madeleine

there's nothing wrong with brussels sprouts

I look weirdly fat in the middle in that photo.

I've been oven roasting sprouts with garlic, olive oil and sea salt. They taste a little bit like popcorn when they're done and are much, much more fun to eat.

Yesterday I opened my front door to walk outside with my dog and saw five young whitetail deer running up my city street. Aiko and I stood dumbfounded and watched them race across a busy intersection and into a nearby park. We live near a forested strip of state park that intersects one end of the city, and deer on streets and in neighborhood yards are becoming a problem. The city is considering all sorts of ways to contain the burgeoning deer population, but I can't say I mind the unexpected deer sightings. Unexpectedly seeing these beautiful, shy animals outside my house feels like a rare gift, a glimpse into a world I can sometimes see but never reach.

One of my best friends is editing an anthology of deer poems. She's open to submissions! Send me a message if you, or any poets of your acquaintance, are interested.

The same friend gave me the most lovely little late Xmas gift. It's a porcelain figure of a woman in a Victorian gown, but where her head should be is the graceful head of a deer.

I'm hopefully shooting another set soon. It will feature a deer spirit.

Bridget Pegeen Kelly wrote some lovely poems with deer and goats as human souls.

I'm not sure if I'll be discussing deer next week, but I now host a radio show every Tuesday at midnight. Tune in at 89.9 or 92.3 FM, Thin Air Community Radio. I play all sorts of music and feature panel discussions, live interviews, DIY tips and lots more!

Oh, my show's name? The Dreadful Show. No, it has nothing to do with my hair. Add me if you want: Crapspace profile

Tell me what you'll do at the first sign of spring.