The fruit in question is a slice of "honeycrisp" apple, exquisitely sweet, crunchy, full of perky flavors. I would say "piquante," because it makes my mouth water, but I think that word's reserved for spicy-hot peppery things. This apple isn't like a pepper; it's completely, exceedingly Apple. The color is brilliant, too, a purity of rosy red, pale yellow undertones, that is too vibrant to be called gold. The colors are as close to certain sunset-colors as I've seen in any object that isn't actually emitting light.

I'm in love with life at the moment. How long will this last? I fully expect to become bedraggled again within the next week. Some days, I cycle multiple times from despondance to enthusiasm and back. Productivity, and living up to my values, both seem to help. So does exercise, good food, and friendly contacts.

I'm excited about attending lectures by speakers on topics that I'm interested in. I'm excited to meet people who care about things I care about, from good food and human compassion; to art; to building a sustainable future for my city and my planet.

I spent yesterday evening laughing with a friend from church, while exploring art, and listening to a group of locals deliberate on the financial-planning aspects of the coming peak in oil production. I like such odd things! and I like them so much!

I'm also excited, I suspect, by the delicious coffee my freind Kristi gave me about 5 hours ago. One of the benefits of drinking coffee on a monthly rather than daily basis, is the phenomenal surge of sensations that accompanies that occasional indulgence.

Or maybe I'm just happy.

Kristi has also made some amazing scones, watercress sandwiches, and offered a sensuous selection of teas for my enjoyment this afternoon. (We're having a Tea Party, to which I have contributed virtually nothing except my appreciation. In defense, I did help with the pancakes at breakfast, and the shopping yesterday evening.)

Soon I will go to hear Terry Tempest Williams speak in town about community-building and the recovery efforts in Rwanda.

Peter Schoonmaker of "Illahee" is one of my current heroes.
Illahee

Ooooh, Kristi has presented me with a squash-almond-caramel tartlet thingy. A frighteningly accurate rendition of something similar, a sweet-potato version, that I enjoyed at a coffee shop with her the other day.

Life is good.