a smattering of September things
cooking, writing, and reading, oh my!
Friends.
Hello, there! It is back-to-school time. In this household, it has never felt more like back-to-school time.
Since the pandemic, this is the first year that both my kiddos are in school, in person again. We are definitely on the move, emerging from the extended hibernation of staying-mostly-at-home.
Apocalyptically put, there has been “weeping and gnashing of teeth” amongst the people in the family who are missing languid summer days, easy access to the snack and meal fairy (I’ll let you take one guess as to who that is), and sleeping in as the sun rises high into the sky. Mornings have been particularly difficult. The witching hour. Also not the easiest time of day.
Others of us, well, we are just thrilled to be able to think a thought, or read the thing, uninterrupted.
Dickens comes to mind. It truly is the best and worst of times.
Speaking of reading. I recently read one of Gabrielle Eitienne’s Revival Supper newsletters (she was one of the folks featured on the excellent Netflix series High on the Hog), where she reminded me of what’s possible through the ease and simplicity of a one-pot meal. One pot, one sheet, one bowl, give me all the ones.
So, I wanted to share a quick snapshot of what I’m throwing together this week, in case your household is experiencing all the back-to-school feels too, and you could use a little easy inspiration to help smooth your transition this season.
In this bowl:
Quinoa, cooked in beef broth, yum
Shredded chicken, poached with bay leaves and peppercorns
Handful of mixed greens
Beets, roasted with garlic
Mushrooms, roasted on a sheet pan with salt and pepper, alongside…
Black forest bacon (which made the mushrooms extra tasty)
Olive tapenade
I make the quinoa, chicken, beets, mushrooms, and bacon in big batches so it can last throughout the week. This is also, of course, endlessly adaptable. Swap out whatever protein, grains, or veggies you like.
And that’s it. Add a little balsamic vinaigrette and voila. You’re golden.
Write With Me…
I’m grateful to belong to a couple of groups (yay, community!!) who allow me to try out writing prompts with/on them. I’ve been toying around with creating a workshop, or a series, around the idea of belonging. I think many of us are plagued with a sense of disconnection from ourselves, the ground beneath our feet, and our communities where we live, work, play, and love. I notice that the word belonging comes up a lot in my writing, and it’s a concept I’m finding a lot of pleasure in exploring on my own and with others.
Consider free writing for 5 minutes with the following prompt. Try to use as many sensory details as possible. See where your sense of belonging might lead you.
(Let me know if you do any writing! I would be be over-the-moon if you shared about it.)
Coming Soon…
Bigger Than Bravery: Black Resilience and Bravery in a Time of Pandemic, edited by Valerie Boyd, is coming to a bookstore near you. You can pre-order it now. I remember when Valerie called to ask if I would consider being a contributor to this essay collection, and I literally squealed. Like a small child. I’m sort of embarrassed remembering how high-pitched my “yes” was. Alice Walker. Tayari Jones. Kiese Laymon. I would get to be in a book with them?! Thankfully, Valerie, as gracious as ever (goodness is she missed), was delighted by my response.
May all your “yeses” make you squeal in a likewise manner.
That’s it for now dears. Here’s to meal-time ease and belonging and all the joy your heart can hold.
