Monday, February 18, 2013

Cooks And Poets


There are still moments of quiet happiness in my life.

I just had lunch with an old friend who lives another lifestyle away.

Though only 20 minutes away, our busy lives keep us apart.

But today she bridged the gap and came for lunch.

We talked and talked and slurped our Pho Nams. Occasionally tears welled up in my eyes but mostly we laughed.

I was pronounced mentally healthy.

No small thanks to all of you.

After she left I let the animals out to roam about the yard. Gus found much to be of interest under the window of the new neighbors' indoor cats.




I don't think he'll be invited in for lunch.



Now I'm in the kitchen attempting a simple tagine a la Jamie Oliver.

I'm listening to an interview on NPR with Richard Blanco, the gay, Cuban American poet laureate.

He is reading aloud and the clarity and seeming simplicity of his thoughts gladden my heart and I feel a rush of gratitude.

Unexpected but very welcome.

xo jane

23 comments:

  1. I'm listening doowop oldies on public radio, there's potatoes roasting in the oven and I'm dancing like nobody's watching ... actually nobody's watching.

    I'm so glad your heart is light today.

    Thinking of you,

    Sue
    xo

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  2. If I start drinking iced lattés will I be as complete as you are?

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    1. I can guarantee you'll talk as fast/much as I do! xo

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  3. 'Complete' is very apt.... I am in awe of your resilience and strength of spirit.

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  4. janie i am telling you that i'd be nothing without my friends.
    sounds like you have a good one. xoxo

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  5. Wasn't that an interesting interview? I loved the poem about his father (well, his grave). Sounds like you are getting your feet back under you, but the guest bed is still ready for you. I have both painting and yard projects to keep you busy, if you dont like botanical gardens or museums. I'm totally serious. Xoxoxo

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    1. I love botanical gardens and museums. When it gets warmer, but befor it gets warm if you know what I mean:-)

      xo












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    2. Exactly. We don't allow guests after June 15. I'll keep after you.

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  6. Pho and tagine on the same day. Most impressive. The tagine recipe sounds really good. I've wanted to make a potato and chick pea version with olives and raisins but just haven't felt like I have the stomach for it after being sick.

    Sometimes pulling an old friend off the back shelf and wiping off the tarnish can lead to something shiny and new.

    Neighbor kitty looks surly.

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  7. Whoa where did my comment go? We went out for pho, catholic upbringing makes me tell you this:-)

    Delicious tagine. You'll like it and it's simple. I didn't use pumpkin tho' I used carrots and hunks of celery and zucchini. Yum

    Yeah that cat is surly, he's one of 2 rescues who were declawed and he has to sit in the window and watch the Katzenjammer twins cavort under his very nose.

    Wheeeee, says Gus.











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  8. the space you are in today brings a new lightness, clarity, softness . . . quiet . . . be tender to yourself . . .
    even still . . .

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  9. Sweet small moments, lovely. I heard the teaser for that interview, but missed. I'll find it online.
    Gus is king.

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  10. It's odd really - insofar as I don't know you at all - but I have been thinking about you at times in the past few days.....about your heartache.....and I'm so glad to read this post. Jamie Oliver - he's the man - good recipes, although I'm vegetarian and he does like his meats! Hope the moments of quiet happiness keep coming. Look after yourself. X

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  11. In this catty household that look from the grey cat in the window is known as the Death Stare. Works a treat every time.

    Glad you're holding up. We're with you!

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  12. Goodonya that you are having moments of glad and happy in between the tears. Embrace them all as they present themselves, and, as the Aussies say, she'll be right.

    I had a cat once that ruled the roost-Anastasia-and your neighbor's grey kitty SO reminds me of her.
    That "Really? Really. REA-LLY" look :)Love it!




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  13. Glad to see that the healing has begun.

    In our house, it's my cat that glowers out the window at the neighbor cat, Kitty, cavorting where she pleases. And I do think she sits within view just to taunt my cat. They're so catty that way!

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  14. Sounds like you had a perfectly lovely day. Good. I'm glad to hear the laughter in your words. Gus should be happy that nasty looking cat doesn't invite him for lunch, it would probably be quite unpleasant.

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  15. I was listening to Richard Blanco with you, Jane.

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  16. This makes me happy! Congrats on being mentally healthy ;) xo

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