I took this picture in Rabat, Morocco back in January. This herb and produce purveyor is sitting beside a busy street; apartment buildings are clustered on either side of her, in front of her, and in back of her. She has arranged her goods in a slightly recessed area; it looks as if a building might have stood there some years ago. The pallets in front of her hold (from left) coriander, flat-leafed parsley, mint and cardoons.
She sits placidly throughout the day, chatting with the housewives who walk by and buy bunches of fresh herbs to take home with them. When I took out my camera, she turned her head and hunkered down a bit, but my sweetie said a few words in Arabic to her, and she sat up and smiled.
She might be surprised to know that she is currently on display in what I affectionately call the Smallest Art Gallery in the World – the room that opens off of my kitchen. Some people might call it the “family room,” but we call it the “gallery room.” Every 2-3 months, I take everything off of the walls and hang a new “exhibit.” Last weekend, I hung the Morocco exhibit, with 8 of my favorite photos taken from our trip in January, plus a few small paintings and a pair of embroidered Moroccan slippers.
Upcoming “exhibits” this year include a collection of words - type-driven posters, metal letters and signs – and my “girl power” collection of drawings and prints of powerful women.
I really enjoy the process of thinking through what to do next, and the changing space ensures that I always have something interesting to look at while I’m cooking.
In the area? Stop by for a look! (Psst: Cookie? Aren't you hunting for a certain something nearby?)
Hours: Whenever I’m dressed and presentable, and not gone to the farmer’s market or the bookstore or on a walk with Petra. Oh, and when there isn't any laundry waiting to be folded or dirty dishes in the sink.
Admission fee: Chocolate.
P.S. - I wanted to add that I've been using Mpix to print my photos, and I've become a huge fan. The paper is thick and gorgeous, the colors are true, and turnaround time is quick and efficient. Their Kodak Professional Metallic paper - yummy! The colors in the photo above just pop out - the coppery streaks on the wall behind the woman in the picture above really shine.
