My hen Sapphire |
There’s still a chill in the air, but I’m already making plans for the months ahead. As I was looking at seed catalogs and dreaming of the beautiful herbs, flowers, and vegetables that’ll grow in my garden this summer, I started to think about the metaphorical seeds we plant in the spring, the time that traditionally represents new beginnings.
In this time of starting anew, I’m wondering how to begin…
First blossoms of the year in my dad's fruit orchard |
Now nearly three years hence, I enjoy this town and love having my parents just up the road, but I still haven’t set down roots. Friends have always been important to me; yet, I haven’t created much of a community here.
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Downtown Paso Robles |
Although their move doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll move, it’s made me start to evaluate my own life and whether or not my future is here. Since most of my work is mobile, for the first time, my destiny doesn’t depend on anything other than the whisperings of my heart, which is both frightening and exhilarating.
In August I decided to take a break from dating, but I’m feeling the itch to get back out there and find a man to marry and start a family with. But, to grow a beautiful garden or a wonderful life, you can’t throw just any seeds in the ground, walk away, and expect miracles. Just as I spend hours pouring over seed catalogs to choose the right varieties of vegetables and then carefully plant, water, and nurture the seeds into a bountiful harvest, it’s the same with the metaphorical seeds we plant. Unfortunately, we can’t just scatter them willy-nilly and wait for our perfect life to unfurl. We have to make calculated decisions and take action.
My very first egg from my small flock of hens |
As we approach the season of new beginnings, what seeds will you be planting? In what ways will you nurture them?
The harvest of Delicata squash from my garden |
Nurturing Baked Delicata
There’s nothing quite as warm and comforting as winter squash. This recipe for Delicata squash is simple but very satisfying.
Delicata squash (plan 1 to 2 halves per person)
Maple syrup
Saigon cinnamon (also called Vietnamese cinnamon)
Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Wash the squash and then cut in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds. Place the squash, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Judiciously drizzle with maple syrup (they’re already pretty sweet on their own) and sprinkle with Saigon cinnamon. Bake until soft and slightly browned, about 1 hour.
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Delicata squash growing in my garden last summer |
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Baked Delicata |
You're writing is so beautiful and we are so on the same wavelength! I'm floating with the same hopes and dreams and wondering where on Earth I'm meant to be.
ReplyDeleteI do hope this Spring is full of fresh opportunities for us both :)