Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Lately

satsuma heart
{satsuma heart}

sunday coffee
{sunday coffee}

sips
{sips}

dark beer
{dark beer}

russian river brewery
{russian river brewery}

almond groves
{almond groves}

painting
{painting}

washing
{washing}

chevre + cheddar
{chevre + cheddar}

evening light
{evening light}

Life has been mildly hectic, but that isn't really the reason for the silence here. I'm working on priorities this year. Priorities and letting things happen as they will. It feels good, although I miss being here every day. I haven't made any decisions (future post - decisions/lack thereof in 2012) and I definitely still plan to be here when I have things to say or pictures to share. It might just be more sporadic sometimes.

We made a quick trip up to the Bay area a few weeks ago, drank lots of beer, ate lots of food, saw lots of people and headed straight back home. We've been kicking around the house, contemplating projects (and actually starting some of them), spending time with family and each other. I'm having a hard time tearing myself away from reading Game of Thrones. And debating whether I should then dive into the second book or wait and watch the second season first. Crucial decisions. I spend a lot of time hoping no one will ask me what I'm reading because the obsession is mildly embarrassing.

56 comments:

  1. :) I'm like that with Game of Thrones. Devoured the first book after the first series and then was torn on whether to continue on or wait. I decided to wait so I can experience the TV series unspoilt and then use the second book as a way of diving back into the world, re-experiencing it in a deeper way.

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  2. I love your blog but bravo for taking time away to just BE. All things in moderation, even blogging.
    GoT: the story is complex, yes? I wonder, what is it like watching the HBO series first, is is hard to follow? Maybe I'm slightly, er, challenged, but I had to make liberal use of the charts in the back of the book to keep everyone and every place straight so it seems as if watching the show without that resource would be too confusing.
    Even the two year break between reading the book and watching the series was enough to leave me saying "who? where?"
    (as I said, it's entirely possible I just lack sufficient grey matter)
    still, my vote is: read first. although time is running out.
    Here's to the second season!

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    1. Yes, the story is fairly complex! There are lots of characters and several different locations.

      I saw the first season before reading the books and really didn't find it very confusing. I actually think it might be easier than reading the books, because you just sort of let it all wash over you without worrying about the details. I can see how if you read the books first, you're looking for all the characters and trying to match it up with what you've read and that would be hard!

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  3. Don't be embarrassed - Game of Thrones is great and anyone who looks down on it because its "fantasy" clearly hasn't read it.

    I personally couldn't wait to continue reading - but then I also read the first 5 books before the Series came out. I was a bit worried at first to watch the Series, as it might affect the images in my head I had of the characters. But thankfully most of them are well portrayed and I look forward to Series 2.

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    1. I think I'm going to have to keep reading as well ...

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  4. Well, you're certainly making me feel better about my inability to post. Maybe there's something in the water.

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    1. Maybe it's winter? Although I don't really think I can blame it on that.

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  5. i vote for reading the second book...will make things less confusing when watching it.

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  6. I've been patiently waiting for a new post and am glad you are back, if even for a little while. I'm currently obsessed with The Hunger Games (like everyone else) so I understand, completely. Beautiful photos!

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    1. The Hunger Games was so good! I devoured those.

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  7. What are you painting? I was thinking of making my own note paper...

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    1. Party invitations! But they would work well for anything, really.

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  8. Ok, love the Sastuma heart =) Missed seeing your pictures! I just moved to the bay area. I need to explore more =)

    - Sarah
    http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes, explore! We love visiting because there's so much to do.

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  9. Read the second book! I have read all five and love them!At least you have a kindle now and won't get injured from carrying around the super heavy "real" book version like I did. Can't wait for the second season on HBO!

    ~Natalie

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    1. Yes! I am so grateful for the Kindle right now. I love knowing that I have all five books stowed in my purse and I'm not breaking my back.

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  10. Don't be embarassed about Game of Thrones! The series is amazing. I've read all of the books, more than once, and I definitely recommend jumping right into the second book. Honestly, I don't doubt that the HBO adaptation will be great (again), but you get so much detail out of the books. And I think that helps in re: to watching the HBO series.

    Just my 2 cents!

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  11. Love the simplicity of these photos! xo

    http://dreamingenfrancais.blogspot.com

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  12. Read the 2nd book! I read books 2-4 in a month (at breakfast, on the train, cooking dinner, before bed...), and I just picked up book 5 last night. They're so enjoyable and there's a lot that won't fit in to the series.

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    1. I'm decided! I've been tearing through book one and there's clearly no way I'm going to be able to stop before book two (which I think I'll be hitting tonight!).

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  13. Kristina's right -- there's something in the water.

    The photos are refreshing (as much as I loved the image of Circe and the slaw.) Especially the one of the almond groves. Would you sell me a high-res version? I'd love it in our guest room.

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    Replies
    1. Dear, you are welcome to a high res copy. Let's work that out.

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  14. Such great photos. Glad to see you here but I understand the letting things happen as they will feeling. I went from trying to write a few times a week to just a few times a month. And I like it that way now, definitely something in the water. And even though we're all along for the ride and love what you give us here, this is your space and it should be about posting when you want to. The nice thing is, we'll be here whenever you are.

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    1. I think even just letting up on the pressure can make it easier to write. Not that I ever feel pressured here, exactly, especially because I'm pretty adamant about not doing projects or cooking for the sake of the blog, but sometimes it feels nice to know that I can skip my usual photo editing schedule and just enjoy relaxing.

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  15. I have Game of Thrones on my shelf right now. I keep forgetting to open it, maybe because I suspect once I do, I won't stop! :)

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    1. Consider yourself warned - once you start, you will not stop. So addictive!

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  16. I think as far as obsessions go, Game of Thrones is one of the best ones to have! There's just so much to delve yourself into with it. I haven't read the books yet. I'm going to wait until the series is over because I'm sure that if I start reading I won't stop, and I want the TV show unspoiled. I can't wait for the new season to start next month!

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    1. I'm so surprised by the series because I love the books and the TV version equally - so rare that it happens that way!

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  17. Hi Rachel!
    So glad to see you're back :) I think what you are doing is great. Prioritizing is so improtant and incredibly hard to master. But life can seem forced and unsatisfying otherwise. I haven't even heard of the book you are reading...have I been living under a rock? You can bet I am looking into it, I love a book that is hard to put down. Did you by any chance get the email I sent at the end of Jan? Do you feel up to it? Let me know :)
    xx Jeb

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    1. Hi, Jen! I did get your email but I've been really bad about replying - I'll get back to you soon!

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  18. We've missed you around here Rachel! Hope to see what purchases you have made recently!

    Xoxo,
    Pia

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    1. Thanks, Pia! I have several purchase posts waiting - most of them either need pictures or an update of whether or not I like something. I'll get them going soon!

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  19. Hi, Rachel!
    I just stumbled on your blog, and I'm already loving it!
    It's very inspirational.
    And I love the 6th picture (almond groves).

    xoxo
    Ash
    creamyfur.blogspot.in

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  20. I just love this post! Read it! If it´s too embarrasing then use a tablet! (but of course, it have not the marvellous smell of a book)
    Big hugs!
    Inés

    SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com

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    1. I am using my Kindle and it makes it easier to be stealthy!

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  21. rachel! feel no shame in admitting you read GoT! it's a phenomenal book series. i would also suggest reading before season 2 of the show airs - i think you get more out of it by knowing the detail of the book first.

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    1. Halfway through book 2 now .... I think I'm going to beat the second season - looking forward to it as well!

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  22. My husband and all of my friends read the series. I am planning on catching up once I'm through the last book of The Hunger Games. Game of Thrones is awesome, so don't be embarrassed. Also, I would say you should read the book first so you have a better idea of what's going on when Season 2 returns.

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    1. I love reading a series that my friends are reading / have already read - makes it so much more fun. Lucky you!

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  23. I was just wondering how you were doing, and hey! A post! Glad things are going well & that life has been delicious (beer! satsumas! chevre & cheddar w/tapatio!).

    I've been contemplating Game of Thrones; clearly I need to get on that. Just as soon as I finish the stack of books on my bedside table, or else those won't ever get finished.

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    1. Hi, Kristy! We must have a psychic connection!

      You will not regret GoT, but definitely get through whatever else you want to read first, because you'll get sucked in.

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  24. glad you're back, lovely!! your snapshots of life are always so refreshing and beautiful in their simplicity. miss you! xo

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    1. I'm thinking of you, Angel! Hope little Olivia won't make you wait too long!

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  25. I would agree and say read the 2nd book. Besides it being awesome and totally NOT shameful then you can be surprised or indignant when they change things. Win/win.

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    1. Ha! Good point! I was sort of surprised when reading book 1 (since I'd already seen the first season) at how closely the show followed the book. I'm assuming the second season will be like that as well, but who knows?

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  26. So glad to hear that I'm not the only one with a game of thrones obsession! I just started book 3 and the first season was delivered to my door yesterday! I can't wait to delve in!

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    1. Enjoy! You're a little ahead of me, but I'm lucky because I have all 5 loaded up on my Kindle so there is no wait between books, much to my relief.

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  27. Adore that pic of the orange....looking at it against the light you can see all the veins in it....totally gives it new life and makes it almost look like a real heart.


    Christine
    www.ldnwicklesscandles.com/blog

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  28. Loving the beer pics! Just got back from a week in southern California - a beer tour, essentially. I'm from eastern Canada, so it was a lovely break from winter.

    I'm happy to see you appreciating the amazing beer you have available out there!!

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  29. PS - Totally in love with California.

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  30. I am SO jealous you went to Lagunitas and Russian River! We've been wanting to go up there. We actually use the Lagunitas mason jars glasses as our everyday water glasses. I ordered them online. You have good taste in beer!

    xo
    www.fromthefirstbite.com

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