News Flash: Scorpion Attack!!!

This morning, as I was making coffee (so read, before coffee), a scorpion finally went and stung me on the big toe. I looked down in time to see that is was a just little one, which for a while had me worried (I learned as a kid that over-enthusiastic baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adult ones . . . mightn't the same be true for arachnids?). But here I am, apparently having escaped with just a rude wake-up call and the foiling of my plan to post about the Napa Farmer's Market before attending it.
Instead, I'm here now sharing a montage of recent markets past and reporting that The Monkey Flower Group will be at next Saturday's market again. Hope to see you there!

Critters in the Garden

My grandfather makes these awesome birdhouses and feeders from old chicken coop wood. Usually they are just ornamental, but this year . . .

 

 . . . we have occupants!

 

We also discovered this handsome little frog laying low in the (fancy) mulch pile.  See him there on the left? Here's a closer look . . .

 Ben was strongly compelled to interact with it, but contented himself with admiring from a distance. It just looked too cozy to disturb.

Luke Snyder Studio Photo Shoot

A couple months ago I had the pleasure of contributing to a tiny little photo shoot inspired by E. F. Schumacher's “Small is Beautiful”, a book which elaborates on ideas such as “the aim should be to obtain the maximum of well-being with the minimum of consumption”. To create a festive and beautiful atmosphere while conserving resources, we incorporated vintage, local, and reusable details. Examples include retro dresses from Wildcat Vintage Clothing, mismatched silver service gathered from family and friends, La Saison's amazing Orange Scented Olive Oil Cake (deliciously fragrant with seasonal California ingredients), and a bridal bouquet of locally grown flowers (which, cut short and placed in a low ceramic vase, doubled as the head table centerpiece).

Luke Snyder, who heads up the talented team of photographers at Luke Snyder Studio, is inspiring not only for his ability to capture emotion, light, and the shyest subject's inner extrovert, but also his dedication to living simply. His studio is a certified Bay Area Green Business, formal recognition of the careful attention he pays to how his actions affect the environment and community. 

Luke was kind enough to share these gorgeous photos. Thank you, Luke, for the beauty!

All photos in this post copyright Luke Snyder Studio.