A few days ago, I said I wanted to walk the world and see things. What I did was not go out for three days. I sat in a chair and read about the world outside. I looked through the windows at the cold, clear world outside. And I cooked. Yesterday, I made my famous vegetable soup. It is more stew than soup, maybe. It is choked with vegetables and meat, a thick, peasants meal if the peasants had a farm and were doing well. By the time I finish, I think it costs me about two dollars a bowl. But on a cold day (and it has been cold here in the sunny south), it is just the thing.
I started with three pounds of stew beef in a big pot and let it cook about twenty minutes. Then I added a chopped head of cabbage, carrots, onions, and potatoes. That got heated to a boil and then got to simmer all afternoon. Later, I added corn and green beans. Consumed with a big loaf of sourdough bread and a bottle of good red wine.
I must return to the world today in the worst way. Holiday break is over. I am back to work. I have been lazy, sleeping and eating and not exercising at all. I've read and brooded. I was awakened hours before sunrise today by a troublesome dream. After that, I was troubled by disturbing thoughts. It was better to get up than to go through that misery.
This is how far I've come since yesterday. I could have easily followed yesterday's advice today.
C.S.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are wonderful.
Abundance -- sitting there in opposition to your words which seem to be searching for the same.
Took me to this poem by Jane Hirshfield.
Heart Pressing Further
Mustard greens
and a little garlic sauteed in oil,
a few seeds of chili,
pasta added after and tossed.
Outside the steamed windows,
the sound of rain,
and within it a raccoon's walking,
every hair of his body tipped with cold silver.
The ones who are sitting now
know nothing of what he desires in the dark;
they say a few words, continue to eat.
He pauses, lowers his head to
a stone and some leaves.
Night deepens, the rain falls harder.
He lifts his head and goes on.
At least you cooked. Last night we burned the Christmas tree and roasted hot dogs on the fire. The children were crying to go inside and go to bed rather than engage in this delightful, fun time we planned for them...kids...what are you going to do with them?
ReplyDeleteYes, back at work and facing the world...can't stay in and brood forever though this morning I considered the thought. Good luck today!
L, thank you. i always like the poems.
ReplyDeleteR, back to work,eh? terrible.
Your beef stew looks wonderful! Is it a Julia Childs´s recipe??? Joke!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried "Boeuf Bourgignon"? C´est délicieux! Belles photos sur ton blog! Did you really run in "San Fermin"? that must be wild!