It was a bingo sourcing day. The kind of day that felt like I was in a gold mine. The prices were right, the objects there to found, and the checklist was being crossed off steadily.

               

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This is freedom.

To be who you are where you are,

and not be afraid.

To be able to dream and

pursue tomorrow,

while trusting today.

May it be true for all.

photo via online

                

Comments

• Thank you Cory. May God bless us all. Blessings by Cynthia Thompson
• Amen. by Jan

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At the first brocante I ever visited, years ago, I found a postcard of a woman impeccably dressed, carrying eggs in a basket, water from the fountain in a zinc watering can, and vegetables gathered in the crisp white apron she wore.

The framed postcard was one of the first things I ever bought at a brocante. Its worth was never the point. Instead, long before I could put it into words, it reminded me of the beauty of an ordinary life lived with care.

Just for the record, now that Chelsea has chickens and I’ve seen how many eggs chickens lay in a day, I want to say that “basket heavy laden” represents a farmyard full of chickens and a graceful, strong arm. I can’t say that I look that good carrying the load of antiques back to the car over the years—graceful, strong… no, happy? Oh yeah.

                

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• You always look “graceful, strong” and happy!!!! Love old ... by Marilyn Miller

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Because the temperatures keep us uncomfortable throughout the day, seeking relief has become a new pastime.

Carry the tub outside.

Under your arm,
take the champagne.

Gather roses—buds, blossoms, and blooms—
and toss them into the bath.

Oh, a shower of rose petals!

Take the garden hose and fill the tub,
letting it overflow.

Take your clothes off
and toss them far out of sight.

Dip a toe, then dare…

Splash in.

Bathe yourself in the moonlight,
silky and smooth.

Sip the champagne,
or use it as a rinse—
straight from the bottle,
while listening to the owl—

Hoot!

When you are fresh and clean,

Wrap yourself in your bedsheet
like a butterfly’s cocoon,

And sleep.

Why do we do the same things,
the same way,
every day?

                

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• In reply to Ali. Ali, LOLOL! by Diogenes
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I came back from the antique fairs sightly tattered. All I wanted to do was take a cool bath, have something to eat, and go to bed.

The moment I opened the refrigerator, I wanted to climb inside and shut the door. It was so wonderfully cool. Of course, I didn’t do it—but I did wish, for a moment, I were a corn on the cob so that I could hang out were i zzzcool.

Instead, I grabbed an eggplant, two handfuls of cherry tomatoes, some feta cheese, a couple of cloves of garlic, a handful of pine nuts, and some green beans.

I sliced the eggplant carefully, praying I wouldn’t slice a finger like I did last week. I drizzled both sides with olive oil and laid the slices in a baking dish. Then I chopped the cherry tomatoes and scattered them over the top, followed by the roughly chopped garlic. Another drizzle of olive oil, a handful of pine nuts, and, as always, salt and pepper made their appearance. Finally, I crumbled feta over everything and popped the dish into a 200°C oven.

While it baked, I steamed the green beans. I like them with a bit of crunch.

Then I dashed upstairs for a quick bath, washed my hair, came back down, and sat down to a lovely meal.

That’s the joy of cooking-  a few fresh ingredients and can turn a meal into a comforting and delicious holiday.

                

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• Oh Corey – that looks absolutely delicious. I think you ... by Cathleen Camann
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