A Turkish Coffee Ritual
On a visit to Turkey in 2014, I had the pleasure of enjoying the traditional way in which coffee is brewed, even today. No matter the medium of heat, the the process is neither solitary nor hastened, yet is very simplistic with most basic of cooking tools. Coal or heated sand is used to cook the coffee with water and the only tool used is the distinctly shaped vessel with the long handle.
But, beyond the technicalities, it is the ritualization of the process that struck a chord in me. The making of a traditional coffee is a communal process. It is neither an individual brewing experience nor one done in bulk. But, rather it is a many to many process. Coffee is cooked in individual vessels but as many vessels as people gathered are placed on the medium of heat.
Giving Thanks, Little Feet and Time to Breathe...
This cake is the first I have baked in 3 months! So, I felt I really must post it. And, it also helps that it is super easy to make :).
So, that’s it. I don’t have time to write more. But, do make this cake; because it is well worth relishing a slice or two of, in those stolen moments of peace and self-reflection :). This cake actually get better the next day and keep nicely for 3-4 days simply covered on the counter. This is thanks to the amount of butter and using the almond flour that makes for a richer, moister cake.
Berry Picking... Galettes... and 10 Years...
It has been a life changing year! And, really looking back at the the last 10 years when I have been blogging, I am at a loss for words to describe the transformation I have been through. That tonguetied-ness has been a reason for my quiet here. But…. I’ll try…! :)
So, as I was reflecting on 10 years of blogging and trying to figure what that milestone head would read, I realized that it was not about blogging but how one small step into this world, changed my entire life. Not entirely on its own, but like a stone gathering momentum, it set things in motion, it tweaked things in me, opened my eyes to certain qualities in myself and others, met so many interesting people, changed careers….. Starting this blog just created a little path in a new forest and that took to a place that I would never have imagined myself to be in 10 years ago - physically, metaphysically, emotionally, psychologically.
Jerusalem - Powerfully Multipolar
Indeed, isn't a place nothing but its people? If so, I would say, Jerusalem has a multiple personality disorder!
While in Tel Aviv, I perceived a frenzied energy that served as a the steam outlet of all that pent up tension, here life was rather unremarkably normal on the surface. Despite the looming presence of the Western Wall and all its emotions, that even as an utter outsider with no ties, I was overwhelmed by! One of the defining moments of my trip to the country was at the Western Wall.
As I walked to the wall, at one point, I felt overtaken by a dense wave of energy - an incredibly sad one. And, I found myself uncontrollably crying, tears streaming down my cheeks without control, even as my brain was trying to make sense of what was happening.
Garden Update: All Things Wild
One of the true joys of the last couple of months has been walking our every morning onto the garden and finding out what is growing there! So far, I have found blackberry, raspberry bushes that have delighted me with their blooms, fragrant wild rose, lemon balm, lamb’s ear, wild iris and azaleas and lots of boxwood. I also confronted critters - stubborn, cut and with resignation…!
This post talks about living with nature and appreciating its beauty. Plus notes on the wild fruit bushes, and, tips on critter management.