It has been a relatively quiet week here… Steve was back to “regular” work hours (whew!) and I found the time to knit myself to “fresh” yarn (as Carole so brilliantly put it!) on the Great Cabled Cardigan!
And I have been having great fun “unpacking” my word for the year… with some surprises that have been so delightful!
Reveling (in poetry) —
Most timely was the return of Poetry Unbound this month. Pádraig opened perfectly on the 1st with Eugenia Leigh’s poem about a Dung Beetle. Dung Beetle wisdom? Yes, please! Coupled with Pádraig’s thoughts it was the perfect way to start the month! As you all know, last year I read through 50 Poems to Open Your World… it was a great way to “meditate” through the year! I am continuing the practice this year with Poetry of Presence II and I am reveling in the fact that I am not limited to one poem a week, but rather I can read one daily if I’d like! I am enjoying the “little conversation” these poems inspire with myself in my journal.
Inspired (by) —
Emergence Magazine. I discovered some incredibly timely surprises! First, I listened to some poems from the Song Dynasty that have been newly translated. (you can listen here) But these words struck me: “The world is but a passing guest of my mind. Alone I strum my zither and sing, forgetting what year it is, while time keeps passing through my body, so time lives.”
And then I listened to the conversation with slow journalist, Paul Salopek. (you can listen to the conversation here) Time just nudging me along this month in the most delightful of ways!
Fiddling (with) —
Sourdough Hydration. I mean, this is A. Thing. and I am here for it! Why? Well, higher hydration dough is airier, it leavens more, thus creating a more tender crumb (and a thinner crust.) Steve does not like dense, chewy bread with a chewier crust. So I am experimenting to see if I can find his Perfect Loaf. This weekend, I am going to give 85% hydration a go… wish me luck!
Finding (even more delight) —
In my backyard. I am loving how Margaret is leading me through these winter days. I am noticing more, perhaps with her guidance, or maybe just because I am spending more time outside! It has not been bitterly cold here (yet) and it has been so easy to spend time outside in the fresh air. I note how much the Mockingbird loves the spicy nut butter I put on the tree. He is a sassy little friend and I love his visits. I was even luck to have snapped a candid photo of him! (This weekend I am going to try my hand at “backyard drawing” inspired by Amy Tan!) This morning brilliant red skies greeted Sherman and I as we headed out for our morning walk. A walk that last month was in darkness… and I delighted in the returning light!
My fine and sassy friend!
And with that, I am off to finish my stitching! Have a great weekend everyone! See you all back here on Monday!
What a great photo, Kat!! Happy Weekend!
Ooooooooooo….that mockingbird IS giving you the sassy-face! LOL
LOVE your mockingbird photo – it’s great! Good luck with your bread making this weekend…hope you can find the magic “spot.”
Another fan of your mockingbird photo here! I’m with Steve on bread density and crust but at 85% hydration I’m imagining a sticky dough that is hard to handle. Good luck and happy bread making!
I love those Mockingbirds! We see tons of them in Florida, so I’ve been so delighted to see a few of them up north. They are definitely very sassy and have a lovely song.
It looks like the frigid temperatures are coming for us next week, so enjoy your outdoor time now!
That photo, what a treat!!! With your phone? Or serious camera? What a shot. And you can’t beat the expression! ♥
Our temp isn’t that cold, low 40s, but the moisture in the air is making it bitter. (And no sunshine, so there’s that.) I’m truly missing the snow this year and would welcome a safe snowfall.
Happy weekend, and here’s to the hydration!
P.S. Love how Time is showing up for you, right out of the gates! Have to wonder….did you find Time or did Time find you?!
I adore the look that mockingbird is giving you! Good luck with the bread, the higher the hydration the stickier the dough will be, right?
I have never heard of bread hydration so I look forward to the results of your trials and experiments. Warm bread is always a good thing. What a great photo of that bird. He looks like he’d like to tell you and a thing or two. I hope the great cabled sweater is coming along.