Contemplation
It’s been a long, strange journey through 2020 so far; the path has been filled with twists, turns, bumps, rough edges, and much, much more. I’m still working on chronicling, for you, and this forum, the treacherous summer of 2007, and even as my keyboard prompts my mind to pull the files of memories from their safe, and hidden corners, to delve into, relive, and somehow, share, I find that it helps to take little mini-breaks.
We are best described in our #WineWhiskeyAndFire, and there’s a good chance, this might be what we’ll do when this week is finished!
Today, as I take that break, I find myself staring at empty walls, open cupboards and drawers with nothing left inside, and counters stacked high with items waiting to be wrapped in the layer upon layers of white wrapping paper from the local “U-haul” location. Thankfully, I have my amazing tribe of support, and truth be told, they’re the ones doing all the “heavy lifting!” I watch in awe as they wrap, pack, and carry the army of boxes in and out. This isn’t anything like the great move and exodus from California to Texas in 2017; its more akin to a “hop, skip, and jump,” but it’s still a tremendous amount of work, and I know I don’t tell them, anywhere close to often enough, how incredibly grateful and appreciative I am, have always been, and will continue to try and express….forever! Emily and Alex, that’s for you!
While the distinctive sound of wide rolls of tape being stretched across the bottoms and tops of cardboard boxes screeches in the background, I look at this beautiful painting, resting safely and gently against the wall, just waiting for its new home, and start thinking about what might the talented artist, who gave life and expression to this handsome guy, (aptly named “Contemplation”) was thinking about as she applied the brushstrokes to the huge canvas, where he came to life? Was it 107* (our temperature here today; a touch of a relief after the 118*, we reached yesterday) during the period of time that she created him; did she know the number of walls he would grace, or the number of miles he would travel with his new family; and did she understand the comfort that her talent, and the resulting product would bring? I’ve moved more than an average amount of times for my five plus decades of life, and it never gets easier; one thing remains constant though, and it’s my love of composing the backdrop for what the next chapter will look like. Which wall, and what room will Contemplation be calling home next? Will he be part of a grouping, will he stand alone, and where will all the other items that I (we) have individually chosen, carefully framed, collected, displayed, placed and hung, end up; where will they find themselves this time next week? I don’t know…..but this very thought brings me back to my thoughts on the meaning of Labor Day, that I on Instagram this morning, and that I think are worth repeating again, as they remind me to embrace the good, and not dwell on the difficult.
Today.....Labor Day; While this may not be the most traditional way to honor the historical meaning of this holiday, my intention is, still, to observe, respect and pay tribute to the day, the significance it marks in our world, and the enormous sacrifice and achievements it symbolizes; as well as taking the liberty of adding a slight twist of my own! My family and life has been a series of highs and lows, kind of like one enormous roller coaster ride. I’m all at once, both, enormously grateful, blessed, and yet, haunted, by so much of my past. This email (👆) message that I receive daily has provided an awakening over the past nine to twelve months. Every morning, I receive it, (or one like it) and reading the daily note has become a part of my morning routine; no different than popping that pod in the Keurig for my first cup of coffee, taking my sweet pups out for a walk, or feeding the horses, chickens & donkey. ▪️Today.....however, (actually yesterday) when I opened this particular message, it struck me in a whole new way. I’ve fought my whole life against accepting the notion that I was “co-dependent,” “dependent,” “controlling,” “damaged,” "less-than,"or whatever else someone might choose to label me! ▪️ Today..... I will choose my own label. All of a sudden, I am struck by the one phrase above that reads, “my obsessive focus on what’s wrong and what I might be doing wrong-real or imagined.” ▪️ Today.....it will be my Labor Of Love to stop focusing on all that’s wrong.....and instead, embrace all that’s right, and there’s SO MUCH RIGHT. To the person who sends this email to me each day, as well as the person who wrote it, thank you! ▪️ Today.....our world may be troubled, facing tremendous challenges and suffering, but WE can still dedicate ourselves to, and choose the good; find the good we want for, and see in our loved ones; find the good we want for, and see in our “crew;” find the good we want for, and see in ourselves; and even, or especially, find the good we want for, and see in the ones who are against us! ▪️ Today, that choice, and the significance of its achievement, will be my goal; and from now on, I’m going to make an effort to find, and see the good, what’s right, rather than what’s wrong, with me or anyone else!
Happy Labor Day and Always!
New walls, new challenges, and new opportunities; with that in mind, I better go help finish packing the kitchen, before I get “fired.” Or, maybe that wouldn’t be the worst thing; I most DEFINITELY DO NOT have a future as a professional packer/mover in store…..thank the Dear Lord! I do, however have a scrumptious recipe for Vichysoisse, and the picture of it, when completed and ready to serve, blends beautifully with the image of “Contemplation;” so here you go…..it’s really good, (and cold), which is an added bonus on these scorching hot days! Regardless of whether you make that or something else to celebrate this day, let’s remember to raise our glasses, and voices, to the stunning contributions and achievements of America’s labor force that we’ve been celebrating since 1894. Happy Labor Day; now back to packing….
Recipe:
Ingredients:
-4 tbsp butter
-3 cups sliced and cleaned Leeks (white and very pale green parts only)
-1 medium white onion, chopped
-2 lbs Yukon Gold potatos (I prefer a mixture of 1/2 Yukon and 1/2 Russet
-3 cups water
-3 cups ch. stock
-2-3 tsp Kosher salt, (to your taste)
-1/2 Cup sour cream
-1/2 Cup heavy whipping cream
Chopped Chives for Garnish, as desired!
-Heat butter until it begins to melt and turn brown in large pot; continue to heat until the bubbles subside, and butter is lightly browned.
-Sauté Leeks and Onions in melted butter until coated. Cook until translucent and wilted.
-Add potatoes, water and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer; cook, partially covered for 30-40 min. or until potatoes are completely cooked and tender. Remove from heat!
-Transfer small batches to blender and purée (only fill blender 1/3-1/2 way and hold lid securely. Purée until smooth!
-Cool and then stir in heavy cream and sour cream.
-Completely cool and then chill in refrigerator at least 2-3 hours before serving.
-Serve in desired bowl(s) and garnish
I always cook according to my love for tasting along the way, so add salt, a pinch of pepper or maybe a “titch” more heavy cream, as you like! - Voila!