http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,718387,00.html

I did not take this photo, it is courtesy of an interesting article I read while at work.  The article was about a word we hear often.  Hunger.  I had to take a moment and say a thank you for my food.  I am thankful for my hearty breakfast this morning...two slices of whole wheat bread, one tomato sliced, one organic free range egg & a slice of fresh connecticut sheep's milk cheese. 


Had to praise something else, a beautiful encounter with a woman named Joy...
I walked into this thrift store and was greeted by a warm Jamaican woman.  As we started talking I suppose she noticed the tired look in my eyes and said "Honey, you tired? Come on and sit down now, yeah? Here take this chair.  I have been alone all day.  Come talk to me."

So I sat down with her and asked about her life.  Being a lover of questions, I asked why she left Jamaica.  She had just shared how beautiful it was and how the markets sold fresh fruit everyday.

She got quiet, looked away for a moment, her eyes got watery & said "After they killed my son, and my husband died, I knew it was time to go."

Although, instead of going on and being upset, I broke in and told her how I was inspired by her strength.  She looked at me and said.."Honey, I don't know what you believe, but I love God and it is Him who has gotten me here, God is so good.  And we have to continue doing things to the best of our ability.  That is what my mother told me.  What ever you do, do your best and be honest always."

Praise Joy!

I attended an art exhibition downtown friday evening.  Vacant buildings were full of chatter and vibrant works of creative expression.  Outside there was music and hula hooping.

Today, I was able to be one among a community of artists.  Neighborhood residents gathered at their garden and we painted a mural on the wall.  Everyone brought a home cooked meal to share.  A nice woman from mexico slowly went through each dish with me, sweetly explaining all the ingredients.  It was delightful. 

I do believe art is best when shared.  

Fall has arrived.  I really enjoy fall because it lets you know it is here through a change in the wind.  Suddenly everything feels just a bit different and the air is crisp and fresh.  I love how the seasons slowly change and nature willingly adapts.
These leaves have changed from dark green to vibrant red and orange.  Yet these leaves are not in any hurry to change and they don't feel silly to be standing out among the sea of green.  It is quite beautiful how the area of red has seemed to move through the tree and inspire a few others to change color as well, even leaves they are not directly touching.  Suppose they feel it too.

If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Thank you to my sister for sharing this quote.

Today was one of those really lovely days.  The days when the sun is just perfect, the sky is radiantly blue and a breeze passes so graciously as if it is giving you a gentle hug.  I walked to get a cup of coffee and passed this wall.  The facade is worn and trash looms along the edges.
But then as I continued walking, I turned my head and saw something else.

I saw this wall.  Someone had taken much time and energy to paint this beautiful mural and plant shrubs where trash could have been.
It got me thinking.
Maybe when we reach a wall, we don't have to feel the urge to tear it down.  Rather simply take this wall and turn it into something good, something like this piece of art.  And then when we walk by we don't just see the wall anymore.  We see something completely different and new, something strikingly beautiful.  Thank you artists.

One could easily say this jar is nearly empty.  

I say it is nearly full.  

Call it foolish optimism, yet I call it belief in ones ability to do more, much more than you might have thought you could. 

One of our farmers was kind enough to invite volunteers over for a potluck.  

We shared food among acres of animals & vegetables.  

I liked the cows best.  

After dinner we joined Peter in feeding the cow and collecting milk.

Talk about fresh.

I grabbed for my peach in my bag to serve as my snack for the day.
There was a large brown spot but the rest looked just as a peach should.
I grabbed a spoon to dig out the seemingly inedible part.

This is what was left.  Looks similar to something we all have, doesn't it?
Simple reminder... seek and do what is in your heart.

I really like Thursdays at CitySeed

Farmers deliver boxes of fresh produce to the office.  

We then load up the fruits and vegetables on our trusty wagon.  

Old faithful.  Sometimes the wheel falls off, so we have to tape em' up!

We head to Casa Otonal, an independent home for elderly, and are greeted by the residents.

30 of them were able to walk away with a bag of broccoli, corn, eggplant, apples & plums

just a little garden is all it takes.

Sunflowers will always take my breath away.

So my attempt to take a photo a day is in the works, I might have slacked on a few..
Here are some highlights of the past three weeks serving in New Haven:)

Old building turned apartment lofts, turned perfect space for a non-profit.

Beautiful Guilford.

There is nothing better than reuniting with lifelong friends and creating new relationships.  

I spent the holiday weekend in Guilford where I was greeted by some familiar faces I have so missed.  

I was lucky enough to meet some wonderful people and hear their stories.  One piece of advice that I learned from this weekend.  

When you are in the presence of talented people.  Host a talent show.  We did on Friday.  It was just lovely.  

Thanks for sharing your gifts with me:)

So many tomatoes.

One of the best things about working for a non-profit responsible 
for setting up the farmers markets is that food is everywhere.

I have loved trying/cooking with seasonal produce.

I sliced this connecticut grown tomato for lunch.  Delicious!

What to do with leftover eggplant?  Dress him up of course.  

I have to give credit to my new friend Sophie for this one:)