"Peace goes into the making of a poem as flour goes into the making of bread." -Pablo Neruda

Musical suggestion for this post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZEXbSdiar0


For fun, some people like to ski down a mountain.
I like to cook a meal.
For relaxation, some people get a massage/manicure/pedicure.
I bake bread.

When one thinks about the word 'relaxing' baking isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind. Most think, 'Baking bread? No way. Too much work...the mixing, the kneading, the waiting...it takes hours!' That is precisely why I love it. I love doing projects that take long periods of time, whether it be sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, painting, gardening...I myself am not exactly a fast-paced person. I walk quite briskly but that is probably the only thing in my life that is brisk. In the years previous to my 22nd one, I used to admire haste. Haste to go to University, haste to find The One and get married, haste to have babies, haste to buy a house and establish one's self, haste to get rich, and haste to retire. I was so focused on getting somewhere, ANYWHERE fast that I completely forgot the reason for which I was going. I was overlooking things/ places/people that truly mattered because I was in such a hurry to GET THERE.
Well my dear readers, when I woke up at the age of 21 and observed my surroundings for the first time in a long time, I realized that I had missed out on some vital years of my life. I made myself a promise then and there that I would slow down and do things properly...that I would take time to appreciate, take time to make some memories. Take time to be my authentic self.
There are so many beautiful, simple things in this life and thanks be to God for reminding me of them every single day. Like baking bread. It is so relaxing to me to watch the ingredients combine into dough, then use my sense of touch to knead the dough...while the dough is rising I can catch up on my reading or listen to some thrilling music. I finally shape the dough into loaves and into the oven they go! The smell alone of the baking bread is worth all the time it takes to create, I promise you. And few things in this world are as delicious as a freshly buttered, warm slice of homemade goodness.
In this day and age it may seem impossible to take anything slow...but I encourage everyone to just try it. Shut off the iPhones, Blackberries and Facebook and turn on your imagination and creativity. My personal suggestions for a few slow, rewarding activities?

-Start a garden indoors. Buy some pretty, deep pots, potting soil and seeds of your choice. Beans are a no-brainer to grow!
-Find a nice cozy spot, brew some tea, grab a bowl of apples and just read a book. Read for at least an hour.
-Go through your closet thoroughly and remove everything you haven't worn in six months. Bag it up and donate it to local thrift stores, Sally Anne's, Good Will etc. You will feel so much better afterwards.
-Bake cookies of any kind. My specialties are ginger softs (opposite of ginger snaps) and chocolate kiss cookies. Make sure your butter and eggs are room temperature before you start though! PS. Don't forget to eat at least 2 cookies!
-Watch an old movie. Now I know some people might think watching TV is lazy but that doesn't count when it's a classic. I suggest Philadelphia Story, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Singing in The Rain, and Sabrina.

And don't feel guilty! I'd like to have a word with the person who said that taking things slow was the same thing as being lazy. Actually, I wouldn't have a word with that person...I'd probably just give them a slice of freshly baked bread, smothered in marmalade and butter. That will shut them up.


Be well.