I believe poets are instruments on which the power of poetry plays. But they are also makers, craftsmen: It is given to the seer to see, but it is then his responsibility to communicate what he sees, that they who cannot see may see, since we are “members one of another.” Denise Levertov It became brandedContinue reading “A Study in Lichen”
Author Archives: slowingtowonder
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
I just took a loaf of bread out of the oven. The color is gorgeous . . . on top. The bottom? Well, let’s not look there. To own the truth, I forgot to reduce the preheat temperature of 500 F down to the actual baking temperature , so my bread was in the ovenContinue reading “When Things Don’t Go as Planned”
Big Batch of Chai
Here in the midst of winter, I have been craving and enjoying homemade chai. The warmth of its spices are like a hug for my insides. It’s a cozy beverage for this time of year. But I must confess, I can be a little picky about chai. Most of them are too sweet for me,Continue reading “Big Batch of Chai”
Cabernet Franc
It is my conviction that any true lover of wine has had some moment (or moments) of decisive shift in his/her journey with wine; moments that incite a paradigm shift. I wrote previously about such an experience of mine with riesling. Now I shall account for a similar experience of mine with cabernet franc. MyContinue reading “Cabernet Franc”
Choosing to Rejoice
I was hoping to have something rather inspiring or encouraging to say at the start of this new year. That’s what everyone wants and expects, isn’t it? New year. Fresh start. A time for resolutions, starting again, revisiting and assessing hopes and dreams, perhaps. But I find myself weighed down by comparison and envy. Ick.Continue reading “Choosing to Rejoice”
The Posture of Advent
It seems that every year I intend to “do Advent better,” and year after year I fail. What I mean is that I typically end up feeling like I haven’t engaged the season intentionally enough. Each year I an excited to live into Advent well, and then look into the rearview mirror wondering what happened.Continue reading “The Posture of Advent”
Teatime
Not long ago, I discovered that “teatime” is one word. Why had I not known this? I mean, I had said the words “tea” and “time” together countless times before, but I would have written it as “tea time.” I had even been practicing this lovely rhythm without having the proper linguistic understanding. There isContinue reading “Teatime”
Sunday Supper Stuffing
The alternative title to this post is: My Take on Molly Baz’s “Cheesy Stuffing Gratin with Many Different Brassicas.” This dish is incredible. Full stop. I first had this a few weeks ago when a friend of ours made it for our “Friendsgiving.” I got seconds. And, I don’t usually get seconds. It defied allContinue reading “Sunday Supper Stuffing”
My Dukkah
Dukkah is a nut, seed, and spice mixture form the middle east. And it’s crazy delicious. I have to admit, I was slow on the uptake with this one. . . . which is a surprise since I really enjoy middle eastern food . . . From what I’ve seen, there are loads of waysContinue reading “My Dukkah”
Envy? Or Gratitude?
I find it odd that at times I can be incredibly grateful for something that another person has written, said, created, or done. Other times, however, I find myself envious that I didn’t think of that thing first—that I wasn’t the one chosen or ordained to make that particular contribution. And I can vacillate fromContinue reading “Envy? Or Gratitude?”