blues + bread

11.24.2014


My holiday blues came early again this year.  I started writing this post last week and erased it over and over again.  There's so much I could say, but I want to keep things on a positive note today.  I will say this {it is not always easy, and I fail at it all the time}:  Just one kind word or gesture can do so much.  Show kindness and acceptance to those around you.  Even if they are not of your religious persuasion, sexual orientation, political leanings, or in line with what you think are right life choices.  You might think you know who someone is, but you might know what you have decided about them, either from an on-sight judgment or perhaps just years of superficial interaction.  You have no real idea what's going on with them.  You don't really see them.  So be compassionate.  Look for the good instead of criticizing ~ show them good.  Be love.  Acceptance is a powerful gift.

Nothing beats the blues for me better than time outside.  These pictures are from a week ago.  Multnomah Falls was a frequent "Sabbath afternoon activity" with my parents when I was young.  We always hiked to the top then, something I have not done for many years, something I would like to do again.  This day was so windy, so cold, but so worth the icy fingers and toes.  I feel so lucky to live where we do in this Pacific Wonderland.

Inside, we have been spending evenings around the woodstove to stay warm.  The heat and the smell of a wood-burning fire is one of my absolute favorite things.  I have been on a bit of a bread-making kick, keeping the dough warm overnight by the woodstove as the fire dies down and using my trusty thrifted dutch oven for baking the next day.  I've yet to try baking it on top of the woodstove, but I'd really like to do that sometime soon.  I've been using this recipe with pretty good success so far.  I don't use cornmeal or wheat bran before the second rise, just flour, and always substitute some whole wheat flour, and occasionally some dark rye or soy flour, for some of the white in the recipe.  It's so easy and makes a delicious toothsome loaf.   

What are you baking for the holidays?  And how do you banish the holiday blues if you get them?  

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving ~
by mlekoshi