fall might be my favorite season.

though i'm originally from new york, i've been so spoiled by california weather - to the point where i will venture to make the statement that is it so cold here! 50s in the studio, marginally warmer outside. good opportunity to stay cozy and warm and knit.

california fall bouquet made by my aunt marina
chestnuts, rosemary, winter berries, bougainvillea

thanksgiving - how i miss you already, my favorite holiday. i spent the past couple of days in sonoma dreaming up new projects, knitting, eating far too much, and snacking on leftovers. heaven. hope everyone had a terrific thanksgiving!

oh you know, just spent the day prepping some candles...
will the holiday season kill me? the jury is still out.

breakfast of champions at mama's royal cafe, aka hipster central.

an old gift from my friend mikey found at a flea market or thrift store when he was living in brussels. i've been taking a little break from my recent quilt - trying to drum up inspiration for the back. hmm...

california sunrise by dirty gold

and the birthday weekend comes to an inevitable yet fulfilling end...
perfect weather marked by the reappearance of my toms slip ons.

cafe fanny in berekely - an alice waters joint. well worth the wait.

farmers market finds:

1. rabbit up for adoption - petted, not purchased

2. bolani bread - suckered in by the samples

3. buddha's hand citrus - perplexing

4. banana chocolate muffin - yum

my birthday weekend! let's do this in installments, yes? so many great things to share (thanks m!)...
i took friday off to have brunch at my favorite place. i had the scrambled eggs with goat cheese, a side of roasted tomatoes + a bowl of hot chocolate (sometimes i have a really big appetite). m had the lavendar honey french toast (delish).

a trip to johansson projects to see this show. i snuck into the gallery's workroom all sleuth-like and caught a peek of misako inaoka's work. i've seen her installations in the past and they are beyond incredible. i tell you, if i had the dough to purchase one of her chirping avian porcupines, i would in a heartbeat.





i made several failed attempts to walk-off brunch, but enjoyed the changing flora. i also happened upon the strangest tree trunk naturally equipped with spikes.

more to come!

received: this lovely package from jennifer - talented jewelry designer and fellow rock appreciator. these beautiful rocks are from a past trip she took to new zealand, where i backpacked as well some time ago. the grey ones are so sparkly - my photograph doesn't do them justice. so pretty - thank you jennifer!

rocks will live on my sill - little gold snake (see it on the package?) to live on my wrist.

i'm really hoping to see this show featuring jennie ottinger at johansson projects. if you're ever in oakland, this small gallery is a must - they always have the best shows.

i feel like a mail machine these days. another postal surprise for a missed friend in berlin. also? obsessed with washi paper masking tape! it seems to make every package look pretty.

a nice surprise coming out of the grocery store

is everyone knitting these days? really seems like it. i hesitate to take on another project while i work on the quilt, namely because i've been known to abandon main projects for hypothetical side projects. since the backbreaking nature of working on the floor (our apartment is too small for a large table) can get old, i decided to take a little break. sitting on the couch with newly purchased skeins of manos wool from my weekend in st. helena seems so much more appealing at the moment. unfortunately, the sunny + 70 degree weather makes knitting seem a little irrelevant.

i'm using my mom's childhood knitting book as a refresher - from 1959! it's comforting to know that knitting hasn't changed much. hairstyles on the other hand...

yesterday: early evening light at home

wondering what was inside the package? it was this rock for jennifer of odette from a summer day trip to my favorite beach.

75% done with piecing the front of the quilt - one row to go! it still needs to be pressed, so forgive the puckering. 

someone left two flower heads at the front of our apartment building this weekend. i imagine that they are two healthy scoops of vanilla ice cream enjoying the day's last light, or that a miniature cheerleader has unknowingly misplaced her pompoms.

[dear jules + kristina, today is your birthday! big hugs and kisses to you - miss you both tremendously. xx n]