding a new flexibility within myself.


love.
------------
p.s. photos are from a short hike we took this weekend, peshastin pinnacles. Beautiful, short, and HOT. Highly recommended for all your Washingtonians and 509ers. 

.509.

It's strangely familiar yet different to be back in the 509 summer sun, strong and demanding. 

Savoring the moments that come and tasting it's beauty with new depth.

daroga park

estes fruit stand

papa and the beanstalk?

nana assessing the garden

a gift from a passing bird

green beans and hot air balloons

you are going to grow up to be some mighty delicious fruit leather

love.