To Go Easy
Ahhhh, Sunday morning. And it finally feels like summer here in the North East. Although more rain is due to arrive, I’ll take this morning’s sunshine and the inspiration that arrived with it.
I’m reading Yes, Chef, the memoir of Ethiopian born, Swedish adopted, Marcus Samuelsson, which has me inspired in the kitchen. This morning I’m baking these Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins and finally trying the Ginger Syrup recipe a friend gave to me. She’d brought me a mason jar full of the syrup last summer and ever since I poured out the last drop, I’ve been intent on making a batch of my own. I used the syrup to make homemade ginger ale, pouring club soda over an ounce or so of the syrup, and I loved a bit of the syrup poured over my morning steel cut oats. Here is the recipe my friend sent if you want to give it a try.
Ginger Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 c. sugar, 2 c. water, and 2 c. peeled fresh ginger, cut into coin-sized pieces.
Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar.
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until mixture is a thin syrup consistency.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, 2-3 hours.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve; discard ginger.
Refrigerate syrup in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
After my time spent in the kitchen this morning, I poured myself another cream-laden cup of coffee and climbed back in bed with a book of Mary Oliver’s poetry. From her book, Thirst, I’ve read this one poem over and over again and just had to share it with you. Each time I read it, my eyes widen and my skin tingles, pondering the possibility that life could be so profound in its simplicity. I’m going to print it out and hang it on the wall next to my bed.
When I Am Among the Trees
by Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
May we all go easy and be filled with light.
And what are you up to on this Sunday morning? Do you have cherished Sunday morning rituals? Does that poem resonate with you? Are there particular poems you love?
Wishing you a Happy Day!
Kasey
