Earlier today, I had lunch with a friend. We spent a lovely hour catching each other up on our lives and happenings. On my way home, I stopped by the farmers’ market at Rittenhouse Square to pick up a few peaches and tomatoes (not having a CSA share this summer has put a serious crimp in my produce acquisition).

I took 18th Street home and as I was walking, realized that it was exactly a year ago to the day when I tripped on that very same block. It triggered a crying jag that helped me let go in a way that I really needed. And then two days later, I was laid off from my job and my whole world shifted for the better.

Thinking back on the last year, I can’t help but feel entirely grateful for that layoff. I was set free from a job that I should have left under my own power long before. It was definitely financially tight for a time, but even that has started to work out. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next year holds.

I’m ever-so-slightly obsessed with my new Cuppow.

Flowers in jars at Roots Country Market in Lancaster County, Pa.

Enjoying Independence Day from our rooftop pool.

The first corn on the cob of the season.

Waiting to be a guest on Radio Times. It was something of a dream come true.

Selling books at Greensgrow with Robyn from Grow Indie.

Making pickles on a lazy Sunday.

Making apricot jam in my dear friend Andrea’s kitchen in sunny southern california.

Walking on the beach in Marina del Rey. I never pass up an opportunity to visit the Pacific. It’s my ocean of choice.

One of the maintenance guys in my building put aside this box of jars for me. I guess word’s out about my canning habit.

Piles of stuff on my dining room table. I just got home and now it’s time to leave again.

An array of preserves, eaten on Kaela’s back deck.

Kaela’s fantastic pickles. She ferments them first and then preserves them in a vinegar based pickling liquid. So good!

Amazing pizza from an outdoor wood-burning oven at the Coventry Farmers’ Market.