Why yes, I'd love a cup of chocolate cake (and more Goodness from Kodiak)

Published: Sat, 06/06/20

Photo of Marion greeting you from Kodiak, Alaska

Warm greetings from Kodiak Island...

This is a small newsletter that goes to a small number of people. And after last month's mailing, some of you hit reply and emailed me directly, and we ended up having nice conversations by email.

The question came up, "How has COVID-19 changed your life?" I sat with a cup of coffee and then it hit me: I feel more connected—like threads in a quilt—to my neighbors and my brothers and sisters around the world.

So, thanks for being a part of this quilted family.

Blue poppies and public radio

My little town of Kodiak is perched on an island in the North Pacific. Living here requires resilience (think earthquakes, tsunamis, and groceries that arrive by ship twice a week) and being a good neighbor. When a child gets cancer, we get to work: Spaghetti feeds, bake sales, pledges.

Last month, a menagerie of masked gardeners hosted a plant sale to support our local public radio station. In an hour, every plant was sold. Most popular were the blue poppies. Have you seen a blue Himalayan poppy?

"I think we're starved for green," someone said. Indeed, the pandemic has set off a global gardening boom, says Yes! magazine.

During the sale, a friend, who'd just come up for air after a 14-day quarantine, stepped over to chat. "I've dusted the top of fridge three times," she confessed.

I don't know about you, but dusting is right up there with ironing. I am, however, managing to sort through — and get rid of — a lot of stuff. Like camera gear...

How to unload used camera equipment

Do you own a camera that you haven't used in years?

You're not alone. Technology changes so quickly! Antiques are measured in months, not decades. To re-purpose your camera equipment, you have many options, from Facebook swap groups and eBay, to honest-to-goodness businesses. Here are three of my favorites:

Adorama
B&H Photo
KEH.com (these guys specialize in buying and selling used equipment)

Why yes, I'd love a cup of chocolate cake. (You can thank me later for this recipe)

Anja Cass is a brave woman. Overweight and diagnosed with a heart condition, she went vegan. In six months, she lost 50 pounds (her before and after photos are impressive) and brought her heart condition under control. Her cookbooks (on sale) were some of the first ones we purchased after adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

Come to think of it, this recipe would make a great gift idea! Just mix up the powdered ingredients and put it in mug with the printed recipe...

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

From "Vegan Made Easy," by Anja Cass

2 TBL Oat flour (put rolled oats in a blender)
2 tsp Unsweetened cacao powder
1/4 tsp Baking soda OR Baking Powder
1 tbsp Maple syrup
1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
3 TBL Plant-based milk
1 TBL Peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
1 tsp Peanut butter to dollop on top (or pumpkin, fruit, whatever)
1/4 tsp Cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips

Place everything (except extra peanut butter and cacao nibs) into a large mug. Stir until it is mixed well and resembles a batter. Plop the extra peanut butter in the center of the top of the batter and sprinkle some cacao nibs over the top.

Microwave for 1 minute, then check for doneness. If it has risen and the center bounces back when you touch it, you know it is done. Otherwise, microwave it for 10 seconds at a time until done. Enjoy!

Psst: I often slip recipes like this on my Facebook page.

Who doesn't love elephants? Or, what I've been reading lately

I rarely read war stories, but Elephant Company is much more than that. Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La and Frozen in Time, describes the book well:

"Vicki Constantine Croke delivers an exciting tale of this elephant whisperer–cum–war hero, while beautifully reminding us of the enduring bonds between animals and humans.”

After reading Elephant Company, all I wanted to do was visit an elephant preserve to experience these amazing animals. Stay tuned.

Independent bookstores are really hurting right now. Rather than than buy from you-know-who, support independent stores such as Powell's City Books in Portland, Oregon. Check out their blog: Author interviews, Powell's Picks of the Month, and celebration of small publishers

Brene Brown podcast: How to apologize

and why it matters

I've recently discovered Brene Brown's podcast, Unlocking Us. Oh my. Powerful, sometimes messy, stuff.

Yesterday, I listened to the episode, I’m Sorry: How To Apologize & Why It Matters. Why am I sharing this? "During a time of deep uncertainty and anxiety, apologizing has never been more important."

I have a good cry over bumblebees

I can't deny my fondness for bumblebees. OK, I love 'em. The other day, I whipped up a batch of sugar water and fed a cold, barely moving, bumblebee.

t was such a powerful experience, I cried. Later, I penned a blog and created a 2-minute nature film. Drop me a line and tell me what you think of the story and little movie.

Ask a question and win a prize

Ask me a question about anything. Photography, composting, Kodiak Island, growing cucumbers in Alaska, what I had for breakfast... And I'll choose a winner and send a prize. It might be a custom photograph, a packet of purple poppy seeds, or an autographed copy of Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul, the NYT bestseller I co-authored. I'm not teasing here so go ahead and ask. You've got nothing to lose, right?

Please go here to ask me a question and win a prize. I look forward to your questions. Thanks for playing, everybody!

Quick photo tip: Get closer. Really?

Thanks to COVID-19, we're practicing the 6-feet apart rule. This does not apply to taking pictures! Most photographers (smartphone count) tip-toe around the subject and don't get to what matters most. Practice getting closer. Not by zooming in with your camera, but with your feet.

Look at the photos above. The LEFT photo is a wide-angle shot of colorful crab pots. Tons of potential. But someone looking at such a photo might wander around the picture wondering, "What's the point? I don't see what SHE is seeing."

On the RIGHT, I moved in tight, really tight. See how you're drawn in? Your brain says, "Ahh, I can handle this."

Here's your homework: The next time you take your camera or smartphone out for a walk, move closer. Review your work. Simplicity is nice. Especially now.

Let me know how your photo assignment goes.

Cheers and blessings,

Marion

P.S. My Instagram handle is Marion_Owen_Photography

Share the goodness with your friends:

Marion Owen • 1223 Kouskov W • Kodiak, Alaska, 99615 • 907-539-5009 (mobile)