Maria, the proprietress

Today was the second of my now weekly treks to investigate new shops and businesses that make something sweet. With Leila again as my trusty sidekick, we armed ourselves with a puppy umbrella and were ready to stomp though the rain. We settled on someplace not too far from home, Curio Confections in the U-District.

I asked Maria, the proprietress at Curio Confections, about her candy selection. She apologized for the rather low inventory that morning, as well as for the fact that they had just run out of coffee. I was OK with those facts, except that I would’ve ordered some fruit jellies if they had been in stock. I took a quick look over what was in the glass display case, and ordered her gingerbread pudding and an orange spice tea.

Now here’s where I begin to fall in love with the place. Not only did Maria offer to top the gingerbread dessert with whipped cream, she offered to put it in the oven. I know that ovens are a very old staple of any kitchen, but they seem to have fallen out of regular use by those in the food trade looking for a quick warm-up. Believe me, please, restaurants and bakeries I frequent, the oven is superior to the microwave. Even though it takes longer, if given the choice between a beepy nuke and an oven, I’ll choose the oven every time.

Gingerbread Pudding

The rainy Northwest – as viewed from indoors

Although a bit grey, the above photo illustrates what I love about Seattle in the fall and winter months. Its quiet, slightly moody, contemplative side, punctuated with tall evergreens and ever-present sounds of droplets falling or wooshing wind. Cool, rainy weather is a great excuse to seek shelter and get cozy. Urban planning may dictate that our city’s future is UP rather than OUT, but I love looking out a window at a group of older, well-kept homes rather than more condos.

Here are some more cute photos of the shop’s interior:

This sanguine ship-shop has lollipops!

Perhaps we could convince them to make hot air pinatas?

I’ve learned to appreciate one second of complete peace and quiet.
If I get one of those a day, I’ll feel lucky. Think about it.

one-MISSISSIPPI.

Leila was asleep.
Mike was working out.
The sun was out, I was looking at some trees out my window.
I had coffee next to me.
Life was perfect, for one second.

Today I took a visit to Mosaic, a coffee house run by a church in the Wallingford neighborhood.

Christy, the barista at Mosaic

There is no price structure to the drinks or food at Mosaic, so you just donate what you think your order is worth. Overall the place had a very relaxing vibe, and my chai was tasty.

My thoughts were going in a thousand directions, so when I found this page on How to Create a Personal Manifesto, all my ideas started to coalesce.

Halloween’s over, but check out Maggy Mason’s nautical-inspired costumes for her family: Masons of the Sea

Life with Leila can be difficult sometimes, but I’m nowhere near here yet. Is life with a toddler really that bad? I guess it puts troubles with a 3 month old in perspective.

Our daughter is only 2 months old, and she already has a boyfriend. His name is Rodrigo.
He’s near her changing area, and can make her smile almost instantly. Did I mention he’s a cartoon sticker? Sure, we feel a little jealous but we haven’t tried to make them break up.

I have a lot of affection for my little girl. She’s still tiny, cute, and cries a lot. Her name is Leila.

I also have a new appreciation for cooking. It can take a bit of practice to cook with a baby around, but I’m starting to get the knack of it. I’m starting off with very simple meals that don’t take more than about 10 or 15 total minutes to prepare. Well, and we’re getting a lot of Thai take-out from the place 2 blocks away. More to come soon!