I went on a lovely hike with a new friend.  As we explored where the trails seemed to lead we hadn't a clue where it would end up.  At one point we landed here.  An area dense with trees and rich in Autumn colors.  It felt like FernGully.  We didn't stop and refer to our map, iphone, or gps when we didn't know which turn to make.  We just walked and shared stories and listened to the sounds of nature.   I like hearing the sound your feet make when walking along a path covered in leaves.   Somehow that openness to what could be and letting go led us exactly where we hoped.  An overlook that let us be close to the sky (forecast had called for rain) and marvel over God's brush stroke of colors.  

If JMU were a house, I think it would be this one.  Funny how even though I am no longer there, I see it in all places and things.  Highlights of this week....

• watching a theatrical performance of the Giving Tree outside under the sun- it is my favorite book.
• feeling entirely uncomfortable having to talk to complete strangers about where they shop for food and if it is difficult to access fresh fruits and vegetables & in return feeling just fine by the fourth person.  One mans response has stuck with me, when asked if he thinks community gardens are a good thing.."Yeah, they give kids something to do, gets them off play-station and the TV and learning real work."   
• Realizing that the strange rash/stain/bizarre discoloration on my hands is not some disease rather from taking the leaves off of parsnips.  Who knew?
• Joining in on a cooking demo for women in a shelter and witnessing her first taste of zucchini and spinach.  She went from, you gotta be kidding me- there is no way I am eating this, let alone going to like this to mmm good. When mixed in a delightful vegetable lasagna she loved it and even came back for seconds. 

Our farmers' markets would not last without the help of volunteers.  

It takes many hands to create such an inviting gathering space for the community to enjoy.  

Thank you:)

Sometimes it is nice to be near the water to feel small.  

Today marks my 8th week in New haven, if I had to choose the 8 best moments/experiences thus far they would be...

Kindness experienced from total strangers

Sweet taste of concord grapes [it is like a juice box exploded in your mouth]

Buying my first bike

Riding my first bike to work

Creating relationships with some of the hardest working people in the world- farmers

Having more time.  More time to think. to write. to read. to daydream. to listen

Making mistakes everyday & learning from them

Living simply

Grand Central Station

Three takeaways from my weekend in New York...

Family is a beautiful thing, it hardly ever makes sense but when you are among it, you can't help feel the love

Certain friendships just keep getting sweeter 

When you go to the city that never sleeps, sometimes it is fun to join and do the same