Christine Chitnis: February 2013

Local

We are slowly settling back into our routine here at home. It is rainy and gray outside, which makes me long for the sunny weather of Jamaica. I was fortunate enough to spend a few days of our vacation exploring the local food scene, in part for an upcoming article, and in part for my own enjoyment. I'm not sure that the Jamaicans we met would call themselves "locovores" as that is simply the way they eat- fresh fish straight off the boat, fruits and veggies picked that day, goats and chickens slaughtered when the time comes to cook. Food so fresh, and so local, it boggles this New Englander's mind!

Indeed, one of the highlights of our trip was the food. We ate like kings- fresh lobster, jerk snapper, and grunt, and curried goat and chicken, not to mention platters of farm fresh fresh fruit (jackfruit, soursop, breadfruit, pineapple, watermelon, cantalope) and veggies. Fresh supplies were sourced almost daily from the fishing village and market.

The bounty was so beautiful- the colors, the crowded stalls, the sweet and savory smells mingling with the dirt and grime of the city. Truly a feast for the senses.

Upon returning home and being forced to grocery shop at a store (gasp!), I felt more than a bit underwhelmed. It seems odd that while we rely on produce shipped from thousands of miles away (there were green peppers from Israel at the store- seriously, there are no green peppers grown even a bit closer to home?!), those in the tropics can rely on local bounty year round. It begs the question- who decided New England was inhabitable in the first place? They must have been a hardier stock than I.

It was but a dream...

Oh Jamaica...how you have captured my heart. We spent ten days in paradise, relaxing, soaking up the sun's restorative rays, exploring the local food scene, and enjoying the company of family. It was perfection, and waking up this morning to the cold, snowy, darkness of New England makes it seem like it was all a dream.

We stayed at Half Moon for the second year in a row. It is such a gorgeous resort, tastefully done, with plenty of nature to enjoy. Not only is the beach gorgeous, but there are marshes to explore, a stable on the property, tennis courts, pools with waterfalls, and even a kids play area, complete with a playground and toddler pool. It's a paradise for family's with young kids- so much to see and do.

We soaked up every minute of the vacation, filling our time with equal parts activity, and relaxation. There were so many picturesque moments, but I tried to put the camera down, and simply enjoy. I am so glad I caught this on film though- Vijay's first pony ride. The riding helmet, with his curls...oh, it's just too cute.

The stables are right on the property, and Vijay absolutely loved visiting the animals. We spent many mornings here, feeding the horses apples, petting the rabbits, and chasing the goats.

By the early afternoon, both boys would crash, due to sun and surf, and we would relax while they napped. I swear, something about spending time in the sun makes our boys nap for hours. It was quite lovely, and I actually read an entire book, maybe the first I've managed to finish since Vik was born. After naps, we would swim, and roam the beach for hours, turning over rocks looking for sea snails, hermit crabs, sand crabs, and sea urchins.

Evening would come slowly, the sun dipping gently over the sea, giving way to the most gorgeous of sunsets, and the gentle breezes of night. Once the boys were in bed, we would all enjoy a late dinner, and Corona with a lime. Top off the evening with a slice of coconut cake (yes- with coconut cut fresh from the trees outside our villa) and you've got heaven on earth. We're already making our plans for next year.

Gone to the Beach

We escaped the snow and freezing temps for a family getaway in Jamaica. I'm happy to report that it's all sunny skies and sandcastles here (okay, there was one day of rain!). I can't imagine a beach vacation with just the four of us being all that relaxing, seeing as the two babes keep us on our toes all day long, and through the night. But we are so fortunate to have my parents and little brother vacationing with us, and that makes it a true break. For that, we are grateful, oh so very grateful! See you back here soon.

Phoebe Wahl: A Studio Tour

Yesterday morning, the amazingly gifted Phoebe Wahl welcomed me into her home studio to capture a few snapshots of her work. I am in absolute awe of her talent, and after seeing her work in Taproot, and commissioning her to make a family portrait, I was left wanting more. Actually, I would very much like to live in the world Phoebe creates, where mothers are rosy cheeked, wearing patterned aprons while feeding chickens, babies slung on their back, and fathers have scruffy beards and rough hands from tending the fields and working in their woodshops. Yes, this is my kind of world.

Phoebe has sketchbook upon sketchbook filled with what she calls "scribbles" (and I call "blow your mind art")! If I had a fraction of her talent, I could pretty much die happy.

I especially love that her work celebrates women, child rearing, family, hearth and home. This is a girl who has her priorities straight (says the mother of two who has been nursing or pregnant for the past 3 years!).

As Phoebe and I chatted, I found myself intrigued by her upbringing- it was clear that her parents placed a high priority on creativity and individuality. One particular line stuck with me- "I can't remember a time when I wasn't drawing." It is clear that art runs strong through her veins. We shared our favorite children's books, and illustrators, a few we had in common, such as Tasha Tudor and Cicely Mary Barker. Mark my words- Phoebe will one day join their ranks. And that is her greatest wish- to create children's books. We both agreed that no other art form was as formative to us as books- no museum, or great piece of art can compare to the stories we cherished as children.

After studying for several years at RISD, Phoebe traveled abroad for a semester to Scotland, where she studied sustainability, and lived on a tiny island as part of an eco-community. Her stories were fascinating, as were her sketches influenced by that time in her life.

And please don't even get me started on her figurines. I have always had a thing for miniatures, and tiny little beings. Phoebe's seem alive, with their rosy cheeks and colorful clothing. The women with the baby in her arms- love. Shhh- don't tell Phoebe but I slipped that one in my pocket ;)

My only regret was that I didn't capture a picture of Phoebe smiling- she is utterly charming, and really lights up the room. Anyhow- here she is, in full concentration mode. And her artful apartment- you can feel, from the moment you step through the door, that this is the home of a true artist. Thank you, Phoebe, for inviting me into your world.