Contrast
No. 35
Last published notes -
“Every feeling we loathe, both as children and adults comes from rushing; to school, in work, out the door, because of arbitrary activities and timelines. If you live life quickly, there will be no time for slow appreciation of anything. Even the bickering… every shout between boys is an opportunity for me. I understand this practice mostly on the days we are all well rested, the sun shines, and I tidy pockets of the house which in turn organizes my thoughts. We exist in agendas, where our entire peace is born from denying one when we can.
I believe this wholeheartedly because I have witnessed the behavioral outcomes within our entire family from participating in both; arriving when punctuality matters, and when it is a pushed stress in our imagination. There are very few things we should be hurrying to, and they always, so obviously, begin with foundational patience and adoration. To be in it, and ignore all noise of pressure - for that is the evil that breaks our good spirit. Within those seconds, time is refunded like an angel’s present.”
“A good man who values family, both understands and enjoys the responsibility of tending to one. Their actions and excitement reflect such a love.
A boy who has not yet grown, is too weak to wear that armor. He cannot walk or talk with it on. They dance foolishly in their costumes and call themselves grand names, existing only in their own fables.”
Helpful lately -
Holiday ideas for little ones by Hello Earthling - although sadly, we have outgrown some of these, our Wobble Board is still thriving in the boys’ bedroom and great for fidgety bodies. I love this list of mindful brands and useful things!
Butter Churner - Madds and I made butter for the first time together… as we age out of little kid stuff and into jobs and tasks that involve real materials, responsibility, tools, knives, and curiosity, this is a very sweet kitchen addition.
Scarf or “Balaclava season.” I’m in for anything timeless, versatile, and practical.
Last recipes -
My mom made this pie growing up mostly in summer, and now the boys request it during the holidays, which I love. You can make this festive with any ice cream flavor of your choice… peppermint and coffee are incredible!!!
(I did not use the full amount of ice cream today and sort of loved it with even layers… no complaints… also Maddox cheekily snuck some unsweetened bakers chocolate and was disappointed in his discovery).
18 classic oreos 2 squares (ounces) unsweetened chocolate 1 tablesp butter 1/2 cup sugar Small can evaporated milk (about 5 oz) 5 tablesp butter (crust portion) 1 quart vanilla ice cream Vegan option: 18 “Back to Nature” Oreo-type cookies 2 squares (ounces) unsweetened chocolate 1 tablesp Earth Balance butter 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup Malk vanilla unsweetened almond milk 1/3 cup melted Earth Balance butter 1 quart Oatly vanilla ice cream
Melt 2 squares bitter chocolate on low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablesp butter. Add milk and bring to a boil gently (medium low heat). Cook until smooth and thick. Cool thoroughly (outside bottom of pan is cool).
Pulverize cookies in blender until fine. Melt remaining 5 tablesp butter and add crushed cookies and mix well. Press into 9 inch pie plate lined with parchment at bottom. Freeze. Fill with ice cream and refreeze. Spread cooled chocolate over ice cream. Freeze until ready to serve.
Cherry, maple, vanilla bean, and salt for me. Cinnamon sugar with vanilla bean for Madds. On our warm no knead loaf.
Make a cherry compote with a cup or so of frozen cherries, a squeeze of lemon juice and splash of maple syrup. Cook down until tender, and jam-like. Set aside to cool, and mix well into butter with vanilla bean, pinch salt, and spoonful of maple syrup.
We learn by doing, and exist in a world of seeing -
Yesterday it snowed for the first time this season, and I collected fresh warm eggs in the cold winter wind. It was sensational in the way of perfect contrast from physical temperature to color, and that, it was something no one tells you specifically to look forward to in your lifetime. But when it does happen, you become completely obsessed with how special this all is, if you care to pay attention. When I was little, we had ducks and rabbits and cats and gerbils but I didn’t help much with the dutiful
