My son, an only child, is a rabid traditionalist. And should I complain? I hear my mother’s voice reminding me that ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ I love family traditions, be they large or small, and in truth, really look forward to them as much as my child always has.“Mom, is it ready yet?” comes the cry from the den. “Not yet,” I yell back across the rooms as I continue to type. For this moment… this very moment, seems somehow important to capture. You know, it’s hard to multi-task when you’re mixing up a cake – well, it is for me, anyway. If you don’t pay attention, you could well use powdered sugar for granulated, or oops, add a tablespoon of soda when only a teaspoon was needed. Disaster lurks at every step when trying to do too many things at once.
I have to stop and think while I bake. Hmmm. There’s a concept. I don’t know about you, but multi-tasking is my life most of the time - the majority of it, in fact. But the true wisdom is that it’s every bit as important – in fact, I can argue it’s even more crucial - that we intentionally make times to stop. Breathe. And concentrate all our heart, mind, soul and action on just one thing. To single task. With single focus. In the moment.
Well, the timer’s just beeped and the much-anticipated cutting of the first piece is at hand. It’s not a particularly lovely cake to look at, I must admit. Not exactly up to Martha’s standards for aesthetic appeal, but it was made with love. Baked with intention. And it will be eaten with enthusiasm and many thanks - a rare moment of appreciation from my almost teenage boy. And for me? A few precious moments to truly savor being just where I am this minute.
Bon appetit!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment