Here’s the story of the rock.

About 4 years ago, I decided to take a cross-country trip on my own. On my own, because at 25 my friends were all working and unable to take a month off from work, or they were trying to save money for one reason or another.  I was searching for direction, ideas, and more than anything I wanted to get out of my NJ hometown that I had started living in again in spite my best intentions to move on. I told Mike to meet me when I was in Washington State for camping and exploring.

Two weeks later, when Mike arrived in Seattle, we decided on a trip around the Olympic Peninsula on our way to Portland. One of our stops was at Ruby Beach, where Mike found a rock. It was a peculiar rock—one with little button at the top (later simply called “the nub”)—which fit perfectly into his hand.

The rock was magical. So says Mike. It was his talisman while we lived in Florida. On some late nights I could see Mike holding the rock while thinking, and it worked better than a stress ball. He believes it helped him make some good and important decisions.

Recently, our friends Shannon and Jay came for a visit. This thrilled us terribly and made us want to show them some of the most beautiful places in our region. Mike and I decided to take them to Ruby Beach – and Mike brought the rock with him. His intention? To put the rock back where he found it.

So the rock was laid on top of a pile of other rocks that Jay assembled, and we walked away.

Jay and Mike are now convinced that because Jay was the last one to touch the rock, its magical powers were transferred to him. Jay has found a total of 5 $1 bills on the ground since the events at Ruby Beach.

If you come across the rock, and take it home, beware. But also, please send me a photo of yourself with the rock! We’re curious.

Also, remember to take it back.

—-

My birthday dinner took place the night before the rock-replacing ceremonial trip. Mike told me that I’m the first person he’s known that actually wanted to cook on their birthday. What can I say, I wanted to have some Copper River Salmon for 4 without all of us spending a fortune.

My Birthday Menu:

• Copper River Salmon
• Baby Red Potatoes
• Spinach and Radish Greens Salad

I tend to cook simply. I started dinner by putting the potatoes in a covered iron put and roasting them at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes in olive oil and salt. Meanwhile, Jay made the salad – diced peppers, radishes, and spinach. He asked about the radish tops, which looked very plump and fresh, and asked if we should put in the salad. I said why not? and in they went! The salmon, the last thing to get taken care of, was simply pan-fried in olive oil and butter, with some salt. Dill and lemon were sprinkled on the fish after plating.

My brother-in-law just compared my sister’s belly to a hillock. “It’s so gorgeous”. I can’t help but like the guy more and more! :)

Photo by Fatboyke

If I were a fuzzy mammal, what kind would I be?

This is the question I posed Mike the other night, and he responded: kinkajou!
In case you don’t remember what they look like, here’s an attractive photo:

Photo by Photophonic

Ranunculus, courtesy of Design*Sponge

There’s a new flower and garden column over at Design*Sponge. I usually love the photos and info Abby supplies with her posts, and the guest contributors she picks are often the same caliber of upbeat and new design ideas. I’m looking forward to reading more!

I just got back from my week out at the AZA conference, held this year in Milwaukee, WI. In some ways it was the typical conference with booths, business cards and goody bags. We were the only Architecture firm there, and as a result were approached by a number of interpretive display folks. But I’m constantly amazed at how hard people work in zoo design to treat the animals as a real client and go beyond zoos just being a business. There’s something wonderfully tangible about architecture, nature, and the senses that I feel I’m more aware of every day.

I also extended my trip to visit the East Coast to meet up with my pals at blip, create tapas with Liz, hang with Jen in the village, see my family, and wish my Mom a happy birthday.

My flight back home ended with being placed next to a 70 year old fellow originally from Wisconsin, who’s now living in Washington State. He found it interesting that I worked for a place that does zoo design, and the topic of animals led to a story. He told me that when he was a teenager, he used to hunt mink by a stream on his way to high school. The forest where he hunted is gone, but the excitement he conveyed at remembering his time outdoors when he was younger is something I’ll remember whenever I encounter programs that bring kids into the outdoors. It’s magical; it’s very real.