Thursday, September 11, 2008

"Peasant Food"



"You eat Peasant food" my French pastry-chef Friend told me. And his comment refreshed a memory of the label of "Potaje" that was visited on my daily fare by a Spanish Friend who explained that I enjoyed a sustenance that was traditionally enjoyed by the Peasants of Spain who threw all of the ingredients of their meal into a pot ... and concoct a meal that is the result of whatever that blending produces. This "potage," or "thick soup," of life is what I do, genuinely, enjoy. And that is a very good thing! For it is what constitutes the mainstay of my diet.


Which is what I had come to mind as I considered the variety of “Ingredients” that Life has brought to my “Bowl of Life.” My daily experience is richly blessed with a diversity of Individuals who have no obvious commonality with my life. I have my experience enhanced by a range of Peoples whose life-styles, experiences, educations, cultures, nationalities, religions, native languages, and customs, are all of a scope of such magnificent range that I could never have dreamed of garnering such folk by any concentrated effort of my own. But they are, each and all, a comfortable and completely delectable ingredient in the Potaje of living that nourishes, nurtures, sustains, and enhances my every day.

All of this became a clear and glorious reality of Awareness just now … as I was writing a response to a heart-warming comment left by a gentleman who has become, in a very short, and marvelous time, a dear Treasure to the very core of my Soul. Jim Sullivan (also known as “SulDog”) is a man who first captured my heart by his unfailing habit of always referring to his wife as “MY WIFE” … all in capitals … every time. His openly … even overt … love and respect for this lady, and the beautiful relationship that they share, won my instant and total admiration and respect. I fell in love with this “SulDog” guy. And all of that emotion and regard began spilling out from the keyboard, as I typed my response to his comment, this morning. Which, in turn, spilled over into this posting.

I began reflecting (with happy gratitude) on the assemblage of folks who I have written notes to in just the most recent days. And I am quite aglow with loving appreciation and delight in the assurance that we … each of us in our own very unique and individual respects … share genuine respect for, love of, and comfort with … each other. I am so very blessed!

So, my Dearest Reader, I am giving you a window through which to see the wonder of Possibility that Life brings … to Any and All who are willing to make available their own “cooking pot” of life, to the richness of “Ingredients” that Life has waiting and ready for our support, encouragement, and happiness. I whole-heartedly recommend, to each of You, the Wonders and Joys of “eating Peasant Food.”

25 comments:

lime said...

some folks are a rib sticking spud in the soup of life.

some are the spices to add some zing.

some are the meaty bones to give a rich flavor.

some are the frilly garnishes.

some are the broth that comes from mixing everyone together and letting them settle in together.

i dunno which one you are or i am, but i'm glad we're swimming around in the same bowl.

Suldog said...

I can't say it any better than Lime and yourself already have. Well, except that I need to add "Thank You!" for your very kind words. I'm left somewhat speechless, and you know that's an unusual condition for me. Thanks, John-Michael!

Cath said...

I like peasant food. ;0)

John-Michael said...

You know what, Lime, My darling Friend, I believe that You and I play different roles in various "recipes." Where we may be a "staple" in one Individual's 'Potaje', we will be "the spice" in the 'Goulash' of Another. And, we, no doubt, provide different aspects of our complex Self to each other in various combinations of circumstances. In any and all of these variations and considerations ... I am joyously thrilled, complimented, and just tickled beyond the abilities of my silly words ... to be immersed in the delicious broth of Love that Life has blessed our Friendship with. And THAT's a FACT!!

(and if we hear a "swoosh" and begin to swirl around our shared bowl ... I'll enjoy the ride ... 'cause I have You to share it with! [smile])

John-Michael said...

As you well know (from previous declarations on my part), I will never allow any future sentence to begin with "If only I had said ___ , or done ___ , when I had the opportunity!" This commitment demands that I speak the content of my heart, Jim. So, my SulDog Friend, I could do no less than tell it just as it is. And, I must confess, I like it just as it is! [smile]

John-Michael said...

And, my Dear CathDaughter, I am so very glad that you are one of the most flavourful [notice the 'ou' in your honour {smile}] ingredients in my Life-Stew.

Lovingly ...

aims said...

I like being part of your lifesoup JM!

I have to say that your lifesoup has made my own taste better.

John-Michael said...

You, my Darling Aims, have become a relied upon element of my world whose gentle, knowing, and caring constancy, I rest happily in.

I gratefully bow to your Grace ...

Kissing of the Frogs said...

Wow, nicely said my friend.
Hugs,
Rose

Lisa L. said...

Hmmm lots to ponder.

Lime, I really don't know what I am but both your post and John-Michael's has me thinking ---

that's always a good thing!

John-Michael said...

Thank you Rose, my Darlin.' I am glad that I gave you a bit to enjoy!

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

You know somethin' Sweet Lisa ... I REALLY like it A LOT when I can offer something that sets someone's mind and Spirit in action. "Something to ponder" is my favorite stuff to bring to you. For it gives Life an open door of receptive awareness, through which You, and your life can be made (perhaps) more enjoyable, or pleasant. What a thrill for me!

If you are ever so inclined ... I would very much like to hear from you (by Email ... TheJohnMichael@gmail.com) that we may know each other even better. Yes! You may rightly consider this an invitation [smile].

Anonymous said...

Was this the French chef you spoke of contacting?

CJ xx

John-Michael said...

Ah, Yes! He is one and the same. My good friend and French Brother, Christophe Pierre Louie (last name omitted) was here in The States exploring the possibility of developing a bakery business. We met when he introduced himself with a "Excuse me ... I want to meet you. I have been watching you for some time. And you are very different from everyone else that I have met here." And we began a discovery of each other, our cultures, personalities, and talents, that resulted in the Friendship that is now ours.

So, as you, My Darling CJ, can readily see ... I keep (always available for recall) all of these Gifts of moments, from Life. Speaking of which ... I do love and am respectfully grateful for, the Gift of You.

Lisa L. said...

thank you!!!

Tess Kincaid said...

Hi...just randomly popped in. Love your blog and especially your gallery of significants! I'll have to come back again soon.

Willow

John-Michael said...

You know, of course, that to find pleasure in those things that are of particular significance to me, is to find an immediate place of comfortable acceptance in my Heart. hence, I simply HAD TO take a peek at your profile ... which lead to your blog ... which lead, my Dear Willow, to adding your blog to the listed recommendations on my blog.

Thank you for your "random" visit, and kindness.

namaste ...

Tess Kincaid said...

Thank you so much for your kind words! You have made my day extra special. I've also added you to my blogroll and will pop back in on a regular basis, if that's okay with you. :^)

Fondly,

Willow

Anonymous said...

John-Michael, he sounds like a delightful friend to have. You are both very blessed.

CJ xx

John-Michael said...

Yes, blessed is ,indeed, what we are, Dear CJ.

nitebyrd said...

I hate to cook but love the simplest of foods. Why complicate food or life when the best way is to K.I.S.S. them?

John-Michael said...

To "Keep It Simply Savory" [grin], is a marvelous idea that is worthy pursuit, My darling NiteByrd. We are in beautiful harmony in this thought. (So there is nothing new at all, is there?! [smile])

Lovingly ...

San said...

Maybe the most delectable characteristic of such a potage is it tastes even better the day after it's made. The heightened blended flavor sings!

Classic case of whole being greater than sum of parts.

I haven't been to Suldog's place in quite some time. It's high time I paid the good man a visit.

John-Michael said...

I am enthused and eager in my consideration of our futures including each other, My Dear Willow. What better outlook could I hope for?!

To our enjoying many endearing "Tomorrows"...

John-Michael said...

You have spoken to the golden "secret" of my gastronomic life, Dear San. For, you see, I prepare a large stock-pot of beans, rice, and various other occasional variations of additions, each week. Then I refrigerate the portionalized product of the cooking for daily consumption. And it gets better and better as the week progresses. Then, to add some variety and 'excitement,' I will add some bit of whimsical 'whatever' as each day offers. You have said it so well. The 'sum' is always far better than the parts.

And, please do grant your lovely Self the Gift of a visit with my Darling Friend SulDog. He enhances everyone's 'recipe of living.'

(psst ... by the way ... i love you)

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