Community Sharing Agriculture (CSA)

Q: Is there anything that matches the cool-factor of "handmade"?
A: Yes, "home grown organic"!The various dots on the map above represent locally grown food sources such as farms that sell and deliver shares of fresh produce, farmers' markets, and local foodie restaurants.

Via LocalHarvest.org, I was able to invest in a CSA. I've met the farmers and learned about their methodology, and each Thursday they deliver a cooler of the week's harvest. This week's bounty included beets, various greens, herbs, radishes, a jar of honey, and the usual carton of freshly laid eggs. Next week, they expect berries galore. Along with the food comes a newsletter and recipes to try.

It's not my usual, thrify route, but damn does it feel good to support local farms and eat ultra-fresh, local slow food. Credit Animal, Vegetable, Miracle for getting me off my keester and participating in a CSA. My next goal: taking a cheese-making class!

"Address Outdoor" Is Today's Etsy Search Term

This beauty has been in my favorites for ages. I positively adore the colors, which would complement my home quite well. Please check out Lamosiacgifts for even more outstanding pieces.
Georgie Girl Studios creates these classy address plates, doorbell plates, and (I suspect) the possibilities are endless.
Pear Tree Mosaics, of Rhode Island, makes these fantastic mosaic house numbers in a variety of styles.

Gardening

I truly enjoy the upkeep of my yard. To dress up our very plain house, I have two room-size beds of flowers in the front yard. Last night, in the (abnormally) cool evening air, weeding was a comfortable, meditative activity.Although I started with an ordinary Stella d'Oro daylily border and some basic greenery and perennials, I have been drawn to rare plants in recent years. We planted a tiny Ginko tree a few years ago, and the beds have been sewn with seeds collected with care from a grandmotherly garden.Next year, we'll add an enormous bed surrounding our patio in the backyard--one we'll add to for years to come. The scope of our plans is a bit intimidating, but it's taken us 12 years to get the front yard "done" so we know exactly how much to tackle in one reasonable year.I've always planned a vegetable and fruit garden, but except for a few potted tomato plants, this dream remains in the "next year for sure" category. Now that I'm reading Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, however, I am determined to grow food. Next year, for sure.
I mean it.

For starters, we'll need more dirt...

"Trouble" is Today's Etsy Search Term

WildChildCreations uses bright color and dark words to make fun accessories like the pendant above.
3dots calls this necklace "Bubble Trouble" and I adore it. In fact, her whole shop mixes wire, wood, and colorful beads with a fun geometry.
This chapbook, called Trouble with Faces, was compiled by a Michigan writing collective and is offered through Tinuviel's store.

"Tunnel" is the Etsy Search Term for Today

How's this for perspective? I'm able to read my own situation into the two ends of this tunnel--I know what I'm getting myself into, and how far there is to go until it ends. StacyMSmith has plenty more goodies to choose from.
Thanks, DirtyVinyl, for showing me one tunnel that wouldn't make me feel trapped--plenty of sensory feedback in this shot!
This photo reminds me of a recurring dream I used to have. More great views available from Portland-based BraidedLight.

The Simple Life

The things that make or break our days are often minor. Cutting these irises from my yard and bringing them into the house made my heart sing.

Today's Etsy Search Word: "Rocket"

My son chose today's word of the day, so these are things I'd love to be able to buy for him.

This clock is from Clocky's shop...also called Subterranean Clockworks. Pretty coolio. Large selection, too.

JohnWGolden creates clever, eye-appealing, and practical artwork for families. Here's a set of rockets for my little space boy.

NoseandToes offers this fun tee for three year olds. Trouble is, my three year old gets mistaken for a five year old all the time. He's a giant!