* Full post title: And so, for reasons completely and entirely related to the hockey game just played at a certain Italian ice rink, Mr Man and I are heading out into the woods in order to embrace the beauty that is inherent in Nature, and immerse ourselves in the glory and joy that is to be found in this great nation. Because we could use some calm right about now. (And could I have titled this post “Oh, Canada”? Yes, but I very much did not because this country punches way above its weight through sheer heart and vision and commitment (and insanely early hockey practice, let it be said!), and there is no way I’m trash-talking that.) So we didn’t get gold this year, and yeah, that stings. But we are winning where it counts. Go Canada!
“We have nothing to fear and a great deal to learn from trees, that vigorous and pacific tribe which without stint produces strengthening essences for us, soothing balms, and in whose gracious company we spend so many cool, silent, and intimate hours.” ― Marcel Proust
“Hey, Self, we haven’t made bread in a while. Maybe it’s time.”
“Sure, sounds good. And while we’re at it, let’s play around with the rise. This sourdough levain looks great, let’s try using just that and a pinch of yeast and see where that takes us.”
“Terrific idea, Self!”
/hours pass
“So, this second rise is taking forever, right?”
“Indeed it is. Perhaps our fun and innovative exploration into alternative rise methodologies wasn’t a wise move after all.”
“True, true, but the fireplace is on, let’s see if raising the heat will help.”
/another hour passes with encouraging results
“This is working, we just need more heat. Let’s move the dough off the coffee table and snug it right up against the fireplace.”
“Excellent idea, Self. The cat’s super sacked out, what’s the worst that could happen?”
No, he’s not sorry.
/sigh, although in my defense, the dough was covered with several layers of tea towel plus plastic.
“Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction…” ― John Adams
If there’s one thing I frequently excel at, it’s doing things badly. And I don’t mean this in a negative way.
I find something really enjoyable about just muddling through low-stakes activities, because for me at least, it’s clear that it’s all about fun. If it’s something I’ve never tried before, I’m not going to be great right off the bat. And I’m not there to win prizes, head off to the Olympics, or generally ratchet up expectations to the point of stress. It’s a temporary retreat to childhood with many of the perks and few of the perils.
For example, we’re going snowshoeing today and I fully expect to be terrible at it. And that’s okay!
With any luck, a good time will be had even as I fall, get snow in my mittens, and laugh hysterically while generally have a blast.
Black history is American history. It’s a story of promise, setback, and redemption—all things at the heart of the American experience. We shouldn’t be afraid of this story. We should learn from it, be inspired by it, and celebrate it every single day… — Colin Allred
“There is a time for any fledgling artist where one’s taste exceeds one’s abilities. The only way to get through this period is to make things anyway.” ― Gabrielle Zevin
J.R. Johnson 
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