Staying Centered

Staying Centered

by Collen Newquist

Every now and then, this happens: I get caught up in work, money, busyness, worry, stress, and what - ifs. I find myself freaking out about the future, anxious about the present, caught in a spiral where I want to wail with unhappiness. Then I stop and breathe and step off the dizzying merry-go-round that goes nowhere - and that I put myself on in the first place and I immerse myself in something that brings me back to my core like baking.

It's amazing how cooking can bring me back to my senses, in all meanings of the word. It is a type of meditation for me, or prayer. It is a way of giving thanks, of showing appreciation for family and friends. It's awakening that pulls me into the moment with the savory goodness of flour, butter, yeast, cinnamon, and the simple acts of slicing, stirring, sauteing, shaping. Cooking is so basic, so necessary, and so good for my soul.

That, I decided, is what makes for a balanced life: pursuing what is essential to my well-being and soothing to my soul. When I keep that criteria at the forefront, life like is baking a homemade pie - so satisfying and so delicious.

 

Love Adds A Little Chocolate

Love Adds a Little Chocolate

Duty can pack an adequate sack lunch, but love may decide to enclose a little love note inside...Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs (even to teenagers!)...Duty gets offended quickly if it isn't appreciated, but love learns to laugh a lot and to work for the sheer joy of doing it.

Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often, love adds a little chocolate.

 

Night Ski

We are blessed with a lighted ski trail. Airport runway lights are what they used to light the trail. I like how they recycled something that would have been tossed.

Skiing at night is a favorite of ours. If we are lucky we hear owls. Owls are beginning to find a mate. The woods is still, just the glide of our skis and WHOO WHOO!