New Leaves

I started a pottery class. Wheel throwing 101 ;)

Yes: I have fantasies of being Edith Heath (fellow Iowan gal) and Beatrice Wood (SoCal artist who did not really even start producing her beautiful, unique and now immensely sought-after pottery until she was in her 40's. I'm 38).

I keep joking with my friends, somewhat half-seriously, that everyone I know shall be receiving wonky clay pots from me for the holidays. I'll stick some nice succulents in them, or if I'm inclined to make some tea cups- pair my creations with some dried mint & lemon balm from our garden.



Pictured: Gluten-free breakfast: Steel cut oatmeal with cinnamon, raw honey, almond milk, banana and berries, 1/2 cup coffee with almond milk, hardboiled egg.

I'm trying to eat gluten-free. I won't go so far as to say that I have a wheat allergy and that's why I'm doing this, but friends, maybe it is psychosomatic...some kind of placebo effect... I must admit since I have cut down on the wheat I feel my mood, digestion, sleep and energy has improved. I had to try something. I was feeling bad. I'm also trying to eliminate drinking alcohol, caffeine and eating refined sugar - which has helped greatly, too.

Trying to eat protein with every meal- which is difficult- since I don't like to eat a lot of meat.

If anyone knows of a great gluten-free blog/ website/ recipe--I'd love it if you'd pass them along.






Not really a new leaf, but sometimes it's good to try new things as a couple. We had a little date and ate at Raffi's Place last night for the first time. It was delicious. The place is huge- most of it in an open courtyard. I had the Chicken Koobideh--so good!! We ended our meal with fresh mint tea with plenty of lemon & sugar (I'm not perfect).

In addition to the enjoying the food, the parade of people that passed through the courtyard was amazing. Even though this is a very casual place, many of the women there were dressed to the hilt. Turbans and boldly patterned dresses, designer shoes and bags, leopard print caftans embellished with turquoise. In other words: totally over- the- top- Awesome. I thought I was overdressed when I left the house- wearing a sundress & heels--but no. Not compared to these elegant ladies. I blended in- if anything I was underdressed!

Now that the summer is coming to a close, what's upcoming & new for you?