the flying salt, the scattered sun.

Hello November. My parents always warned me that this would happen. That time is finite, and it swiftly escapes you. They told me that as I get older, it moves at an even quicker pace. I’m sure I write with some naiveté on the subject, as I still have some years ahead of me, but every day, I grow more aware of time’s fleeting nature.

In my personal work, I am constantly drawn to photograph something that makes me slow down, giving my eyes (and myself) time to adjust. I find myself leaning more and more in that direction – unabashedly embracing beauty, simple pleasures, and appreciating small moments of peace, silence and comforting solitude. 

Reminiscent for a drop of summer, I wanted to share these photographs with you.  Finding them (and also sharing them) is all part of my winter project list. As some of you know, I am really looking forward to hibernating and creating, finding beauty in and making the most of those possibly dreary, dark days. These photographs are from a quiet weekend away with dear friends, where the time was spent enjoying morning and afternoon walks, making simple, home cooked meals together, and laughing and chatting over coffee or wine. I wish every weekend could be like that. 

Leaving you with a little inspiration for your weekend:
"I will have to wait for the fog, 
the flying salt, the scattered sun,
for the sea to breathe and breathe on me;
because water is not just water
but a hazy intrusion,
and the waves roll on in the air
like invisible horses." 
Pablo Neruda, Strangers on the Shore

st. jack: day & night

Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing a new Clinton neighborhood addition – St. Jack. By day, it is a traditional pâtisserie, and by night, it transforms into a cozy, romantic restaurant & bar. Whether you delight in coffee and croissants or steak frites and a glass of red wine, you’ll want to sit down and stay a while. And while lingering over your cocktail or enjoying good company and conversation, feel free to share the warm, fresh madeleines with a friend. Light and airy with a hint of lemon, they are baked to order and absolutely delicious.

St. Jack is the creation of chef Aaron Barnett, whose passion for French cuisine permeates.  It was exciting to watch him in action, thoughtfully and delicately preparing each dish.

Aaron, thank you for thinking of me to capture your beautiful restaurant and pâtisserie, and my sincere congratulations on your new endeavor. What a treat to have you here in Southeast Portland. I can’t wait to come back for some of those heavenly madeleines. 

(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way). 

pine state biscuits.

And yes, the collard greens are this good:

One of my favorite things in life is to savor good food – and it gets even better when that meal or treat is coupled with great company and conversation. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or a seven-course meal to make me happy. It can be something simple and comforting – like a warm biscuit with honey butter.  But these aren’t just any ol’ biscuits – these are Pine State Biscuits.  And being from the South, I am very happy to have this kind of goodness here in Portland. Now, not only can you indulge in the morning, but late into the night as well – with libations! 

The gentlemen from Pine State recently contacted me in need of some night shots of their new location - which is now open late on the weekends. Since I spend a lot of time shooting at night, I was happy to oblige. The new spot on Alberta is warm and cozy, making it a perfect spot to grab a drink, some food and stay a while. Grab a friend and treat yourself to an evening of comfort and delight. My favorites include the McIsley and the old standby, the buttermilk biscuit with butter & honey. Simple yet so dreamy.  

(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).

coffee + kolaches

Simply put, a kolache is a bun filled with sweet or savory goodness. This is true, yet to me, it holds a few more meanings. It is the Czech Stop in West, Texas. It is me and my siblings as kids piling into my dad's station wagon. It is a road trip from my hometown of Fort Worth to Austin, never complete without a pit stop for kolaches. My favorite was the plain cream cheese; I am a little more adventurous these days. (As you can see above, Isabella enjoys the Nutella the best). Imagine my sheer delight when I discovered a kolache shop - a tiny sliver of Texas in my new town of Portland. The adorable and creative owners, Mary and Danny, moved from Texas and opened up this sweet little cafe, Happy Sparrow, after falling in love with Portland during a previous visit. They not only have delicious kolaches and coffee, but will greet you with a warm smile and a welcome the size of Texas. It's a little reminder of home and this place is full of happiness and sunshine, despite any Oregon rains.
(Click on the photos to view larger. I think they look nicer that way).