Focus on Simple Pleasures
Going to the supermarket without a specific plan is a dangerous game.
Things like this happen…
“First of the Season!” That’s what the sign said. Who could resist? It was impossible. Reading parts of Thoreau’s Walden today (a longtime favorite), I got to thinking that he really got it right – simplicity is the way to go. I decided I would spend some time this week paying particular attention to the simple things in my life that bring me joy.
I was not looking forward to drawing market run duty this afternoon, but made up my mind that I would make the best of it. For me, poking around in the produce section of any market is a simple joy. Poking around in the produce section without Fab Hub kvetching about how much he hates the produce section? Rapture.
I can’t imagine why the man loathes the produce section so much. It is a very particular dislike for him. But I rather enjoy looking over the offerings, feasting on the colors, smells, and textures as I make my selections. Zilla also enjoys shopping for fruits and vegetables, which makes for a lovely shared experience to add to our memories. There is still something deliciously guilty about getting to browse alone, though. And so with Thoreau’s words in my head, I reveled in my brief solitude this afternoon.
An equally quiet solitude comes during the time spent bringing in the spoils of any produce excursion. I enjoy the process of cleaning, drying, and storing the things we will eat in the days to come. It makes me happy to see them in their bowls, standing ready to serve.
These moments of solitude are gratifying and rejuvenating. They ready my soul for connection once again. Standing alone with my hands in the water, feeling the dirt rinse away from the food, I recall the excitement in my daughter’s eyes when she realized fresh cherries will be on tomorrow’s menu and think of how wholeheartedly she enjoys a bowl of fresh, red cherries. I look forward to my husband’s appreciation not only for the meal we will all share, but for the loving preparation that goes into it. I eagerly await the conversation and closeness of our next meal together.
As I put my treasures away, I am grateful for so many simple joys in one afternoon…a few quiet moments to sift through the produce section, good food on our table and the means to provide it, strong bonds between us. In these moments, less joyful concerns fade into a more appropriate placement in my mind.
Love this? Share the love and tell someone!
13 Comments
Comments are closed.
Food preparation can be a calming, meditative practice. I am a huge sucker for new seasonal produce. I forgive myself for impulse buys as long as it is some sort of fruit or vegetable. I don’t like grocery shopping with my husband very much. He doesn’t understand what things cost and how we need to fit a week’s worth of food into a budget. He starts tossing steaks and lobster tails in the basket like it’s every day food.
I think produce purchases almost have to be impulsive – hard to tell what will look good or be too wilted. I try not to get too locked into wanting a particular item, just in case it looks disappointing. Like last night – really wanted the rainbow chard, but upon closer examination, it was really sad looking. The cherries more than made up for it, though! My Husband doesn’t do the toss wild things in the basket method – he just breaks out in hives and twitches in the produce section. I just can’t understand why, even after all these years.
Cherry season is one of my favorites!
I have some great cherry recipes to bust out – can’t wait!
I crave simple pleasures but have a hard time realizing them. Thank you for the lovely reminder that they are there everyday, ready to be noticed and cherished.
I often struggle with that, too. Or I fail to see the positive in something that really is a moment of gladness. Hard to see Kidzilla soaking the bathroom during her bath as a pleasurable moment…but when I think about it I realize that the fact that she is there – alive, wet, loud, and able to make that soaking wet mess – is joy in itself.
Staying simple makes me happy. The more I question something, the less enjoyable it becomes. Don’t over think it.
Overthinking…one of my best habits. I really do have to fight that one.
I am SO with you about the produce section! I love it! They are also the main reason why I love a traditional open air market. The freshness, the diversity…
Our CSA box pickup is going to be right at the farm where it’s grown. Really looking forward to that! I think you get to poke around a little and pick your items from the offerings.
I love shopping for fresh produce. There has to be something impulsively purchased every time. I can hardly wait for the cherries! I haven’t seen any yet in my area.
I agree – and I always manage to find something I hadn’t planned to buy that just looks too good to pass by!
[…] thankful for simple joys. And coffee. I like to grab a coffee when I do the grocery shopping, especially when I’m […]