A Bowl of Strawberries and A Birthday Wish

Today, June 14th, is the natal anniversary of a dear friend. Hello, friend!

Happy Natal Day, Friend!

While I'm bummed I'm not able to deliver  in person, I want to wish you all the best and a bowl of strawberries too. I know they're your favorite!

Neither of us is given bon mots nor sentimentality, but there's just something about these strawberries that makes me think of you today. I hope you'll find some strawberries on your end.


Strawberries can be frozen, freeze dried, and you can eat them off season. But it's never the same experience.

So a bowl of strawberries is just like a good friend. Thank you for sharing some time and space on this blue planet of ours. It turns out that it was fortuitous that I didn't play well with other children, and had plenty of time to go for long walks and study maps. It afforded me humility and made a good introduction when we did meet. How long ago was that now?

I'll look forward to seeing you soon. But in the meantime, can we enjoy some strawberries and celebrate with a toast?

Hope so.

Green Garlic and Soba Noodles, The Joy Of

The soba noodle intrigues me — it's a visual and tactile experience.

I'd been looking for an opportunity for in-home experimentation, and happened across a crispy tofu, green garlic and soba noodle recipe from NYT's Martha Rose Shulman.

I enjoy finding recipes and bringing them to life. In general, people like to eat too. So it wasn't hard to find an eager audience on a Tuesday evening.

This dish was easy enough to prepare if you can do a bit of chopping. The key, as with many Asian dishes is to cook fast over high heat and served promptly.

Soba is served!

Here are a few points —  most subjective — from this amateur gastronome:

• The recipe- NYT notes that if you can't locate soba noodles you can use brown rice or another hearty grain. I'd go to lengths to get the soba. Order them online if you must — they're essential to this dish.
• Grape Seed Oil- Required to "wok" the tofu.
• Wok- There's just no substitute for high-temp cooking.
• Seasonal Green Garlic- it's here and gone in a flash — get going! The bulbs can be pink or purple hued.
• Garlic Flavor- Subtle, earthy,  even a bit buttery.
• Reviews? Rave!

I'd like to send Martha Rose a big bouquet of green garlic for sharing this special recipe!

Now, who'd like to sample more soba recipes?

Moving? Go, But Pack Only Good Energy

Do I really need this?

Before I moved across the country, I had the pleasure of meeting @TheLisaDShow. An emigre from TX, she has candidly chronicled the experience of being in a new locale with family in tow.

She is celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the move, and you can view it here. She's a darn good blogger, and Evanston is lucky to have her. I especially like items #11 through #19. @TheLisaDShow, will you permit me to piggyback and add a few points of my own?

First, I am not my belongings and my belongings aren't me. It's a long story but I gotta have my stuff until I don't. Surprise, there is plenty of stuff in SF, and I need little of it. Shelter, warmth, a nosh, and wifi make the top four.

Second, leverage the undiscovered path. It will lead you to a vibrant sense of being. I won't go as far as to suggest I'm there yet. There is no recreating the life you had, but there is a new one waiting to be had. Again, not there yet, but I think it'll be pretty awesome.

Third, life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans. I'll ruin this if I elaborate, so enough said.

Fourth, if something isn't working, do something else. Anything is better than nothing. This relates to LisaD's point about jobs finding those who 'seek' or 'make' them. If you put a little positive energy into the universe, it will return the favor.

Fifth, create a little demand and you'll be in demand. This follows from point #4 I think.

Sixth, chill out and be yourself. Back to that positive energy thing.

Seventh, always move forward. That's right, learn from the past for the present and the future. The journey ahead is always way more interesting.

What else?

Cherry Blossom: Festivals and Metaphors

Maybe it's because I'm new to SF, but the cherry blossom has captured my attention this spring. Why not, it is a stunning blossom and it is here for a flash. 

Blossom Porn- I'll be it's gone today!

To further pique my interest 45th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is taking place in my neighborhood. This is really a cultural festival for the Japanese-American community in Japantown (Nihonmachi). This community has been flourishing since the immediate aftermath of the 1906 earthquake. It has quickly become one of my favorite spots here.

The cherry blossom is revered in Japanese culture. To paraphrase, the beauty of the cherry blossom (sakura) is the floral embodiment of the Buddhist notion of the stunning but transient nature of physical life. In contemporary Japan, the blossom is much celebrated, complete with hanami, or viewing excursions. People go on organized excursions to castles, temples, shrines to admire the fleeting beauty of flowers and then they have a little picnic. So it follows that the blossom is rooted in the culture from the beginning of recorded time to present day ad copy.

Hence the festival in San Francisco. But it gets better, as this festival blossoms over two weekends. And this coming weekend, April 21st to 22nd, culminating with a two hour parade on Sunday. A two hour, Japanese style parade. This means the featured 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, accompanied by musicians, artists and shrine wielding damsels.

Other items not to be missed are the tea ceremonies and Ikebana exhibits. Relating to the later, I didn't realize there were so many philsophies/schools dedicated to the contemplative art. My mind may well do better with thoughtful sessions of Ikebana as opposed to blogging.

Working Mommies + Spring Break = Pile of S*ck

This week SFUSD is on spring break. So no school is in session all week.

Awesome, right? A cherished week of freedom before the homestretch- summer break- is in sight.

But what if you are a working mother? What if you are a working, single mother? Either way, your life this week is a pile of suck. A graduated pile of suck depending on the complexities of your circumstances.

Mommie: I'm bored and you're late for work!

How do I know? Let's just say that I know; I've got first-hand knowledge. Maybe your kid is psyched to have the freedom, he is ready to run wild, sleep-in, stay up late, play with matches, spray pain the cat. I could go on, but you get the picture. And that picture just sent chills up your spine. It should, because it's a horror.

Let me put together a hypothetical set of scenarios:

1. Spring Break- so no school- what to do with the little one(s) for 6-8 hrs of the day?
2. Job- yours- 
• Demanding- or at least demands your presence and undivided attention- that's a challenge given #1
• Enables the world to go around- food, housing, gets one to school during non-spring break weeks with shoes, lunch dough etc
• Enables you to pay for the school fundraiser- listen up school!
• Numerous other reasons why you need to have it
3. Life Scenarios (Graduated Complications)-
• Single Mother-  divorced/single/widowed- whatever- you're in it on your own
• 1+-Multiple Kids- some on spring break, others not- horror now and horror later
• Job- keep returning to this- you're supposed to travel this week too
• Decorum- keep it together- you're a mother, a boss, an employee etc- a model for others
• Children- oblivious to this- as they should be- but they're not helping either
• Home- keep going- meals, cleaning, laundry- it gets harder given the above points
• OSO- Off Schedule Operations- it makes life suck- hardcore suck
• What else? Gosh, I don't know- maybe there is an ex-spouse lurking? Maybe you're got a cold, or...I could go on but this is making the anxiety well in me even...

Full disclosure, I am a post-modern, childless, gay man. But I've seen with my own eyes. So, here's to you ladies. I know it's all on you, and there is no sign this social trend is abating. Evidently in 40% of families the wife/mother/lady is the major bread winner. In some way, some aspect of this is going to fall on you, sister.

To my own mother, who was a working mommie: I know that some spring break past, I made your life more challenging. How about a belated apology and a chai tea latte on me? You still got it all done, and just the right way. I <3 you, lady!

Spring Break = Pile of S*ck

I know I'm broaching the tip of an emotionally and politically charged ice berg. So while I'd love to get some comments going, let's keep in mind this wasn't meant to ignore the trials of any mommie, any where.

To conclude, this one is for all of you mommies at the mercy of SFUSD this week. Here's to you!

Now, what can I do to help?

Red Devil Buses = Panama City's Highway to Hell?

It seems each city in Central America, at least that I've visited, offers a distinct brand of kinetic energy. Panama City, in that regard is true to form, and offers the inquisitive visitor a unique circle of chaos. If you are visiting soon, and it will have to be soon, you won't be able to miss the Diablo Rojo buses.

Next stop?

But you are going to need to make that soon, as these buses which form the backbone of the transit system, are on the cusp of making their final rounds. Pres Ricardo Martinelli no less has made it a cause to eliminate these converted school buses. Welcome the era of the Metro Bus, and it seems for the residents who depend on the bus for their transportation, the change can't come soon enough.

Let's be clear, riding one of the Rojo's is not like navigating the streets of SF in your Subaru. Oh no, this is a dangerous, chaotic and enervating exercise that residents are delighted to see ride off into the sunset. Why? Well, consider:

• Danger- The privately owned buses are known for a flagrant disregard for traffic laws and the general well being of their riders. Once they were school buses in Florida, and went on to second lives as the workhorse of the PC transit system.
• Private Ownership- They're all privately owned. This means that the mass transportation in PC is subject to market forces. This means that the more people they carry quickly, the more money they make. Oh, and since the officials were looking the other way for the longest time, it meant the ride was nothing short of a highway to hell.
• Public Transportation = Worldly- Pres Martinelli is eager to recast PC as the Singapore of Central America- the sort of place that attracts global corporations b/c it is safe, stable and sane. Part of that is having a reliable public transportation system that doesn't maim riders with alarming regularity.

Careful in the crosswalk!

If you must endure riding the Rojo's, your daily commute is a pile of suck. Granted they are visually compelling- often highly stylized with spikes, horns- multi-hued kaleidoscopes of odes to buxom salsa singers.This is not your bland Muni bus for sure. No the Rojo's are the daffy relation you'd like to keep under wraps, but in spite of being repeatedly muted and medicated, continues to besmirch your good name.

I have to wonder if one day the Rojo's will inspire civic nostalgia for their colorful, albeit odious presence. I'd hazard the guess that if you must ride these daily, your threshold for this type nostalgia is significantly higher than mine. So the answer is 'not any time soon'. That's just as well. And, let's hope the residents of Panama City get the ride they rightly deserve.

Passing of the Unicorn: A new day!

Last week I blogged about moving on, and as it turns out it is actually happening. Wow.

Passing of the unicorn to M Cowen

I've tried to keep this hush-hush, as I'm not for sharing the details of my life. You might say that I blew my cover when I blogged about moving last week. Au contraire mon fraire! A dirty secret about social media is that no one reads blogs.That was one of my top posts. It had 28 hits.

My ostensible reason for writing this post has to do with the US Masters Swimming team I've been pleased to be a part of for the past the six years, the Chicago Smelts. Master's swimming is hardcore, competitive swimming for adults who like that sort of thing. Right. Maybe you're asking where I fit? I've devoted myself to working behind the scenes, not to competing. Like in my professional life, I make sh*t happen and I do it pretty darn well.

Warning: Somewhat emotive portion of this post-  I've met some of 'my people' here. Really. The sort of friends that aren't temporal or limited in scope. They've welcomed me into their lives and vice versa. I'm better for it, and I hope they are too.

So it's time to pass along the unofficial 'mascot,' the unicorn.

A symbolic gesture, but not a hollow gesture. Tell me about a time you've passed your own 'unicorn'....

Miss you; maybe

I'm moving on which is good. I'm ready for a change, a new city and new opportunities.

Miss you; maybe

Sure I'm leaving behind good friends and family. But they might not like me so well if I stayed. I'm looking at this as a two year posting, then I'll assess from there. Nothing is forever, and besides friends and family can visit. Jeepers, call me every day if you want. You don't now, but you can start.

As my time in my familiar spaces grows shorter, and I think, 'Self, what will I miss?' That's an interesting thought, when you stop to examine. Would it make more sense to think of the things I won't miss? I don't want to write screed, so I'm going to avoid that.

But let's start by considering what it means to miss something or someone. Here's my perspective- I always like to think that if you miss something, that means you liked it in the first place. It (whatever it is) brought some pleasure, reassurance or satisfaction. I've got a long list, which is a good sign. Best to leave on good terms with fond memories. Right?

Here's a list in no particular order:

• Chicago Smelts
• Northshore Book Club
• Bike rides around Northwestern University
• Ba Le Sandwhiches- the sardine sub rocks!
• Taquerias on Clark Street
• Summer Sundays at Hollywood Beach - which I guess is now Osterman Beach and thus betrays me as old skewl
• Office space and friends at Creative Commune
• Being alone in my own home (sometimes)

Dirty secret- there are some things about the above I won't miss. But definitely missing more than not missing.

I'd love to hear from you. Have you moved a lot? What do you think of the concept of missing?

Let's discuss...

Only in Pilsen: Dia de los Muertos and Environmental Rights

How many times have you pledged to explore in your home town? How many times have you?

Dia de los Muertos participants

Right. So on Nov 2nd, I found temperate weather and my bicycle pointed towards Pilsen's Dia de los Muertos procession. As you'd imagine, the event didn't disappoint. Mexico, its people (home based or diaspora) and culture have a penchant of turning the mundane into the sublime.

I was also reminded of an issue that looms in this dynamic neighborhood. That is the drive for clean air, and the right to have unfettered access to clean air. Enter the Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (P.E.R.R.O). Clean air- and access to it- are precious and precarious. In Pilsen the air quality has generated citations from the EPA.

The issue hasn't gone uncovered by the media- periodically generating local coverage of the Clean Power Ordinance and PERRO's advocacy (along with Chicago Clean Power Coalition) to pressure Midwest Generation to close or significantly reduce emissions from the Fisk and Crawford coal plants. Midwest Generation owns and operates the old coal fired power plants that were sold by ComEd (Exelon). Coal is nasty, and it has severe affects on communities- from its extraction to its burning. Sulfur dioxide is perhaps the best known by product, and it leads to respiratory ailments, acid rain etc. Yet, like me, you probably expect the lights to work in your home, and for it to stay heated during the winter months. Consider me guilty of those expectations.

The Clean Power Ordinance (see above) haltingly working it's way through the local legislative grinder. However, elections/politics/vested interests have a tendency to delay, obfuscate, and/or alter the final law.

Ofreda at Dvork Park Field House

You might say that for the residents of Pilsen, there is no delay. Most of us need to breathe regularly. And we seem to have little trouble funding wars, business tax breaks, TIFF's etc- and fully recognizing each of these as disparate issues, but air pollution is entirely rectifiable.

Ultimately this will be resolved- the right thing will be done once all other options are exhausted. So explore your city. I for one love finding something else when I'm busy looking for something.

My Diary Is So Much Better Than My Blog

Parsing belongings in advance moving, and I came across a journal I once kept. The entries go back a decade to the day, and remind me of people, events etc I've long relegated to the recesses of my brain. To my credit the entries are well written- they have a distinct 'voice' and direction. I give my decade ago self kudos for that.

Dear Diary- Shall I keep you another 10 years?

This has me thinking that my journal is way better than my blog. I mean that. The journal- okay let's go ahead and call it a diary- is the truly 'authentic' form of communication.  Bloggers/social media strategists expend much labor and angst in pursuit of the appearance of authenticity. One catch, unlike my blog, I don't want anyone to read my diary. If it were published, it wouldn't be the end of the world, but it's not my first choice. My diary was never intended as a work for publication.

My blog? Well, that's a different story. For the most part, I want you to read this. I try to write thoughtful posts, promote them, tag them etc. To that end I'm asking you- begging in some cases- to read this. Few people do- and when I compare these divergent objectives- I daresay we've hit on a qualitative limitation of the blog.

Doesn't reading a diary seem way more juicy than reading a blog? To me it does. It's the difference between raw, unadulterated thought and, well, positioning. A diary is my darkest/deepest thoughts: it's where I kiss and tell. Blogging is PR.

Would you rather ready my blog or my diary?

Should I keep this diary or burn it? Burning would be ceremonial- from ashes to ashes we all go- thus consigning it to the ages. I have to admit I'm torn.

What do you think?

Evanston Mash Up- Hang With Those Smarter Than You!

I've been busy guesting at Evanston Live on the Mash Up.

No need to neglect Crier any longer. But, I'm going to make this a concise post.

Quick question- can you spot someone who is smarter than you? If yes, and if this does not cause an existential crisis, then you probably understand that there is much you can learn from these people. The premise is simple: you can learn from people who have knowledge that you don't. Here's a great way to start:

Evanston's Brain Trust Mash Up

• Visit @EvanstonLive and read the post
• Attend the Mash Up- tickets are available as of this writing
• Collaborate with those who are smarter than you- they do exist!

I've spent a good portion of this year seeking opportunities to learn all I can from others. I seek out those I know to be smarter than me, or at least more knowledgeable about a specific topic. Many of them are willing to share their experiences. What do I take from this? That those who are able to bring others together, who can incite them to share their experiences and see how they complement one another stand to gain. Gain what you ask? The collective power, the Groundswell, of talent that when moving in the same direction is an irrestible force.

That's the genius of an event like the Mash Up, and it is unique to a place like Evanston. In short- it's where the people are smarter than you.

Summer 2011---> Getting Punk'd

Since yesterday was Labor/Labour Day, I didn't post.

I'm going to trust that most of the loyal readers of this blog decided to take the day. As the final holiday of the summer season I am always a little glum. Let me be clear that 'autumn' does not officially begin until the 21st of September. But here are some points, on the season that was:

Summer Waning

• This year in particular, I feel like I sat out the summer. The arm issue didn't help matters. For those of you who don't know, I had a fracture in my upper humerus which kept me somewhat sidelined. Since I'm not the best patient- by any means- I did maintain an adequate schedule of activities.
• I did manage to make it to several outdoor swims, albeit at my reduced pace. That's not too bad, considering the condition things where in on Memorial Day 2011.
• Learned the value of doing more by doing somewhat less. This is a topic for many other posts, but sometimes you can actually do better by slowing down a little. That's provocative for sure.

Autumn is a lovely season for sure. Many nice days, ideal for activities like cycling etc. I intend to enjoy, and not pay too much attention to the shortening days and the sun that sinks ever perceptively into the southern sky. I take heart though, as even that has its limit.  Winter is no longer than Summer, but it does seem to linger like a nasty abscess.

Memorial Day 2012 is on the 28th of May. Mark your calendars!

Sunday--->Funday?! Sliding into the last days of Summer

Summer is slowly fading fast. So sayeth Henry Saiz. I came across that quote mid-winter in the northern hemisphere. The tables are turned, and I am becoming wistful- perhaps prematurely- for our own Summer. It is beginning to fade slowly, but quickly.

An injury had me sometime sidelined for most of the summer, so now I am beginning to gorge on all the Summer fun I can. Yesterday presented an ideal opportunity.

Norwood Park- by Chicago Park District

Check out the photo. Let me ask you, when was the last time you slid down a water slide? If you are like me, and I'm a fairly active adult, you can probably measure the time in decades. I'm just saying. And, if you are like me, you probably feel that is too long.

It is too long. And let me tell you, the slide was epic! So too was the picnic afterwards. So too was the company. What more could one want? Well, except maybe another month of Summer.

Farewell!? Making Lemonade in This New American Century

The party is over. Everyone is making off into the pre-dawn hours.

Los Angeles from the Getty Center

Last night I had dinner with a friend, KM,  who is returning to her native Los Angeles. She will be missed. Interestingly this is a 'first person' friendship that was just beginning to take form.  What you may ask do I mean by first person friendship? KM was originally a friend of a friend (FOF). Our link departed some months ago, and we took up where he left us. Usually when that vital link disappears, you discover you haven't much in common with the remaining friends. It just doesn't work some how- you just aren't that in to each other.

Not so with KM. We genuinely enjoy each other. So it was a treat to dine in the outdoors, sip a bit of wine and chat about the future. We are both at this juncture where events have conspired to open an expanse of future. That is a future for the making. If you asked me five years ago what the future held, I'd probably have a clearer answer than I do today. I think this is a tremendous opportunity for the taking.

And so we shall. There is no other option. One nice thing about contemporary times (and let's be honest there are many), is that no one ever really goes away. Being in contact is easier than ever. Plus dispersing friends across the globe opens options for weekend get-a-way's.

How is that for making lemonade in the new American century?

Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam- Pyrotechnics in Action

Do you play with fire for fun?

Some do, and if you fall into this category the Full Moon Fire Jam could be for you! Spontaneously last night, I was inspired to join as a spectator. The premise is artful, but simple. Here I'm quoting from the site:

We practice fire as an art form, with passion, anytime, anywhere, for any reason.

For any reason!? Does that sound militant? Maybe it could be re-written to place less emphasis on spontaneous pyrotechnics. Which is what the above implies. However these events are planned to coincide with the waxing full moon. The Fire Jam is approximate, as the performers can't obtain permits for pyrotechnic events on Fridays or Saturdays. It says so on the site, and I have to wonder why. It's not like the people who perform or are most likely to attend are the demo most likely to need to arise early on a Monday morning. If it is for safety purposes, should these events get out of hand, wouldn't that be just as likely to happen on a Sunday as on a Saturday?

Who performs in these you may be asking? Well, literally a devoted band of followers. The demo is sort of a melange of the Bristol Renaissance Faire meets Lord of the Dance meets Mad Max. This could be your scene if you can answer yes to any of the following:

• Do you like to dress as a troll, a dragon, a Lord or a Lady? 
• Do you like reenactments? 
• Do you have a keen sense of the dystopian future? 
• Do you go by a moniker like Turbo Rainbow? 
• Are you a contemporary, macrame fashionista?

On last observation, and this is going to betray me as not a true Fire Jammer. To the fellow who takes and holds the ignition source, a fuel of some sort, in his mouth and spews it to create the fire ball....is that a little risky? What does that do to your periodontal well being? Really that is more of a rhetorical musing, but if any of you would like to comment, by all means.

The next Fire Jam is on September 12th at 7pm. Maybe see you there.

Tree for Life

The other night, I was led to this tree.

Three pronged approach?

It is in a somewhat shady neighborhood. I'll let you parse the irony.

But here 'tis.

Interesting iterations in nature, eh? I'd love to hear from the cracker jack arborist or botanist how the trois trunk effect occurs? Is anyone from the Chicago Botanic Garden reading this blog?

While we await response,  I'll leave it to you to guess where this tree resides. One of you knows the exact location.

And on that note, thank you for sharing it with me!

Communal Living: Pragmatism Not Psychedelics

neal-schindler.blogspot.com- he joined Ravenna Kibbutz

Communal living probably isn't for me. I'm just being frank, and perhaps that lends credibility to this post. Really you're getting truly objective insight here.

On Friday @itsbarry and I joined a group here in the 'hood for Friday evening Shabbos. I formally met this group when I was coming home the previous Friday evening, and they extended an invite. They are organized around communal living principles meaning they share labors, food preparation and so forth. If you venture by their place, you'll note they are quite adept at container gardening.

An air of the kibbutz movement on a north side street. I'd been by this place maybe twice per day going on seven years now. The building itself was once abandoned at the beginning of the mortgage meltdown, fell into disrepair, was condemned, but taken over by some fellows who launched this community. Rubble begets a new day! The kibbutz movement is founded on that principle if I'm not mistaken.

I'm not a religious person by any measure, though I maintain an appreciation for and ongoing interest in culture. This experience delivered! After welcoming the Sabbath, we sat down to a lovely supper and got to know some of the participants. Many of whom, like us were visiting. An eclectic mix of a rabbi, a professional musician, students and some communal livers.

I'm not altogether clear how this is organized, and that isn't entirely accidental. I've learned to appreciate that sort of ambiguity. I really don't need to know all the insight, and pearls of wisdom are often revealed over time.

What does one take from this? Well, I'm not turning to religion nor am I poised to embrace communal living. Sorry to disappoint. But, as is generally the theme of this blog, it is all about the experience. Some of the best just happen to be right under your nose. If you take the time to see them. It may actually be extending you an invitation.

Taking a Moment to Get Caught in the #Rain

Do you have time to get caught in the rain?

I'm going to guess that the answer is no.

As the past week has proved you may not have much of a choice. We aren't talking about a mere drizzle, as we've been experiencing epic downpours.

Provided your basement hasn't flooded, your garden washed away, or your car flattened by a falling tree you can find surprising natural beauty.

And, apropos of the above, and the recent heat waves, and the frequent torrential downpours (to say nothing of the epic snowstorms of this past winter)- to say nothing of the fact that this is a sampling of one year.  This is pretty much everything reputable scientists said would occur with a warming climate. Let me emphasize reputable scientists.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the scenery.

Secret Gardens: Scaling the Wall via Reintroduction

Do you have a secret garden? Okay, I'm posing a loaded question because you are probably wondering if I mean this literally or metaphorically.

My answer: both!

Yesterday I was accompanying a dear friend around the city. She lived here once, had been delaying a visit, but the time was right. She was in the situation a good number of us have experienced when you reencounter a good friend you haven't seen in years. You know you still care for them, perhaps deeply, but interestingly you can't make much conversation. That must be the shock of unrealistic expectation. Quickly you realize you've both changed, there's almost no point in recounting it all, so you're basically reintroducing yourself.

Yesterday we found this secret garden. I won't reveal the location- as it is a secret- at least to us. But I love the notion, and the original tale by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Where am I going with all of this? That is long ago friends, out of town visits, and secret gardens.

Well, if you are familiar with the tale and the character of Ben Weatherstaff, maybe you like to peer over the garden walls. What you find may surprise you- pleasantly or maybe not so. Maybe it forces you to reconsider your expectations? That can be a valuable experience.

I believe secrets are meant to be kept. But tell me, do you have a secret garden?

Eye Candy

While getting back up to speed, please take a moment to enjoy the eye candy.