The Only Constant is Change

Reflections that start with the first day of Spring come with a renewal of spirit. For so many people, including us, it is a time to recognize that this Recession and the losses just about everyone has suffered, also can offer a chance to "go back to basics"; to re-evaluate our positions and make the necessary changes for our emotional and economic survivals. It is different for everyone; we each have our own set of dynamics with which to cope. Everyone I talk to is challenged by this economy, one way or another. Very wealthy people have noted huge losses in their portfolios; families are cutting back on unnecessary expenses; professional people are evaluating where to spend their money and on what. Some people are renting out their homes and moving to smaller places. Some are selling, if they can and moving elsewhere. People are getting a 2nd job. Real Sellers are reducing the listing prices of their homes; real buyers make offers on those bargains. It is all relative.

We all still need to eat; to share some quality time with each other, our families and friends. It is so important to stay connected when under stress. This weekend we had dear friends over, just the 6 of us. Maui and Luci (our DIVINE cats/divas) always help. They know by the brisk activity and what the cooking furiously mean ..........more people at home to pet them and play with them. They certainly keep me grounded and calmer. Luci (the Balinese, we think) likes to survey the table when I am done setting it. She was there this past Friday to help me out. Maui (the Maine Coon) was snoozing by the fireplace in his favorite chair, so I had some significant morale support. It was a cold day in Newport Beach that day, so the fireplace in the dining room was lighted and making the day special with that endearing contrast of cold outside and warmth from a fire inside.

I took this photo of the Sellers Winery vines, laden with fruit when we visited Dani and Ed Sellers in Paso Robles last August. The promise of the grapes is like the promise of Spring: new beginnings, fresh ideas, a time to marvel at life. Watching 60 Minutes last night which also featured Alice Waters, founder of the brilliance behind the legendary Chez Panisse in Berkeley, CA was an inspiration too. Intuitively, I am always drawn to the freshest foods available and there is nothing better that the snap of fresh corn just out of the field under your teeth; or that delectable mixture of smell and taste of a brilliant tomato just off the vine. Making fresh pesto yesterday for a topping on the wild salmon dinner last night was relaxing with a delicious result. I am making Shrimp Stew with a twist for Dani and Ed tonight and will use the pesto to top off the bowls. We will serve their wonderful wine with dinner and drink to the bounties of our planet, if we pay attention to keeping it safe. I am using shells from my collection, as the centerpiece as an ode to the shrimp. Like a gift to Neptune for the bounty of the sea.

Each day is a gift, so enjoy what it may offer. I welcome your comments on my blog; I would love to have some to read !!

Same plates, different accents

About 10 years ago, I did a series of hand painted porcelain dinnerware using images of spring vegetables and fruits. This weekend, in anticipation of a dinner party this week, I used those plates as an ode to the beautiful early Spring weather we were having. Starting out with herbs and orchids, I created a tablescape using greenery from the garden. Then I thought it would be fun to try using the same plates, linens and placemats, creating a seascape with the shells and corals I have collected over the years. You can see two samples in the place settings here.

I was also inspired by the colors I used in the painting I did two weeks ago for Alex. Another inspiration was the Mission in San Juan Capistrano this summer. The sumptuous plantings bring texture and color to the beautiful gardens and complement the old California Architecture of this historic place. Fresh green colors are redolent of the spring herbs and budding trees, which I find so refreshing on a table. We expect a bit of much needed rain again this week, but these greens of Spring will help you remember all that we have to look forward to and love.

Play and create with what you have in your immediate surroundings and give your "old" collections new life with a fresh and inviting tablescape.