Backyard Economics

Kitchen gardens usually don't make economic sense. That's been my experience, at least. I put more money into mine than I save by growing my own food. Still worthwhile, of course, but don't get into it to save money. The exception: salad greens. And, as with most vegetables you can grow at home, the quality of homegrown is dramatically better than anything Whole Foods or your local farmer's market has to offer.

Severe, Called Mother [found object]

Breathe. Appreciate that for which you are fortunate. Repeat.

Fun Floor by SLO

It's looking more and more like the Swift Lee Office blog around here, which is fine with me. They've been keeping me busy, and I've no complaints.

Coopitecture

Shot for Leslie Paugh Interior Designer.

Dutch Oven

I've been baking.

In Las Flores Canyon, Mailbu

This is another image from this Swift Lee Office project that I shot earlier this month.

See Previous

They usually grab one berry at a time.

Front Yard Biodiversity

I wasn't going to get my camera out for the cedar waxwings; thought I'd just watch them. But they've been right outside our living room window for three weeks, and it didn't take much effort. So, excuse the nature photography. I didn't even have to get dressed to take these.

For the Sartorially Inclined Flahute

"The Road to Roubaix" by Launderette. Can't wait to put it on and step out with my lady.

Swift Lee Office, Colorfully

swiftleeoffice.com

18 Months

NECA for SLO

Nueva Esperanza Charter Academy photographed for Swift Lee Office.

Simplicity

I love simplicity. This little stool is more simply beautiful than these photos show. Design and fabrication by Bruce Bolander.

Outside CFAM

(CFAM = Craft & Folk Art Museum)

Bolander (cont'd)

Compost Lesson #13: You Can Compost Birthday Cake

Bruce Bolander

I have a lot to say about how much I enjoyed shooting this project, but I'll let the pictures do the saying. Inspired design by architect Bruce Bolander. Plenty more photos from this project coming soon. This here is the establishing shot.

This Is Here

This is here.

With My Little Homeboy

Emerging Pea Pod

First Turnip(s)

Acorn Woodpecker, Elysian Park

Cypress Pair

Brocolli Rabe Harvest

Go, Team Gutterball!

Scale

I like a tree that is not bound by the scale of its environs.

Garden Helper

Well, almost.

SoCal Cross

If this were any American city other than L.A., racers would not outnumber spectators.
Sigh.

we

Love World a Million Love Hug Planet: Artifact, 15

I want to live on this planet.

Thankful

14 Months, in the SLO Studio

Swift Lee Office for LA Forum

Also by Swift Lee Office:

HEY FARMER

Stud Series Dr. Z Chair, Swift Lee Office

Go slo!

Happy Halloween

Artifact, 14

Just wait until she can write words.

Occupy LA

I went to Occupy LA and left with a lot to think about. What struck me visually, however, was this.

Tour de Fat, 2011

Protest and Survive

"Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing" by the British punk band Discharge made a big impression on me when I was in 10th grade. The music was heavier and harsher than any of the SoCal and DC punk I was listening to at the time, and the concerns were not about hurt feelings but rather nuclear holocaust. We were sure it was imminent.

The most powerful song on that album was "Protest and Survive." The title says it all. In the context of the brutality of Discharge's sound, I found the message surprisingly positive. This weekend I was happy to find out high school students are still listening and being influenced by it. When I saw these kids leaving the Occupy LA protest at City Hall and asked if the sign had anything to do with the Discharge song I got a huge smile in response. And this photo.

This Red Onion Played a Significant Role In a Tuna Salad Today

Skateboard Love Runs Deep

Bounce House

Happy 1st, Little Man!

Exemplary

?

Artifact, 13

Pegacorn with dog friend. It's difficult to see since it's white on white, but the Pegacorn's right wing has been carefully and lovingly bandaged with toilet paper.

11 Months

He rides every day. Crazy fit. Chunky quads. Strong, hairless calves. All cyclist.

Summer Garden

Our summer garden isn't in great shape, but one cherry tomato plant doesn't know that.