Crystalizing context
Hello, Friend!
We are on an amazing run of sunny, moderate weather - and the days ahead look great too, albeit with temperatures climbing into the 80s. This past week felt like living on the Monterey Peninsula, with much lower real estate costs. The piles of silver maple seeds have given way to massive accumulations of the small, floating seeds from the Sycamore trees in the front yard at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.
The ginger beer that Henry made last week turned out very well - a little sweet, but very gingery. A great first effort. The lilac-infused coconut oil…not so much. We live and learn in the Food Lab.
On Wednesday we hosted friends for dinner. I made David Chang’s Bo Ssam roasted pork, with a huge pot of steamed rice and ton of veggies. This, plus a Burnt Basque Cheesecake made by Lori added up to an extra-special meal in the middle of the week. I’ve shared these recipes in the past…here is a good video demo showing how to cook the Bo Ssam. I won’t share these as my Sunday Supper recommendations…that would be too easy.
I’m about one week away from officiating my first wedding. A friend asked me to do it, and I agreed. About 2% of my brain’s processing power has been spooling in the background for weeks, constantly mulling over how to be the best officiant I can be. The assignment is clear - keep things moving along, putting in a few choice words at the right moments. My friends have written their own vows, and have a wonderful program already in place. I’ll do my best to enhance their experience of the special day.
Earlier this week I received a call from a different friend. His son is getting married this weekend, and he was in the process of preparing a short speech. So we discussed that assignment a bit. Hopefully I helped him frame up what he’s going to say.
This role - participating at the center of life’s Big Moments, is something one only gets to do after accumulating a fair amount of life experience. It’s not something to take lightly, but shouldn’t be over-thought, either. It is a very Zen task. Trying not to try. In a few words, say something that adds to the moment. Or, if the words fall short of that goal, at least be brief. Sincerity goes a long way, earning some leeway from the audience.
I’m not intimidated by this task. I am familiar with the inherent discomfort associated with it, and have felt it plenty. For many years I have served as moderator to my entrepreneurial forum group. This involves helping to guide deep conversations around meaningful, sensitive topics spanning a wide range of subjects. I know what it means to be in the middle of high-stakes, vulnerable conversations.
It’s a privilege, and not something to take lightly. It’s exciting, and forces me to distill whatever I know that might be worth sharing into the smallest possible form. Try as I might to craft a gem, I’m reminded of the times that people have told me that something I said to them left some positive, memorable impression - and I wasn’t even trying.
We live life. We share our experiences. Sometimes the things we share are relevant, reaching others at just the right time, and making an enduring impact. Who knows what, when, where or how to maximize this effect? Maybe someone like Tony Robbins, who tries to create such impact for a living. For someone like me, it’s just the law of averages catching up. Live long enough, thoughtfully enough, and share what you can, and we all make a difference, eventually.
Sunday Supper
Yesterday I made a big, chopped salad featuring shaved Brussels Sprouts. I just love their texture. I also roasted some beets that I purchased at the Granville Farmers’ Market. And you know what? Prepping a big salad such as this is every bit as much work as preparing a more traditional Meat + Two type menu. My salad was an improvisation, but this recipe from Punchfork is similar in spirit, and makes for a wonderful Sunday Supper option.
Sunday Music
This Sunday I am happy to share this full-length concert featuring American jazz icons Christian McBride (on bass) and Kenny Barron (on piano) performing at the historic Trinity Church in New York City. Enjoy!
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,
Neal