starting with seaweed.

so there was seaweed.  the most incredible seaweed.  it was almost as stunning as the foliage.  maybe more, if that's even possible (but then, you know how i feel about all things ocean).  the colors.  the textures.  the blankets of it covering the rocks.  i was captivated by the seaweed.

i was also captivated by the food.  so. much. delicious food.  there were sweet potato and parsnip pancakes with a yogurt raita.  there was a most delicious sandwich of turkey, stuffing, cranberries, lettuce, and tomato on oatmeal bread, eaten in the woods after climbing up - and then down - a mountain.  there were popovers.  there was this restaurant.  and this one.  

there was roasted asiago cheese with roasted garlic cloves.  there was fresh fish, and there was cashew crusted tofu.  there were mashed potatoes, and there was butternut squash.  

there was a chocolate peanut butter cake.  twice.  (oh my.)  and there was a last minute lunch on the way to the airport.

there was also the bacon bar, which i purchased for my bacon-loving traveling companions.  (none of whom liked it!  i was shocked.  we all preferred this one.)  and there were trail-mix bars - this new-to-me type that could become an addiction.  there was lots and lots and lots of water.  some hot chocolate.  no ice cream at all!  (though i'm eager to try this award-winning brand.)

and now it's back to my own kitchen.  last night i made risotto.  and attempted recreate the roasted asiago cheese from the trip by putting a wedge of asiago on an enameled cast iron pan and sticking it in the oven at 425 for 10 or so minutes - perfection.  i served the risotto and roasted cheese with a yummy bread and a spinach salad with hard boiled eggs and tomatoes.  it was delicious - even the kids loved it, gobbling up the spinach right along side their bread and cheese.  

and today i'm thinking about this soup, which was recommended by our host it maine.  and roasted cauliflower.  about calling my farmer friend around the corner to find out if he's got any fresh chicken. 

i have bananas turning brown on the counter, so clearly a banana bread is in my future.  and i've had a request for chocolate chip cookies - how can i say no to that!?

so there's all of that.  and the mountain of laundry.  and the colors of the seaweed in these photos calling me into the studio to paint.  and there's the beautiful fall weather calling me outside to paint.  (and did i mention the mountain of laundry?)  coming home from vacation always presents a bit of a challenge for me - the struggle to incorporate that sense of endless time and space into the business of everyday life.  i'm looking for that balance right now, and feeling grateful for knowing that eventually it will come.  it will.

tomorrow, foliage.  or maybe the ocean.  sigh.  

Comments

[RW]

welcome back
sounds like you had a fabulous time away
good luck with the laundry
we love cliff bars

[Tara Thayer]

it all sounds really wonderful, and i can't wait to see more pictures.
and roasted cauliflower-yes! i've been having that all week, with red peppers tossed in and lots of cumin.

[Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams]

Welcome back. Those seaweed photos are phenomenal - and all that vacation food sounds completely delicious.

[rachel]

settling back into normal life is always hard for me. And funny, I made risotto last night too!

[Tracy]

welcome home! It's good to see and hear you again. I made risotto the other night too, it just feels necessary in the fall. And soup. All of your eatings sound incredible, though.

[AJ]

The photos of the sea weed are stunning. When I was little I was so scared of sea weed. Had the sea weed been as pretty as that, I probably wouldn't have run away in fear every time a piece got near me.

[Martha]

Oh, wow...Jordan Pond Popovers! Yum!
I love Maine...it's so beautiful.
☺

[chez danisse]

Wow, what an incredible trip. ...and your seaweed photographs are exquisite--such amazing colors and textures!

[amisha]

this seaweed has just got my mind spinning, emily. such incredible colors and textures. i am looking forward to seeing how you translate that into painting... i know it is going to be amazing.
post-vacation adjustment is always so intense for me too- i always fall into such a slump. though it sounds like you have so much fall energy over there, with delicious things in the oven and beautiful weather-- that has to help the transition home! :) xox

[erin]

omg. i have to go eat lunch now because you just made me so hungry.

and the seaweed - i love the ochres and the dark purple-y blacks and grays. nice.