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If there is one thing about parenthood that I wasn't expecting, it's how amazing it is to watch my parents- whom I utterly adore- fall in love with my baby, and vise versa.  Because we live a plane-ride away from my family, I was worried about how my parents could bond with little Vijay- and if from visit to visit, he would remember them.  It broke my heart to think that he might not know them well...but it turns out these worries were in vain. 

He absolutely adores my parents, and like any first time grandparents, they are over the moon with this little boy.  While we were in Jamaica last week, Vijay and my dad were big time buddies.  Unfortunately, my mom stayed home in Michigan as her out-of-town sisters were visiting, so it was just me and the boys- which, of course, Vijay loved.

My dad is probably the happiest guy I know- he whistles around the house, always has a smile on his face, greets everyone with an enthusiastic, "Hey gang!" and is always up for playing games.  Vijay seems to sense this- and therefore wants to be around his grandpa all the time- playing in the pool, sitting on his lap during meals, climbing the stairs to his bedroom to pound on his door at 6am- he couldn't get enough.

The transition back home from this vacation has been tough- and I have been feeling a bit blue.  I guess I am questioning why we can't live close to my family.  As much as we love Providence, it just doesn't seem fair to have to endure time apart, and the distance that separates us.  I am curious- how did you choose where to live?  Have you ever considered moving back to your home state just to be close to family?  Was it a difficult decision, a sacrifice?  Or was it a relief to be back near the support of family?  My thinking on this subject changed when I had children- my wanderlust was cured, and I immediately realized just how wonderful it would be to live right down the street from my amazing family.  After wanting to escape Michigan for most of my middle and high school years, I am now realizing it's not about the place, it's about the people.

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The Great House

As if sourcing local food during my Jamaican adventure wasn't amazing enough, I also had the chance to enjoy a lunch prepared from our findings.  The setting- a gorgeous, old restored organic farm located up a winding, bumpy road with a breathtaking view of the endless ocean below.

The farm used to be an old Allspice plantation, and the new owners, Ellie and her husband David, are slowly restoring the grounds to their previous glory, using all organic methods, and adding on to the many improvements the Rickham family made in their 30 years of prior ownership.  The property plays home to a host of free range chickens and ducks, and soon, the cleared fields will welcome lambs and goats.

While I certainly loved the quirky animals, the gardens are what captured my heart.  I have never seen such a variety of flowers, and interesting herbs, fruits and vegetables.  Just look at these interesting raspberries- I was told that they can't locate the variety in any book- so its name is a mystery.

After a walking tour of the extensive grounds, we sat down to a gorgeous lunch- red snapper with a tomato sauce, fresh garden salad, an amazing green herb sauce, mixed roasted vegetables, and crushed Lucea Yam (a local root vegetable).  To drink- fresh lemonade, made from the citrus trees dotting the property.  And for dessert, pineapple- picked that very morning.  I'm sure I don't even need to say it- but to eat like this every day would be my idea of heaven.

Ellie, and her friend Jane- both incredible cooks- are starting to host farm lunches on the property, featuring all local foods sourced from farms, markets and fisherman.  If you happen to be traveling to Jamaica anytime soon, please shoot me an email, as I would love to introduce you to these two ladies.  I promise you that attending their lunch would be the highlight of your trip- as it was mine!

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Local Jamaica

I find it difficult to get the local flavor of a place when you stay at a resort- the food, fun and setting are all provided for you, and there can be very little incentive to leave.  With a toddler, and pregnant, I have found our vacations are becoming a bit less adventurous than they used to be.  We are content hanging out at the beach, and the kiddie pool- and lounging around the villa during naptime.  So you can imagine my delight at being able to spend the entire day on Thursday exploring the local Jamaican food scene with my two lovely guides, Jane and Ellie.

I left the resort, Half Moon, and was driven to Ocho Rios, where I met the ladies and we began our adventure.  Ocho Rios was a nightmare of traffic as the cruise ships had just come in and dumped 6,000 passengers each onto the shores.  We quickly made our escape to the lower-key town of St. Ann's, where we stopped off at a small fishing village to see what we might find.  The colors and variety of the catch was quite a sight.

The day before, Ellie had purchased a 10-pound sea bass for our lunch, which was being prepared at her house, so leaving empty handed (with a few dozen pictures!), we made our way to the local market to stock up on veggies and fruit.

You know how much I love a good market, and this one was no exception.  The interesting varieties of fruits and vegetables were mind boggling- custard apples, plantains, bread fruit, ackee, avocado pears...and the list goes on.

We left with bags of local produce, which were used in the creation of the freshest, tastiest lunch I had during my entire stay.  More on that on Monday...there is simply too much goodness to fit in one little ole' post.  Plus, it's our last day in the sun and surf...so we are off to the beach.  Wishing you a warm and wonderful weekend!

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Welcoming the Sun

This week finds us at the beach, soaking up the Jamaican sun.  About a month ago, my dad called us, and excitedly explained that my younger brother had a week off from school in February, and how would we feel about joining them on a warm weather vacation.  Didn't need to ask twice- that's for sure!

 

I have never seen a baby so happy to be on the beach- he runs from the sand, full-tilt into the ocean, until he's almost over his head, and then turns around and runs back, laughing the entire time.  We spend the entire day doing just this- and he hasn't been this happy since last summer, I swear! After a day in the salt water, you should see his little corkscrew curls...too precious.

 

 The resort where we are staying is gorgeous, with lush gardens, and long beaches.  I love wandering around the grounds, camera in hand, capturing images of the Dr. Seuss-like plants, and interesting creatures.

We'll mainly stay around here, relaxing, and enjoying the beaches, pools and playground.  Later in the week, I'll hook up with a local contact for a foodie tour of the area, including stops at an organic farm, popular fishing spot and local markets.  I can't wait!  Until then, back to the beach!

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Living Fully, Digging Deeper

I am excited to announce that I have an article in the very first issue of taproot- a quarterly magazine celebrating local living through writing, photography and the arts, both fine and domestic.  A magazine that boasts the amazing Amanda Blake Soule as its editor.  I was honored that she asked me to contribute- and I am so excited that I was able to offer an "urban" look at the homesteading movement.

What exactly is taproot all about?  Well, as Amanda so eloquently puts it, "taproot is a collection of curated stories written by and for people living fully and digging deeper; people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. In all the very different ways that manifests from family to family and home to home, at taproot, we hope to find the connecting thread that binds us together. "

My contribution is a look at the power of community activism.  Back in 2010, I decided to fight the city to change the ordinance that banned chicken-keeping in Providence.  In my article, I give a first-hand account of our "Backyard Battle" as well as helpful guidelines for others looking to change the laws in their town.

I am beyond thrilled to be writing about subjects that are so near and dear to my heart, and for a publication whose mission I can really get behind.  When I first started on this writing journey, I was enamored with the idea of seeing my name in those flashy, "important" magazines.  Now, several years into my journey, I have come to realize that I have no desire to work for those publications- they can be downright abusive to their writers, and they treat you as though you are a dime a dozen.  Smaller publications whose focus is on building and sustaining community- such as taproot, UPPERCASE, Edible Rhody, and so many others- treat their contributors with respect.  And that's really what it's all about.  At least for me, and where I am.

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A Valentine's Treat

We skipped the usual Valentine's day fuss this year and settled for a quiet meal at home (tried these two fabulous recipes), and a movie (300- I am seriously a great wife).  In addition to a lovely bouquet of miniature roses, my husband gave me the ultimate gift.  This past weekend, he took over childcare duties and allowed me to have several hours to myself, which I used to hole up in my studio and finish the top to my Liberty quilt.

I absolutely love how it turned out, and the fabric is so luxurious.  If this little bun in the oven is a girl, she will be gifted with the most beautiful quilt...if we're in for another boy then I am keeping it for myself!  Truth be told, this has been a difficult pregnancy.  I am still battling with morning/ all-day sickness, and extreme fatigue.  I know my body is begging me to rest, but besides putting my feet up during Vijay's nap time, chasing a toddler doesn't really allow for regularly scheduled breaks.  It felt so nice to have a few lazy hours to myself this weekend.

I am hoping for a few more hours in the coming weeks as I attempt to finish the quilt.  I am toying with the idea of hand-quilting this one.  The sample quilt they had on display at Liberty was hand-quilted and it gave the piece such a soft, heirloom-like quality.  Any hand-quilters out there with a few words of encouragement?!

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