The Fog, Dreams, and Grapefruit Salads

"I've been having a reoccurring dream," I told my husband last week.

It's the best dream. In it, I am outdoors and I slowly turn around to find everything blooming. I see fluffy pink sakura blossoms and fields of poppies in Monet hues.

I smile, overcome by a surge of joy, and then I awaken... every time.

I must be really excited that spring is just around the corner.

I'm also curious about the aproximate 200 bulbs I planted last fall...

"Will my front be a spring wonderland?" I think to myself.

With January behind us now, and being a step closer to springtime - my mind drifts to getting my hands in the earth and growing bounties of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. I am  most definitely a spring person. I love the new life.

My refrigerator crisper has been filled with all citrus fruit over the past couple weeks.

I discovered the flavor pairing of grapefruit and basil the other day - very nice.

I was looking over at my simple herb garden planters, and snipped some baby basil leaves. I thought they would look pretty and add zing to a simple segmented grapefruit salad.

I made up another salad of fresh red lettuce, grapefruit, avocados, sweet anise, pistachios, and basil. I have been on an avocado kick lately. I even ate avocado with quinoa for lunch yesterday and two hard cooked egg whites. Enough protein to fill me all day. I have a tendency to feel shaky if I don't get some morning protein.



As for my daytime dreaming, it has been all about light.

I am constantly on a search for dreamy, ambient light in my house.

I took these salad photos in my son's room - a small room with 3 windows - total light box. I wish I could have my own studio with lots of light and a closet to house my props - dishes, bowls, linens. That would be ideal.

I've been feeding my Anthropologie ceramics addiction, so my stash is growing it seems.

Light, bright, and cheery -  that's what I like these days.

Lastly, I have to share these photos I took of this mornings fog.

Oh my goodness, it was gorgeous.

I threw on my clogs, grabbed my coat and camera, and ran out to the backyard for some quick shots. I love foggy mornings. So much mood and mystery.

As the rest of winter passes, I'll continue to dream about spring... and light...

While living in the moment - whatever it brings.