My New Old Life

[thisnewday]

Many years ago, after my ex- and I had left the commune and settled back into life in the city, I started a weekend routine that brought into our "new life" some of the smells and flavors and lifestyle choices of the one we'd left behind.

For instance, in order to bring a healthy midday meal to our respective jobs--we'd both returned to work full-time--I'd bake two or three loaves of a whole-grain bread we liked and also simmered a big pot of homemade soup or stew which would last us for the week.

Now that I'm on my own again, and have been apprised of some health issues that have come with age, I find myself doing a similar thing. And in that way my new life is beginning to pattern itself after the one I was living almost a half-century ago.

Besides growing out my hair and beard--and, lol, wearing the Mossy Oak--I've become more careful about my diet, have started making healthy meals for the week ahead, and have started to once more make my own bread--albeit with a modern appliance which, though labor-saving, still fills my house with that wonderful aroma that Bob of the Red Mill flour company talks about in his ads.

Also, tonight, I made my first batch of the spreadable butter that we used on the breads which, back then, came out of our oven.

The intent, back then, was to reduce the cholesterol which was thought to be a dietary factor in heart problems. And that was accomplished in just the way that I did it tonight, by mixing two sticks of salt-free, organic butter with 1/2 cup of organic safflower oil.

The main difference, I suppose, will be the taste of it--which I've complained about and agonized over since the start of this iteration of my "new life." Because tomorrow I'll be enjoying my salt-free butter on a salt-free white bread which I've finally gotten worked out for my new bread machine. (I'm still working on a satisfactory whole-grain one.)

Anyway, next week, and in the weeks after, I'll have things synched so that when the next loaf comes out of the machine my healthier, easy-spread butter will be ready and waiting.

After that, I guess we'll just see what comes of it--which is how, no matter where we're living it, this life has always been...

LPK
Dreamwidth
11.24.2018 

Comments

[rosegardenfae]

Hooray for the old ways, old days, old folks~~~ fresh bread, tasty butter.

OMG longer hair and a beard, I'm ove here swooning ya know ;)

[thisnewday]

Hahaha, thanks E. But, in my case, I'm afraid you'd have to add "old wreck," lol...

[rosegardenfae]

I refuse to give up my fantasies. ;-p

[thisnewday]

LOL, I'm beginning to think that's how we survive. On one plane of existence or another. But I've resolved to do more and better, for my physical self, on this one. Wishing us both luck with that...

[rosegardenfae]

Don't forget your mind and spirit, it's a triad. "Feed your head"- open your heart.

My mind is gonna go before my body, I think lol

[thisnewday]

LOL, it appears that mine are having a contest...

[thisnewday]

Many years ago, the Jefferson Airplane performed in Syracuse and Gracie Slick, of course, sang the lead to Paul Kantner's "White Rabbit."

Afterward, there was some discussion as to whether Ms. Slick had sung the final chorus, "Feed your head," as written or had, on that occasion, changed it to "speed ahead."

These days, it couldn't possibly matter to me because I'd be totally unable to "speed ahead." Or behind or anywhere else, for that matter.

It also remains to be seen whether I have the requisite faculties, intact, to "feed" my head...

[rosegardenfae]

Interesting, the Grace Slick bit.

And after all you still read, that feeds your head.

I'm currently exchanging daily lists with a friend of things for which I am grateful. Yesterday we added a category for aging. I am seriously struggling with this, so if you have any ideas please share. She is only 50 and, I think, has no idea.

I'm pretty sure I might be able to speed ahead if I went out and slid down the icy hill in the front of the house hah.

[thisnewday]

Interesting question. The first thing I thought of was "perspective." I think I appreciate the perspective that comes with age. I say I THINK I appreciate it because it's the proverbial two-edged sword.

On one hand, it enhances our understanding and appreciation of life but, on the other, that enhanced understanding may bring with it the pain of all the "what ifs" and "if onlys" that some of us tend to invoke concerning past decisions and behaviors. Which, of course, is not always helpful in maintaining a healthy self in our present lives.

Interestingly, I had that conversation with my 15-year-old grandson while driving him home from his tutoring session the other night. I told him, essentially, that if we don't occasionally look back we risk not learning from our experiences. And if we don't have an occasional regret, we're maybe not being honest with ourselves.

I did temper that by assuring him that, being human, mistakes in judgement--and in our resulting behavior, are quite normal and are often the path we follow and the price we pay for whatever we might learn.

(I should've also mentioned to him that we do need to be careful that we don't compel others to pay the price for whatever we might learn. Having done that myself, I can truthfully say that this is the one mistake for which forgiveness of self is the hardest to come by--if it's to be had at all.)

Anyway, that's my perspective on your question, lol. Thank you for asking, hope this is helpful, and that you have a good rest of your day...

[rosegardenfae]

I agree that the scope of perspective gained by having lived and having experienced much can be a plus. We are more likely to be compassionate and less angry than in our youth, more likely to be cautious too.

Most certainly our biggest lessons are learned in the most difficult of circumstances. Some lessons in my life I've had to repeat too many times. Without mistakes to correct us, we would be in a worse muddle than we are, though that is hard to imagine.

Great conversation with the grandson, good solid advice. Glad you got to share that with him.

I do have to question, though, can we compel others to pay the cost of our lessons? Are we that powerful? Don't they have free will and the opportunity to make their own choices?

Very much appreciate your ideas; gives me lots of food for thought and tomorrow I won't have to sit in front of the screen searching for an idea.

And, I had the best afternoon in a long time. Wishing you a pleasant easy evening.

[thisnewday]

"...can we compel others to pay the cost of our lessons?"

I suppose there are circumstances where "compel" might not be the right word but, reflecting on my own life, I do think it's possible for others to become the victims of our poor choices.

That's if we leave out the element of intent. Once that becomes part of the picture, the consequences for others can readily devolve into something much worse, life-changing even.

To the point where, depending on circumstances, compulsion may well become an operative word.

[rosegardenfae]

First, this discussion could be the results of semantics and maybe replacing compel with influence would enhance my understanding. Compel implies force and imho it is nigh on to impossible to force anyone, even children to be or think in a certain fashion. Excluding physical force such as torture.

I can see in my own life experience instances where my poor choices have affected my family adversely,yet I don't consider them victims, nor do they.

And, then you lose me. Intent is not necessarily negative, therefore not a factor in devolution if the intent is positive?

But then, sure, if one's actions somehow causes a drastic change for another, a feeling of compulsion enters the situation.

I think my point is that beating ourselves up for things we have said or done to someone that later appears to be a factor in the decline of that person is unnecessary. What if it was just meant to be?

*note
I am totally enjoyed our discussion.