I was sitting at the table working when my son (13) asked for some water. He couldn’t seem to find his usual glass. He walked by my work station and asked if he could have some of mine, which of course he could. . . About 15 minutes later I look up and my water glass is full.
Did my son refill my water glass after emptying it and replace it? Yes. Did he make note of doing so? No. Did it take me 15 minutes to notice because I was deep in work? Yes! Did this make me happy beyond measure? I think you know the answer.
Adolescence is often associated with selfish behavior. Their worlds seem to revolve around them, their needs and wants. I’ve been seeing more glimpses of maturity and thoughtfulness lately. So often our children are also our teachers and his simple act certainly made my day as a parent. It also was a reminder, as cliched as it sounds, of being mindful, noticing the little moments.
These days are hard and fraught with so many (local to global) challenges. In order to show up every day and be of service, and care for those I love, for strangers and for myself, I have to find daily moments of joy. Moments of seeing the people around me fully. Seeing them without my baggage of what I assume they will do or say.
Cooking continues to bring me joy and I am interested in how cooking is working for you these days. Can you bring fresh eyes to it? I’ve been in bit of a creative slump but yesterday popped out of it with a fabulous adaptation of jambalaya that was full of vegetables (and a little meat) including a whole savoy cabbage (recipe coming soon). Ah, the little things that make me smile!
The other great joy I have is connecting with people. I’ve started teaching public virtual (live) cooking classes and have one this Wednesday evening at 5pm PDT. You can kick back with a favorite beverage or cook along and have dinner ready by the end. I would simply love to have you “in” my kitchen as we cook and find some moments to notice the little and big stuff!
With great fondness,
Katherine