Lessons
No. 45
Last published note -
Regardless of belief, the “seven deadly sins” are masked so beautifully now, so slowly they have inched into regular and modest consumption, yet it is felt every time — any betrayal of what we hold that seeks nutrition, purpose, instead of literally burning our limited breaths. Life is most satisfying once busy with nothing that cheats you. These things know no status.
Food lately -
2 bananas (straight out of the peel or frozen if you don’t have ice), 2 handfuls spinach, handful pecans, 3-4 pitted dates, heaping spoonful good peanut butter, few good shakes cinnamon, 1-1.5 cups milk (I usually like almond for this!), scoop vanilla protein (optional, I love Ballerina Farm), handful ice! Blend in a high speed blender.
2 cups almond flour packed, 1/2 generous cup maple syrup, 1 egg, 1 cup chopped pecans, pinch salt, a few shakes each powdered ginger, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon. Adjust spices to taste. Scoop onto parchment lined pan and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 ish minutes, or until tops are browned. Very good dunked in milk!
Wash and slice / chop thin and into bite size pieces equal parts celery, Fuji apple, red onion, grapes, pecans, grilled chicken breast, and a mountain of six month aged Manchego cheese. This is especially nice over butter lettuce. Dress with an Italian dressing, or olive oil and champagne vinegar, salt, pepper. Toss. Plate.
Family movie night -
I’ve been enjoying The Peanut Butter Falcon soundtrack… a long time favorite movie. I mostly listen to classical music (I’m hardly able to handle any more words, language, or information after a day), and this soundtrack is a beautiful blend of soul and cheer, especially when you’ve seen the film. Also, I’m hoping to show the boys Cold Comfort Farm soon. In the last month, we’ve watched; We Bought A Zoo, Flicka, and Johnny Tsunami. When we have family movie nights I let the kids pick within the parameters of the film being “quiet” (no heavy action or roughness). We go to bed happy and unhurried and in peace with good imagery. They scan the digital libraries presented, and usually land on something from the movie cover. Oddly, each of their selections had the same focus: the lead child characters are passionate, capable, artistic, driven, and I was reminded of the simple gentleness, joy, and freedom that comes from indulging in your child’s interests with sturdy, but silent presence. The relationships we feel in awe of most — be it an animal, art, or person — are led by the playful, the harmonious, the willing.
Lessons -
Two is the amount of times I have left for school with two out of my three children. The car leaves at 7:35 sharp at the very latest, in order for us to be on time. Isaac knows this, and no amount of frustration or hounding that I have tried, is enough to break him from the choices he makes to spend his time lingering in bed, or goofing around the house with a younger bother — saving his pomade styling for the last minute. “You’re hardcore,” a neuroscientist said to me in an agreeable tone, as we talked
