Cape Cod Summer and Goddess Inari

Citronella candles, blazing logs in the fireplace, crescendos of burning sap crackling, the rhythmic honking of “geese” toads, the high-pitch pulse of pond-side locusts, the sweet taste of watermelon and cantaloupe sangria, breakfast, lunch and dinner al fresco on the wooden deck, salty lips, wild berries on the vines, tart plums on the wayside bush, large green grapes sprawling out on every tree, ripening in the summer heat, brisk swims by the cliffs, slow walks through the dunes to the mud hole…flashing smiles with friends around the fire, dancing flashlights of sleepy-eyed children, cackling laughter in the creek's strong current...make Cape Cod summers invigorating, lilting, heavenly.

Relishing my friend Izumi's visit. There is no better way to spend the summer than with out-of-town guests. It renews your appreciation for what you have, as if you need a reason to break out zingy Spanish wine, buffalo mozzerella, and your favorite eggplant and orange dal recipe. The first canoe trip into your backyard reveals the Loch Ness snapping turtle. A trip to the ice cream parlor by the old merchantile. The Brewster Store, is a candy and gift haven to tourists. To residents it is the midway point in a Spring parade, the home of caroling and hot cider on the house, a biking destination through the quiet backstreets.

What a pleasure to have long time friend Izumi Hamagaki, (designer, mixologist, entrepreneur), in from New York City before she moves back to Los Angeles. Here is Izumi and Inari, Japanese Goddess of sexuality and fertility. Inari is personified as a fox, god and goddess.