1.*What bag/accessories are you carrying (items + colors, pics always welcome)?
I’ll list what I happen to be carrying this week (and not necessarily carrying all at once):
Utility Tote in Storm 1000d Cordura
Two Caches for my two laptops (it’s a long story involving my fast and intense typing)
An early sample of the Shadow Guide
3D Fabric Cube in Northwest Sky
Nik’s Minimalist Wallet #2 in Coyote
Small Padded Organizer Pouch
Coyote/Mesh Mini Organizer Pouch
Small Cafe Bag in Parapack watercolor camo
The Truck in Forest 1050d (we only made one sample: it’s too difficult to make out of 1050d)
Small Zip-Top Shop Bag in Black
2.*What are you reading?
Caribou Rainforest by David Moskowitz
Homo Deus by Yuval Harari
Next up:
Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman
3.*What are you playing or watching (movies, theatre, video games, etc.)?
First seasons of:
Barry (HBO)
Forever (Amazon)
I think I’m the last person to have discovered Fixer Upper and I’m almost done with all five seasons.
4.*What are you listening to?
Two of my favorite artists — Anna Calvi and Blood Orange — came out with new albums this summer and those are still in heavy rotation.
I’m enjoying all of the Klezmer stations on Spotify. Plus, of course, the Forum-sourced playlist for the TOM BIHN crew.
5.*What are you cooking/baking/drinking?
I just received a shipment of fresh dates from The Date People (one of my favorite small businesses). The dates are so fresh it’s almost like eating caramels. I use them in some baking projects — banana bread, German chocolate cake — but mostly I just eat them on their own.
Cooking: pizza, takeout this month. When I cook at home…. rice (or quinoa) and beans and vegetables. Burrito bowls, saffron rice with vegetables, that kind of thing. Avocados.
Drinking: Esther’s (seamstress here at TB) Cold Remedy tea…. simmer lots of fresh ginger and jujube dates for half an hour. Drink!
6.*What are you making/creating/doing?
I’m doing my best even though it’s December to get my hands in the dirt and garden here and there — transplanting plants, pulling weeds, planting new trees.
Fiona and I are working towards her next Trick Dog title. She’s naturally good at (and likes) tricks and thankfully is incredibly patient with me (I am not naturally good at training her how to do tricks.... it's a lesson in humility) Currently working on: bow and “ring a front desk bell”.
7.*Where have you gone lately?*-or-*What travel destinations are on the horizon for you?
I went camping in Idaho back in September. And next year….. Hawaii!
Bonus Question: Since it's the season of giving,*what is your favorite charity?
I love this bonus question!
Conservation Canines
WildEarth Guardians
Frankie’s Friends
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Mary’s Place