I am living in this old country house for the winter. I love everything about it- the creak in the floorboards, the blankets I have to pile on myself at night to keep warm. The open space and time for cooking and baking and listening for what quiet sounds like.
There are these ducks that come and circle the house in rounds they talk to each other and argue or flirt doing whatever it is that ducks do. I know ducks should have flown south by now but not these guys they stay here year round. The neighbors have built a house for them to live with insulated walls and heat lamps. They are some lucky ducks.
Some recent learning lessons;
I need lots of rest otherwise I suck to be around.
Before reacting to anything- drink some water, eat a sandwich and breath real, real deep.
You cannot force readiness- especially someone elses.
Sadness is all around and there is no avoidance/explanation for it- it is heartbreaking and yet still here we are the human spirit is so powerful.
I can’t fully accept that sugar is not the best thing for this body of mine.
I appreciate solitude.
I believe in the stillness being okay more than ever.
I actually prefer the quiet country to the cities these back roads that have never known traffic, the shorter lines, and smaller yoga classes.
Hiking is magical.
Tattoos can be regrets I’m grateful mine is not- it reminds me daily of what I am doing here.
I like this living in southern Berkshire County and getting to know farther south of here.
As for baking I am learning to bake with healthier sugars like maple syrup, agave, and honey. I notice this theme in my life where I have an idea that becomes a need and then a time lapse in which I think about it, pray about it, wait for it- and then what I am asking for comes along to help me in form. So in this case I was given a chef. This chef is a tiny Japanese man who wrote a book called- Chef Satos all Natural Desserts. He has begun teaching me how to bake without using sugars (dairy or eggs.) I’ve taken his lessons home and attempted my very first tiramisu. It came out good- good enough to admit I have eaten for my last two meals. You may not believe what interesting ingredients are in this cake but they are delicious.
Happy Boxing Day.
