Hello Hatters,
I was prepping some celery and onions for a soup this morning. Soup seems like a good choice since the weather has been extra cold and now, extra wet. My location got almost 4 inches of rain overnight. Rain, a bonus since we’re still in extreme drought conditions.
I’ve been doing more meal prep in the morning when my energy is higher. Typically, I’m not a recipe follower, but more of an ad-lib kind of a cook. I depend on the ingredients in my refrigerator, pantry, and freezer for my ‘Grammations’. That’s short for Grammy Creations. Sometimes that method works well and sometimes it’s a flop. I suppose I know enough cooking hacks to straighten out mishaps, and I know when to throw in the towel and go to Schlotskys! Yum! That bread!
Anyway, today’s soup goal is to have a southwest kind of flavor with black beans and corn. Adding tortilla chips and grated cheese will be tasty.
I got to thinking… My days are sometimes soupy. Strange, right?
Some days, I’m having an emotionally strong day, so it feels like a good hearty beef stew day. Just thinking about my Country Hubby’s beef stew with home grown vegetables gives me strength. I go on about those hearty stew days with purpose and the ability to check off tasks from my to do list. Decisions are easier to make on a beef stew day.
Sometimes, it’s a chili kind of day. Excitement fills the air like the spices in my chili. Maybe I have plans for a movie or a dinner. No plans? No problem! Make some; be spontaneous. Call or text a friend for lunch! We all need chili days full of fun and adventure.
So, let me be honest. A few days ago, I would have labeled that day a ‘chicken soup for the soul’ day. I was gut punched while walking through Walmart. I searched for Valentine’s Day goodies for my family. I was doing just fine until I saw the section for Valentine’s Day cards for ‘husbands’. I grabbed my chest with instant angst. While I think of Country Hubby a lot, I never know when it’s gonna hit me hard that he’s not here. Yes, I needed warm chicken soup for my heart in that instant. I walked away quickly to gather myself.
Even the Food Network states that “a bowl of warm chicken soup boost levels of serotonin, which is a brain chemical that produces a calming effect.” I needed a blanket, soft socks, and a cup of comfort.
Yet, my best helps are prayer and scripture. My heart takes courage with this remedy:
”Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage…” Psalms 27:14 AMP
Then, there’s alphabet soup day when anything from A to Z can and does happen. How far is it to Schlotskys? (That’s 8 consonants. May I buy a vowel?)
No, wait! They have soup!
MT Penny