Seeing Beyond Phenomena

The Volcano weather, misty rain and chilly mornings has been inspiring and refreshing. Long runs, fireside reading, drawing, and baking have left me feeling rejuvenated. I have been living and feeling the essence of Spring, creativity and regeneration abound. Our house is a rain forest palace and I am the king of my own world.


Baking is a passion of mine. I first became interested when I walked into Costa Rican bakery 8 years ago. I was nearly knocked down from the whirlwind smells of the different bread and pastries. I was amazed at how something so simple could bring so much joy and make me that happy. While living in Bend I had the chance to be a baker at Great Harvest. I learned a lot and absolutely loved it. Waking up at 4am, baking muffins, breads, watching the sun rise over Mt. Bachelor was a great way to spend my mornings. I found it relaxing, meditative, and a fun way to create.


(The Mad Muffin Man, from my days in Bend)




5 a.m in Volcano

Fuzzy folk floating through the speakers like the drops of rain
Floating through the ferns in the foggy morning.
The smell of scones waifing from inside spark imagination
Sitting amongst the ferns rocking in my chair
Rocking to the silent sounds of my stare
Painting pictures of memories
Breathing in the mist before dissolving into it
Floating in the forest through the trails
Like a drop of dew sliding towards the sea


(I like to draw before and after running, this is a fuzzy morning time rendition of a lake near the summit of South Sister, Oregon)


My favorite thing to make for hiking/camping are scones:

DRY MIX
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup wheat flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

WET MIX
1 egg
1 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
3/4 cup coconut or whole milk

Stir dry mix for about 10 minutes(yes this gets tiresome)
Stirring is key, the flour mix should be somewhat congealed

Whisk wet mix until ingredients are smooth
Add wet mix to dry, pour in a little at a time, don't want it to be to runny

Once both mixes are together add in fruit/nuts of your choosing

My personal favorite is the banana chocolate chip combo:Funky Monkey!

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 min.