Woke up this morning at 5:30 to a wet world that smells so fresh. It rained during the night and the birds were singing enthusiastically this morning in celebration. We have not had much rain this spring and us locals usually call our home the Wet Coast. I love the sunny weather we are having, but (I can’t believe I am saying this) I miss the rain. It gives me an excuse to stay home and curl up with a good book and a glass of tea.
Cooked supper for friends last night and I realized how much I missed a kitchen full of people laughing, talking and eating together. I have lived my life in self imposed isolation for so long that I forgot what it was like to be surrounded by people. I am looking forward to buying a new home and cooking for friends. I love to cook and try new recipes. Well, I read recipes for inspiration then do my own thing. I have never been great at following directions! Some of my best memories involve being in someone’s kitchen with a group of friends. I spent a lot of time in other people’s kitchens while growing up, playing cards, making music,eating, drinking and laughing. So I spent the night at a friend’s house and am writing this morning at their kitchen island. There is much food and laughter shared around this island. I also have come to realize that this kitchen and the people in it have become a huge part of my life and my healing. The kitchens of my past were filled with love and laughter and I know the kitchens of my future will be as well.
I am going to pay more attention to kitchens. I think they truly are the heart of the home. Pay attention to what goes on in your own kitchen as this could be a barometer for the atmosphere of your home. I like a tidy kitchen, it doesn’t have to be spotless but tidy and organized without a doubt. I cannot cook in a messy kitchen. I do have to admit that I have wanted to organize the kitchen for a few people and have even done it once. I don’t really care if your kitchen is messy, it is your kitchen. I do not judge you based on the condition of your kitchen. It is your heart that captures me. I watch how you treat other people, your family, and see how willing you are to laugh at yourself and the life stuff that is tossed your way. If you have heart I don’t care how tidy your house is.
Just got a text message with a tarot card for the day from the Osho Zen tarot deck. Oddly enough, the card was isolation but they spell it ice-olation. My self imposed isolation was in a sense like being encased in a block of ice and my friends both old and new are contributing to my melting and merging back into a warm and caring community. They are helping me find myself again. This is a family, the people who feed my body and soul. Family is so much more than just blood relatives. Family is also the people you choose to spend time with that nurture your spirit and encourage you to be the best you possible. I hope that in some small way I do the same for them, they mean the world to me.
So, as I sit here beside a fish named George pondering the significance of kitchens and families, I am filled with warm memories and heated hopes and desires. There is fire in my soul once again and while I do not know what the future holds for me I am full of excited anticipation like a small child on Christmas morning. Everyday brings more light and clarity of heart. You have given me the space to heal and for that I thank you and give you the biggest and warmest hug. Thank you for allowing me to find myself again. If you ever get to Vancouver Island send a message, perhaps we can get together in the kitchen of my new home and fill it with food, companionship and wild hearted laughter. I am looking forward to it. Peace and love to all of you.
Hug trees and please don’t kill spiders
Donna
Life in a Slightly Soiled Chair 