February 08, 2014

On this Saturday Afternoon

This winter, I find the days almost indistinguishable from one another. There are frigid temperatures, snowflakes flying, the sound of dripping faucets to ward off frozen pipes, cozy blankets, warm nourishing meals, movies, books and naps. And even as I know these days feel like they will go on forever, they will in fact be nothing but a memory before we know it. I want to remember what this slowness feels like when the days become warmer, lighter and busier. I want to remember the special ordinariness of them.

On this Saturday afternoon:

The house is filled with the sound of Emma humming upstairs and  the smell of beef stew cooking while we wait for the bread to rise for an early dinner.


There is menu planning for the upcoming week, plan making, to do lists and schedules being thought out.


There is research being done for Sunday night dessert, probably Profiteroles since I declared to my family that this would be the year of french cooking which I apparently declared last year too, but which in fact, became the year of bread baking instead. Poor, poor family.


There are original episodes of Sherlock Holmes being watched, flannel pj's making an early appearance and snoring cats curled up in various spots around the family room creating a chorus that leads me to believe that maybe three cats really is too many. But not really.


There is also a napping husband who apparently was dreaming of stew and thick chunks of homemade bread, smeared with butter because when he woke up feeling so cozy, he looked at me with love and thanked me for being a wonderful provider to my family which in turn made me feel cozy and full of love, and also like the work in the kitchen, which I really didn't feel like doing, was actually worth it. I love when my people can feel my love shining through a meal.


I think there is something to enjoy about every season and on this Saturday afternoon, there are no shortage of things to love.

21 comments:

  1. Sounds like a cozy afternoon. We've been so snowbound lately that we made a little trip antiquing. We found a few treasures, we out for a late lunch, came home and now my husband is napping on the couch. Seems to be that sort of day! Perfect!

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  2. YES!! Love shining through a meal! That is my heart!

    What a wonderful cozy Saturday! Mine is looking the same, except for the yummy smell of stew . . . wish I had thought of that!

    Glad you are having a relaxing weekend!

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  3. Yeah for "the cozy blanket." I want a nap but it's too close to bedtime. I enjoy winter......not the ice or power outages.

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  4. Sounds like you are loving your family well!

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  5. You are so right ~ as much as we groan over the winter months, it is a time to relax, get caught up on sleep and just rest. Spring will be here soon with all of the activity and work ;-)

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  6. Your perspective on this INSANO winter is so much dreamier than mine!
    I'm coming to YOUR place.

    :)

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  7. If they got bread, they are lucky folks! I've got to start making bread again. Where on earth does the time go?
    Brenda

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  8. It sounds like the perfect winter day to me! I made a pot of our favorite tortellini soup today, but I cheated and bought a loaf of bread to go with. I feel the same way about winter days. It's the time to relax in front of the fireplace (and/or tv) and work on knitting or sewing projects. Have a great weekend and I hope you make that French dessert!

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  9. Awwww, Jen. This post warmed me right up. Thanks. I needed that! ~Sally @DrinkingFromMySaucer

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  10. I envy you because it's already hot in Arizona and the cold is long gone. Your lovely descriptions have all the ingredients for a happy life! Well done.

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  11. It sounds like you are having a perfectly cozy winter and I think fresh baked bread is probably one of the best gifts you can give your family :)

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  12. I love this post Jen. It could be true in one variation or other in home if we would only slow down, breathe and enjoy the life we have. Glad to stop by and find you in such a sweet spot.

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  13. Sounds like a perfect Saturday to me Jen. It's what all weekends should be like. Cozy and love filled. :)

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  14. You made winter sound perfect in this post! What a lovely way to look at it.

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  15. It is nice that you are savoring your winter days because too soon they will be gone and life will be hectic again.

    beef stew sending its aroma through the cottage . . . a nap on the couch beneath a beautiful quilt . . . bread rising on a shelf . . . it all sounds and looks pretty inviting . . . I hope your Sunday is as lovely.

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  16. Such a cozy happy post my friend! Can't wait to see you WEDNESDAY!!!

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  17. Amen - That is the very best kind of compliment you can get. xo Diana

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  18. everything about your home says cozy and inviting! i think i'd like some of your homemade bread, please : )

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  19. You have such a cozy and inviting home. I too cherish the slowness that winter brings.

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  20. lovely post! i so needed to hear this as this never ending winter has me on the verge of turning into jack nicholson from the shining :). you have me determined just to enjoy this season. thank you!

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  21. I love this post, and I wish time would stand still sometimes. This life I love so much is going by too fast! :)
    Kristi

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