Something New
It’s been a busy two weeks. I moved! Not far–right across the bridge into a sweet little 1920’s building in Oakland that’s close to bookstores, coffee shops, cafes, and running trails. I’m vowing not to move ever again for a very long time (please, please hold me accountable for this if you start to hear any restless musings in the coming months). So far, I’m settling in just fine. I’m happy to be close to friends who are doing amazing things. Like opening a restaurant.
And I’m happy to be around my own things again. While living at my moms, her garage was filled with my boxes and what was supposed to be a brief reprieve while I got my feet back on the ground somehow turned into a year. A really wonderful year. How many people in their 30’s get the chance to spend a year getting to know your mom as an adult, a friend, a confidante and a mentor? Already I miss the way she has actual conversations with the dogs, loves odd British mysteries, has an affinity for boxed brownies, and always kept the house stocked with M & M’s. And People magazine. At the same time, I’m happy to be eating off of my own dishes, putting flowers in my own vases, and sitting in my living room surrounded by my own books. All good things.
So instead of a recipe today, I’m going to share a poem with you. Truthfully, I’m having a little bit of a tough time getting into the whole ‘cooking for one’ groove again, but I have some recipes I’ve been wanting to try, so let’s make that happen around here soon, shall we? If you’ve been around the blog for any amount of time, you know I love Mary Oliver. While I’m not much of a cat person, this poem reminds me of the head space I’ve been in of late: contemplative, just looking around and feeling happy in my own space. A lot of noticing and appreciating little things. Nothing dramatic or all that exciting. Well, that and wishing this rain would giddy’up on out of here.
Morning
by: Mary Oliver
Salt shining behind its glass cylinder.
Milk in a blue bowl. The yellow linoleum.
The cat stretching her black body from the pillow.
The way she makes her curvaceous response to the small, kind gesture.
Then laps the bowl clean.
Then wants to go out into the world
where she leaps lightly and for no apparent reason across the lawn,
then sits, perfectly still, in the grass.
I watch her a little while, thinking:
what more could I do with wild words?
I stand in the cold kitchen, bowing to her.
I stand in the cold kitchen, everything wonderful around me.
Welcome to A Sweet Spoonful, my blog devoted to seasonal cooking, whole grain baking, and casual gatherings in our Pacific Northwest home. My name is Megan Gordon and I'm so glad you're here.
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tracy
ooooh! i see some sabrina ward harrison work! I love all of your little snippets. It must feel good to be reunited with your stuff. I can't imagine!
megang
Tracy! I love that you know Sabrina Ward Harrison! I went through a major obsession a few years back, and splurged on these little paintings...miss you!
Rachael
New recipes?! Do any of them include chicken taco meat?! I hope so :)
I love the photos, and can't wait for some couch sleeping in your apartment in May!!
Rachael
New recipes?! YAY! Does one include some chicken taco meat? :)
Love the photos, can't wait to see you in May and get in on some couch sleeping!
megang
Hi Sara! Echoing that biggest pain part. Oy! Not doing that again for a long, long time. Chair are from the Sundance store actually, although they have very similar ones at Crate. Thanks so much for stopping in and saying hi. Hope you're well!
sara
oh good heavens, moving is the BIGGEST pain in the world. I hope that you nestle in well and love where you are. Thanks for sharing the pics, I adore those chairs, crate and barrel? Good luck and cheers to new beginnings, my friend.
Nicole
I am currently living with my parents (mom and her long time boyfriend) and I just love it! Not something I want to be in long term, but at this particular time in my life, I couldn't ask for anything better.
Friends opening a restaurant... do I see a possibly pastry/baking position in your career?
Your apartment is so pretty :) and has such good lighting.
momgordon
The pictures of your new apt. are lovely! I am mentally preparing for my drive to the east bay to see it all in person (be patient, could take me awhile!) Miss the footsteps upstairs and the odd bags waiting to go somewhere in the foyer!
Mary
Congrats on the new digs, Megan! You could plop it right into Anthology mag. Mary Oliver is marvelous - it's like she wrote this one for you. Happy SUN-day - whew!
A Canadian Foodie
Congratulations on your move! Beautiful area. There is nothing like a move to rejuvenate the soul!
I was beginning to wonder why I haven't seen you by for so long!
Lovely poem.
:)
Valerie
Angharad
Loved your little tid bit about living with your mum - I hope to get the chance to get to know my mum again, as an adult someday.
You must be so happy to have your own space though - and it looks gorgeous!
Anne Zimmerman
I love all the details I see! You need to get the book: Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant. You'll LOVE it. I'll loan it to you {but you gotta give it back!}
Jess
Congratulations on the move, Megan! New beginnings about for you, eh?
eM
the days of my tiny single girl apartment in the East Bay were awesome! I'm in Seattle now, and I am dreaming of buying a vintage Wedgewood stove in this land of the electric range
kickpleat
I love it! Thank you for the poem (as I'm such a poem luddite). The photos and the light are beautiful and take as long as you want to settle in. Moving is a huge stress but it seems like your space will be a good one. Enjoy!
Denise | Chez Danisse
"A lot of noticing and appreciating little things. Nothing dramatic or all that exciting." - absolutely my type of head space. Welcome home.
Sanura @ MyLifeRunsOnFood.com
Congrats on your new apartment and cheers to new beginnings. Anxiously awaiting what your new kitchen produces.
Lori
Congratulations on your move--and the move out of your mother's. I moved to Napa for what was supposed to be a few months and then my brother died and everything changed. By the time I was back on my feet I was married and had a family...and still in Napa! Yikes!
megang
Thanks, Lori! Funny how you just can't seem to plan those things, huh? Napa's not such a bad place to end up though, eh?
Chez Us
Congrats on the next chapter of your life; I have to say I am excited to be a little piece of it, too! Can't wait to see your new place. I am jealous; you have a wedgewood?