Thoughts…
by Torina Stark on Monday, August 21, 2023
After nearly a year of neglecting this journal, I created a template to work from so that I can streamline the process for myself and make it a wee bit easier for folks (haha) to read. I always work better when things are organized and structured so it is a bit surprising that I have not done this yet. Ah well. ‘Tis the way of things.
I am wrapping up my garden projects for the year as fall quickly approaches. Summer in northern Minnesota happens in a blink. It is lovely but you have to move fast and be methodical to get in all the things you want to do. As I approach my fifties, my body is telling me that it doesn’t like big projects anymore. That’s ok. I’m quite happy with what I have to work with. Future summers will focus on refining what I already have. In particular, I will move toward less annuals and maybe even less vegetables and more plants that consume little water since our three year drought has no end in sight.
THIS WEEK
Creative Endeavors
I have started working my way through Lynda Barry’s Making Comics book. This book is based on the syllabus for the comic class she teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It’s very structured yet freeing of the usual constraints of art making. So far I love her style and how much I am enjoying it.
Nature Experiences
I mentioned gardening above, but an extension of that are the trails I’ve cut into the property I occupy. Early on when I moved here, my partner and I began widening out all the animal trails so we could use them as well. Last winter, we had possibly the worst series of ice and snowstorms in the 24 years I’ve been here, deluging us with over ten feet of snow and breaking at least half of the trees. I spent the winter clearing enough so I could snowshoe, most of the wreckage getting buried underneath the deep snow. The snow left late and as soon as it did, the ticks came out ravenously. Now they have dissipated so I am clearing trails again. It’s quite satisfying, yet difficult work. I’m about half done. When not snowshoeing, we use the trails for hiking, fat tire biking, trail running, photography, and nature journaling/appreciation.
What I'm Reading
I am a beast of a reader, devouring as many books as I can. I listen to audiobooks and check books out of the library, using www.LibraryThing.com to provide recommendations. I highly recommend LibraryThing after leaving toxic Goodreads. LibraryThing does not have paid advertising at all and their recommendations are spot on. Currently I’m listening to Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. I just started this one. It’s about a party planner with a complicated family and wonderfully narrated. I’m also reading the paperback version of The Switch by Beth O’Leary. This a British novel about a grandmother and granddaughter who switch lives for two months and the hijinks that ensue. It’s light and easy and delightful.
What I'm Cooking
After years of baking plain artisan bread, I'm experimenting with different flours and added ingredients. So far, I’ve made an Italian batch with fresh herbs and a stinky Italian cheese (fantastic!) and a jalapeno cheddar batch. My next one will be something with fall harvest vibes. Maybe sage cranberry? My recipe is maybe 15 years old and no longer available online or I’d add a link.
What I'm Sewing
I am both hand quilting and free motion quilting on my sewing machine the cat quilt above pieced with Laurel Burch panels. I had about 1.5 yards of the Laurel Burch fabric so I dug out all my black and white fabrics, particularly the ones with animal print vibes and sort of improv-ed it all into a queen size quilt. The back is garishly colored remnants featuring animals pieced together. It is a ton of fun and has a huge WOW factor. My cat, Janis Joplin, loves it.
Looking Forward
As I mentioned in my last post, I have a big lineup of projects for the seasons ahead. In the immediate future, I am taking each day one at a time. I want to enjoy every color change (it’s beginning!) and make fall flower arrangements and spend all the moments I can outdoors before the cold settles in again.
Thanks for reading!