stormy weather

it's that time of year again! (no, not christmas, more on that later) but time for stormy weather at the oregon coast. a friend and i were intrepid travelers last weekend, walking from her condo down the streets of cannon beach to take in the weather, artistry. the rain hurt our faces and it was worth every moment. if you love storm-watching and art, you'll want to make a tradition out of going the first weekend in november. i can't wait to go back and take cooking classes at EVOO (extra virgin olive oil). it was the best: happy hours, quiet reading, bookstores, meaningful talk, great coffee at local bakeries...mostly, the company (priceless). the sky even put on a show for us the next morning with rainbows, sunrays and heart clouds! (i am not making this up)

beautiful fall adventures, all. so imagine my surprise when i went shopping today to get ready for a fall gathering i'm hosting and i could no longer find leaf-laden cups & napkins in pretty fall colors?! maybe i missed something, but we haven't had thanksgiving yet, right? all the cups and decor were about santa and snowmen. and the local mall? a giant outdoor christmas tree. i felt very out of place; i just brought in the last crop of tomatoes and am still admiring the vineyards after all! (i think it is true about leaves and life in general that sometimes they are most beautiful toward the end.) the early holly-jolly wasn't all bad, though because i have to say i did enjoy my first eggnog latte of the season. not quite ready to deck the halls, but i could take a good swing at commercialism in general. slow down and enjoy the stormy weather!