Every night I walk outside with my oldest kitty to give him some outdoor time before we head to bed. He loves the outdoors but will not venture out unless I am with him, so we usually bond in this way for 10 to 15 minutes each evening. Before Jude came back from her break, I would look up at the moon waiting for its waxing to fullness. I knew she would return around this time. One night I was taking photos with my cell phone, and even though it never really turns out, I thought this was an intriguing and abstract interpretation.
Willie, my youngest kitty does not like new things. He likes to curl up on things that are worn and old. I rather like that about him.
I realize I have been a bit absent here from posting, commenting on other blogs, as well as being a bit behind in emails. I have been distracted, but will be back in time with more steady focus. In the meantime, I have been cutting out a quilt for my new grandson and doing some baking, a thing that is always so comforting and satisfying.
I had some extra zucchini, so I decided to make some bread.
I always use twice the amount of nuts the recipe calls for because I love nuts in just about everything.
The recipe made two loaves. I gave one to the neighbors who so generously helped to water some of our potted plants while we were gone for several weeks this summer.
I have to admit, I love figs! I love photos of them. I love their history, sensual beauty when cut open, taste, and intriguing possibilities. These were on sale the other day at the grocery store. Figs are best stored at room temperature and arranged so they do not touch one another. Refrigeration will destroy their flavor, and being stacked on one another causes them to spoil more quickly. These are awaiting salads and a dessert. They are also great in my morning oatmeal. I will be back soon. Hope everyone is well and eagerly awaiting the beauty of fall!
Figs! The figs! It was exactly 5 years ago right now, in France, that everyone else was inside that fabric shop buying fabrics and linens and tablewear and you and I were outside and you convinced me I would love eating the figs with you that were growing on the nearby tree. Refusing to accept that I was a Fig Virgin” you guided me through my first tastes. Do you remember?
Fondly, Nancy
Well, Nancy, you know better than anyone my propensity for climbing up into fig trees. Truly, I have to say that this was one of the highlights of that trip for me with the other being Giverny of course! There are no figs to compare to those in Southern France. I doubt if I could ever duplicate the magic of that experience ever again! Glad you remembered it as well as I did. Hope you are well and finding lots of textile and sewing treasures these days!
figs, that is what i love most about turkey. they are so hard to find here.
I guess I take the fig trees in Portland for granted. On my walks I will often find trees loaded with the fruit and no one around to care or pick them. Wish I could send some your way.
Zucchini bread is on my to-do list for today! My grandmother (in Mendocino) had the best crop of figs she’s had in years.
So I am wondering why your grandmother in Mendocino had her best crop of figs this year. Was this weather related? Hope you made your zucchini bread. We finished the last of ours today. I need to do some more baking.
Thank you so much about your comments on my Owl Pillow…you are so kind.
I had a cat like yours when I was a teenager…he was black and we named him Odin. Odin loved taking walks with us in the evening. If we went into a neighbors house he would disappear, only to miraculously appear the minute we left the neighbors house, to walk home with us…I adored that cat.
Figs…my husband knows how much I love them…he goes to Whole Foods to get them for me when they are in season…I never knew about not letting them touch.
I wish I could have met your Odin. What an adorable kitty he must have been. I am very partial to black cats. I think they are unique and very loving.
Do you have good fig recipes to share? I keep seeing this large tart with figs arranged on the top with a very yummy filling and rich pastry crust, but cannot seem to recall where I saw this yummy dessert. Maybe I was dreaming about it.
P.S. I colored the thread with Pitt pens to make variegated thread…I am not a little proud of that trick
Oh that is a great idea. Your piece is so beautiful with all the stitching and the colors and shapes and images.
I love figs too, but I did not know they are so delicate that they can’t touch one another, but must sit primly on their plate with elbow room between each other, lest they bruise. This definitely adds to their elegance. Now I have a new word to describe some ladies that I know!
Funny….the fig ladies. I can see this, but they must be rather delicate creatures. I think figs are a little more sturdy than that. However, I would bet most people store figs all mingled together. Who has room or time to place them daintily on plates, lest they spoil. I say eat figs as soon as you get them or put them in a dessert to be baked then refrigerated.
As you know, I am crazy about my boy that looks like your boy. Your Willie looks so much like my Chester. So very handsome!!
Your story of the figs reminded me of my Grandmother. She would take the train up to Portland from San Francisco to see her niece (they were the same age – very large family – my grandmother being the youngest). They were like sisters. My Grandmother would talk about picking the figs off her tree and eat them with the sun on her face. She painted such a lovely word painting that I never forgot it.
The cake also looked fantastic. I bet it tasted just as good!
I love the stories that you share about your family. I actually came to love figs because of a memory, similar to yours. I wonder where in Portland they would go to pick the figs off the trees. What a painting that would make. Nice that you have it in your storage of vivid memories.
Yes, we both have the most beautiful black kitties!
I have learned something new about figs…and just in time!
I literally just bought some fresh figs which I never do because our little grocery store does not usually have them.
Thank you : )
I love that “mystical looking moon” picture and how sweet
that your kitty will not venture out without you. He feels your
motherly protection…very sweet.
mmmm love zucchini bread. Thanks for stopping by. Always a
joy to know you are back. <3
You keep so busy with your life and still have time to create beautiful things as well as respond to others in such a timely manner. Thank you for always being here.
the photograph is very very beautiful….gives the
sense of the night with it’s softness…like the edges
of cloth
I just love that phrase, “like the edges of cloth”, the gentle fray, the parts that aren’t exactly distinct but add so much more to a piece. I have learned so much from Jude in this way as I know you have too. However, I think you were familiar with this long before the idea came along because you have such a sensitivity to this form and beauty. Your work is very special!
What a beautiful display of figs! They are my favorite fruit for the way they taste, their texture and their beauty. I jut had a basket full of green ones that I ate within a couple of days. I didn’t know they shouldn’t be refrigerated and stacked together. It makes sense now why mine have always gone bad so quickly.
I think this might be genetic, this mutual love of this very special fruit. I honestly think I learned to love figs because of you and your fascination with them. You always knew how to use them as the perfect appetizer on a plate with nuts and goat cheese and a sprig or two of thyme. Now that calls for the perfect setting for a still life painting. I guess figs don’t do well sitting around whether you store them in the refrigerator or not or stack them or separate them. I think they simply have a very short shelf life. So glad you stopped by and left a comment! xx