Friday Favourites: Recombobulation

 

The rain last Sunday morning fell in rivulets from the sky, drenching the world in dark wetness. Feeling a bit cabin feverish, Tim suggested going for a drive late morning, and lunch. I suggested taking along our rain gear and hiking shoes, just in case we wanted to get a little exercise despite the torrential downpour. 

We drove to Sooke, a small town less than an hour away, towards the west. Water pooled on the highway and traffic moved slower than normal. At lunch, overlooking the water we each enjoyed a generous bowl of soup, a salad, and a scone. As we ate, the rain slowed and the skies cleared to a beautiful day. 

We hiked to Iron Man Bay and Pike Point along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It was beautiful, with a real warmth to the sun. Sunlight filtering through the cedar trees brightened the dark forest with golden light. Rather than a quick walk in the rain, we enjoyed wide views of ocean, forest, and sky. How glad we were to have brought our gear along!

I have used the word discombobulated on occasion to express feelings of being confused or disoriented about something. This week I ran across the word recombobulated, which is the exact opposite, meaning to "cause to think clearly again." Certainly there is much in the world to perplex us and cause unsettled feelings. But there is much to delight and calm us, as well. I think of the words of St. Paul urging us to think on things that are true and right and lovely. 

So here are a few things that I've found good for recombobulating myself this week.

Hellebores in the garden

Soft moss growing on rocks and trees

Sunsets streaked with gold

Good books to read (currently The Man on the Endless Stair by Chris Barkley)

The bright waning moon

Peony buds emerging from the dark soil (moss here, too)

Pointed blades of crocus, daffodils, and hyacinths jutting up into the light

Friendly chats with cashiers, one of whom was a former student working her way through college, hoping to enter medical school

Dark chocolate (78%) Just a square after dinner is so satisfying

Libraries with a plethora of books

Really, when I notice the little things in life, I am delighted and definitely "recombobulated." As I finish up this post for the week, the house is quiet. Friends visited earlier, and the memories of the laughter and conversation shared linger in the room. A vase of those beautiful hellebores graces the table. A basket of books sits under the table next to my chair. I am content. 

One last thing. For Christmas I received a heavy squarish cube in a box. It was for growing mushrooms. I didn't begin the process until a few weeks after we returned from Mexico. Following the instructions was simple - a spray of water twice a day and some patience required. The first tiny pins showed up after 15 days, and have grown into this wonderfully sculptural clump of Snow Oyster Mushrooms. I'll cut them in a day or two, then begin the process again for hopefully another harvest. It's been fun to watch them grow.

I'm thinking of sauteeing them in butter with garlic and serving them on toast. Doesn't that sound appetizing? 

I'm looking forward to a walk with a friend followed by coffee on Friday, and a family dinner on Sunday. It's birthday time for a 12 year-old-grandson and he's asked for a Black Forest Cake, so I'll make one of those on Saturday. 

Wishing you a weekend of small delights.