Once again, I apologize for neglecting you for so long! The creative part of my brain has been a bit like this . . .

. . . not quite clear, specifically in landing on a subject for this post. I have been bringing my camera along as much as possible whenever I’m out and about, in hopes of inspiration. Mostly I’ve noticed it feels a bit weird to be basically a tourist in your own hometown, but in fact, a number of things did change while we were on our adventure.

There’s a fun new cheese shop and bistro close to our house . . .

. . . that sells fabulous cheese from all over the world, including France (Woohoo!) and my new favorite sandwich called the Figgy Piggy: prosciutto and whipped chevre with arugula and fig spread on a baguette. Yum.  Just YUM.

And there’s a new shop downtown called Crescendo: The Symphony of Taste, that sells oils, vinegars, spices and . . . um, I’m not sure what, but they have this funny sign that makes me want to go back when they’re open . . . .

A few things in Fort Collins are the same, like the alleys that have been progressively beautified over the past few years. This one, from this angle at least, almost looks French. Love it. Downtown is all decked out for the summer, just the way I like it, with flowers everywhere . . .

But definitely different is the daily rain, that is still very much with us. This has actually in some ways been a good thing, because it has kept me inside a bit more, so I could make some progress on the drapes . . .  → which are WAY MORE WORK than I had any idea. Now I understand why they’re so expensive when you have someone else make them. But three of the four panels are done (with completely new, maddeningly frustrating errors on each panel, just to keep things interesting). Fortunately, the end is in sight.

So although David and I miss France and especially our French friends, we are enjoying discovering and re-discovering this place. Whether it’s a new shop or a new task, our new-to-us house or even a new way of looking at a familiar alley, we’re trying to keep the spirit of adventure and discovery alive.

The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance – it is the illusion of knowledge. ∼Daniel J. Boorstin

Wishing you fresh eyes this week. I’d love to hear what you discover.