Oct 8, 2019
Soup from last night still in our minds and in our text messages, this morning- “Tell me how you made that soup, again! Squash, shallots, bacon...?) It’s always nice to get asked for a recipe- that way it’s written down and remembered. -recipe below-
There’s a lot on my mind this week. I love fall for it’s obvious statement of transition. For me and many of my friends, this season is just that. While I’ve been filling my mind with stillness and learning, I’ve enjoyed the emotional break and use of a wider view. But, like many of us, and as my muscle memory might suggest, I think I’ve been distracted from what’s deep. I want to keep from transitioning to avoidance.
Last night, while we spooned slurps with our friends, G shared points from his day at the office. Before long, we were talking about his colleague and breast pumps in the bathroom, friends and the glorious gift nature.
Nothing really makes me happier than hearing of friends or strangers using their breasts, but I also audibly admitted that it still sucks. My heart holds so much happiness in the same space as grief. It was this reminder that I don’t want to shy away from what’s true. I even want to keep sharing what’s hard.
After returning to work today, Gordon sent me a photo from 2 years ago today. A girl with long dark hair and a different silhouette standing in a field of pumpkins. A smile and eyes looking out of the picture, grief catching my gaze- confronting me.
It’s like a family heirloom shattered and gone. I see what we used to be with fondness and remember, till I simultaneously remember the loss. This is just how it is, and it’s ok.
We are in a season of transition, and every moment is change. Take all that’s ripe, both arms to the full life.
Squash Soup
2-3 delicata squash, roasted tender
1 pint chicken stock
1/2c 🥓 lardon, crisped to top
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 shallot, diced
3 c garlic, crushed or sliced
1 large carrot, chopped
Crisp lardon, remove to side. Cook onion, shallot, garlic, carrot in drippings. Add broth simmer till soft. Scoop out soft squash into pot. Blend till smooth. Add salt to taste. Top with shaved shallot and bacon. Add licorice flowers if you can find them!