yo-yo Energy:
Even though it’s still winter and it snowed pretty much all February, there’s a new energy in the air. It’s a combination of looking forward to spring, the pandemic seemingly to be calming down, and also a heaviness from the war in Ukraine. The weather in Chicago has been going between freezing, heavy snow, and “warm” sunny days. And collectively I think we are also experiencing this yo-yo affect. I know I have. It takes capacity to hold the nuance of things, and giving myself permission to feel all of the feels. It makes sense! There is alot happening and it’s not all one note. And that’s ok.
sourdough journey Continued:
February was month two of making bread! I made two batches of bread. Visually they look very similar to last month, but smell and taste-wise…SO so so much more fragrant and sourdough-y. I wish you can smell it! It has this tang that I was missing last month. Something different I did was use a combo of AP flour and rye flour to feed my sourdough starter. Also, I’ve also noticed that having a slice almost every morning has been so good - my digestion has been great and energy levels have been steady.
Sourdough discard:
My goal is to try different discard recipes every month, and in February I tried making fried bread. It was incredibly delicious! I put green onions in it along with some other savory spices. Next month I might try sourdough discard pancakes!
Last thing about bread
One main factor for my success in making sourdough bread is my fermentation corner. I have a few radiators in my space, and I designated the one in the main room of my studio to be where I proof everything. If it’s a bit chilly, I put the blanket over my bowls/jars to keep them very warm. I think it makes all the difference.
Veggies:
Honestly, I’ve been struggling eating greens this winter. All I want is hot cheesy carbs (which is so great and I don’t feel bad for eating it.) But veggies are delicious and my body loves them! So this month, I made this delicious simple smashed marinated cucumber dish, which helped me ingest more greens. How I made these cucumbers: combine smashed cucumbers, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, green onions, and cilantro. (If I had gochugaru, I would definitely have added it in too.) It’s so good over rice!
Therapy:
Big changes are happening. For a few weeks, my therapist has been subtly nudging me to consider meeting biweekly. I was VERY opposed to it at first. Then eventually, I saw her point. For a while now, I’ve been coping with challenges really well. I’ve been working with my body to regulate and really trusting myself in a gentle way. This past week was a first time seeing her on the new biweekly rhythm, and I was ok! Things came up that were hard and there was activation, but I got through them well and had plenty of support. This is a big deal, because I’ve had weekly therapy for awhile. I’m reminded that therapy is tool to get to a point where I can face challenges together with my community - in a way that’s utilizing my internal wisdom as well as all the resources that I’ve surrounded myself with. I’m so very thankful to be in this place. It might not be forever, but for now I celebrate it.
more liberation etsy shop:
I have new embroidered shirts in the shop! The t-shirts are SO soft. I have the grey/orange one and the pink/yellow one, and I wear them all the time.
Reading:
I usually have a book that I read, and this month I don’t have a book to report about. I felt slightly guilty as I was reflecting on that earlier, but I caught myself. Why would I feel guilty? That’s self inflicted! So as I’m continuing to practice self gentleness and compassion, and I’m also practicing giving myself permission to flow with the seasons. Reading didn’t pique my interest this month, but other things did.
Having fun:
So instead of reading, I’ve been playing this game on the Switch. It is SO FUN! The story is interesting, the visuals are beautiful, and it rides the perfect balance with being peaceful and stimulating. It’s a really nice way to wind down at the end of the day. Or play for a bit on a cozy weekend. I highly recommend this game if you have a Switch!
Also, I’m still playing WORDLE every day, and I love it!
movie:
Licorice Pizza
Aside for the fact that this is a very white movie (boo), I really enjoyed it haha. It’s a coming of age movie that was funny, beautifully shot, and has great acting.
kids bday party:
I facilitated a kids watercolor art station at a birthday party - even though it was chaotic at times, it was so fun watching the creative processes of children around 4 years old. It reminded me to inject more fun into my art process. Those kids didn’t care about timelines and cohesiveness. They popped in and out of creating whenever they wanted, and they created whatever they wanted! Some of them enjoyed the sensation of painting and using glitter glue sticks. Some liked painting things they liked. And not one of them were that concerned about following the prompt. So natural!
Thankful:
Feeling grateful for the abundance I feel in capacity. If you’ve followed along for awhile, you know I (and we) have been through some really intense seasons. When things feel a bit less intense, I like to pause and to soak it in. Sending lots of love to you wherever you are in your season.