Daffodils

I miss the daffodils in Birmingham. They lined the pathway to class and scented the air and made me yearn for spring. When I saw a potted daffodil here I thought it would be the solution. Unfortunately room temp does not keep daffodils happy and mine dwindled. But they are now growing prolifically here so I am enjoying them outside in abundance. They're still not quite the same as Birmingham though.

so very true

"I must learn to love the fool in me--the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool." -- Theodore I. Rubin, MD

 

Thanks Joanna, (via cup of joe). 

enjoy!

i've been trying to capture my own bits of beauty throughout the day. enjoy!

Whimsical Wednesday III

In keeping with past wednesdays I explored my favorite spots in the city. I had a job interview on the eastern end of market st so I explored the ferry building.....

enjoyed the oddities.....

coveted everything at Boulettes' Larder.....

basked in the sunshine.....

and took in the life of the city. There is so much to see and do and absorb. I can't wait for next wednesday when I visit the de young museum in golden gate park.

Thunder

I heard my first clap of thunder in California today.

3-see

A couple of weeks ago I attended Mosaic Church in Berkeley. A woman named Jill spoke about the challenge she's took to take one photo a day last year. This expanded to her friends in Kansas and Massachusetts. They now have a blog called 3-see where they post a photo a day with a paragraph discussing its meaning. Its helped them see the world in a new way. Its helped me as well. My favorite is a video Jill created about Psalms 13. Beauty comes in so many forms. 

Omelette

I have always been threatened by omelets until I tried this recipe. It is truly easy, fluffy and delicious. I am going to try one with goat cheese and tomatoes this weekend. enjoy!

Nerdiness

I have a weekend long class today and tomorrow. I love class. I love listening. I love big words. I love dialogue. I love concepts. I realized the extent of my nerdiness fully today. When our professor mentioned that an author I read in college would be at a conference we're attending in the summer. I was very psyched and it showed. I am going to dig up the book we read then and have her sign it. I can't wait.

Whimsical Wednesday II

I had quite the adventure yesterday. I  wandered around Hayes Valley, the mission and checked out the public library.  Cafe Tartine on Guerroro was delightful. I indulged a bit with a coconut macaroon. The outside tables were full of people chatting even though it became a bit chilly. They make fresh bread after five and I will have to return for a loaf.

 I returned to Market street and found an incredible shop called Rare Device. They sold bowls, calendars, clothes and even a poster made by Victoria at sfgirlbybay. It is even better in person. I purchased a bird calendar on sale and its now hanging on my wall. 

I continued down Market past the Its Tops diner, which has been there since 1935 where I will have to return for a burger, to the Public Library. It was very spacious and had a 50's art deco feel. The historical section on the 6th floor had an incredible collection of San Francisco history. 

I enjoyed a collection of Ansel Adams photography and letters. His correspondence with his girl friend and then wife, Virginia, was intriguing. I love the stories behind great and talented people. His use of light and the work he put into his photographs of Yosemite is admirable. His talent shines through the hindrances of the technology of the time. His tales of hiking with pounds of equipment to get to the perfect location paid off but make me appreciate the convenience of my point and shoot. 

There was also a pictoral history of San Francisco which I perused. I love hearing about the development of our city through adversity and wealth. Hmm....

I then rode the F-line up Market and took in the view. 

Rain

I love sitting indoors in my chair reading with the rain pattering outside. The satisfaction of knowing that the world is getting a drink while I am warm and dry with my coffee is worth alot in my book. I hope we see more of it very soon. 

Ritual

We went to Ritual in the mission last night and I had a splendid cappuccino. The tulip latte art was brilliant. Some of my friends tried the clover brew system for their coffee. I had not tried it before but the body and flavor were unmatched by anything else I've experienced. Its pricier at 3.50 a cup but worth every penny. I love the atmosphere there with the community tables and delicious aroma. I bought my first bag of Ritual beans and I can't wait to press my first cup. Its a bean from Ethiopia and the roast is called Wondo Worka. I'll let you know how it tastes.

Priscilla Ahn

My favorite genre of music is women with interesting voices and my friend brit recently introduced me to a new girl to add to my list Priscilla Ahn. She has such an ethereal sound combined with lyrics that embody my feelings exactly. I especially love "Dream" which you can listen to here.

Pausing

Another reason for joining the world of blogging is due to my recent lack of employment. I was formerly a barista, and a darn good one at that, but i am now attempting to find a new place in the grown up world of responsibility. Until then I am finding new ways to fill my time.

A recent fix for this problem has been knitting. There is a knitting group on campus and I attended last week. I now dream of the day I will wear my own creation or ultimately have my own etsy store. Until then I enjoy browsing others such as tortiseshellbunny. I especially love the deep purple and chunky knit of this scarf.

Grilled Cheese Cookoff

well in light of the daily candy tip about the 2nd Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational, I thought I would share my favorite Grilled Cheese recipe. It came from the Urban Standard, an excellent cafe in Birmingham. They use a mixture of provolone, goat and cheddar cheeses which melt together in a perfect, tangy combination of flavors. If you can't make it to the invitational this should curb your craving. 

flights of fancy

My main inspiration for starting this blog is due to the incredible blogs I have read in the past month since discovering http://www.frolic.blogspot.com/. The beauty they contain makes me want to create and explore and enjoy the good things in life.  

My five favorites:

1. http://sfgirlbybay.blogspot.com/

The  beauty and bliss of the bay area have been captured in Victoria's blog.  With the introduction to the Domino My Deco files and other interesting interviews I am always learning something new.

2. http://seenandsaid.blogspot.com/

Jane's fashion sense brings new possibilities to mind as well as her spot on music referrals such as Lisa Hannigan

3. http://blissfulb.blogspot.com/

Mrs. French's i heart monday blogs begin the week with a smile. 

4.ttp://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/ 

Her many blogs contain insight and humor that last.

5. http://www.thelilbee.com/

I aspire to start this blog so that one day I may blog as well as these ladies. bravo

Whimsical Wednesday

I am beginning this blog with the desire to start a conversation with fellow lovers of coffee, culture and current events. I am enamored with the opportunities of this area and cannot wait to share them with you. Because this is my first day I am going to start with a list of my San Francisco favorites

1. Blue Bottle Coffee

2. http://www.shoplavish.com/, a stationary, odds and ends store in Hayes Valley

3. Mama's kitchen on Washington Square

4. Muir Beach

5. the Mission District