Inching towards a dream.
- At March 20, 2011
- By Molly Chester
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I remember watching the Grammy’s a few years back, when John Mayer won for something that escapes me. In his speech, he mentioned (to roughly paraphrase) that he’s usually able to observe what is happening to him without getting overly consumed, however the current moment of receiving the Grammy was kicking his arse. I related this week.
I’ve learned about myself that I am really good at getting big things moving. I can motivate action towards a common goal, and once everything is moving along, I enjoy switching gears to the day-to-day tasks involved with keeping the gears oiled. But, there is this moment in between those two places, where I am leaning over the edge of my creation, staring down at the abyss of what’s to come, where I get a little scared.
This past week, the farm project that John and I have been working towards took a major step in the positive direction, and once I saw this thing that I’ve begun to love take form into something that closely resembled a reality, the moment was not only beyond me, but it actually held on to my feet while kindly dangling me over that all too familiar cliff.
And let’s be frank, this supermoon isn’t helping anything. I’ve been extra klutzy, and the roadrage I’ve seen in Los Angeles is off the charts.
The only thing that breaks me out, like high school athletes through a painted sign, is simply stepping back for a minute. Breathing. I took in a yoga class this AM. This afternoon, I took a nap with Todd. Tonight, we had a home-cooked dinner at our old friend’s new house. I have to reconnect to my everyday. In that space, faith, courage, clarity and trust come flooding back, lifting me up like a gentle bird to carry me forward.
I feel the beauty tonight. The gratitude. The peace. The moment is bigger than me, and I like it. The picture above is taken on the farm. John snapped this shot while I was sitting on one of its fences, gazing out over a neighbor’s grazing cattle. The feeling I felt in this picture is utter, uncontainable… bliss. Bring it on cliff… you don’t scare me. I took a nap.
In honor of the magic found in the everyday, I’m sharing a foundational recipe from our cookbook. Homemade 24-Hour Beef Stock simmers on my stove several times a month, turning into soups, stews and short rib recipes. I use it to steam vegetables, sip on in the morning with a little sea salt and reduce for sauces that get drizzled over steaks. Simmering stocks for a long time allows the minerals in the bones to be absorbed into the liquid, and the process of making it reconnects us with the beauty and stability found in our most simple routines.
Click here for the Homemade 24-Hour Beef Stock recipe…
14 comments
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marla
I very much needed to read this tonight. Great fears have been settling in on this wonderful journey of life. I need to let things happen & embrace the ride. That photo is beautiful.
March 20, 2011 -
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Molly Chester
Marla – Thanks for sharing! You inspired me back!
March 24, 2011
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Anna
I am always inspired to learn about anyone who is working to reach their dreams. It is always good to be reminded of the importance of enjoying the every day, even in the midst of exciting or busy things happening.
March 21, 2011 -
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Molly Chester
Anna – Thanks so much! And BTW, I love the name of your blog. xo
March 24, 2011
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Nancy@acommunaltable
There must be something in the air because I could completely relate to your post!!! I too have to constantly remind myself to take a deep breath and settle!
Can’t wait to hear more about the project!!
March 21, 2011 -
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Molly Chester
Nancy – I think it might have been that CRAZY supermoon. Holy smokes. Cause I know a lot of people who needed a little love last weekend!
March 24, 2011
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Kate
Molly,
great blog post- I love it when people share these quiet moments of revelation with their readers.
I came to your site via an old recipe that does not seem to be posted any longer- “John’s Moist Chocolate Cake.”
Are you able to pass this along to us, once again?
Thanks so much,
KateMarch 23, 2011 -
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Molly Chester
Hi Kate – I took it down b/c we are re-vamping it for the cookbook, but I just emailed you the old version, so that you have it!
March 24, 2011
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Jenny
I’m getting excited for you!! I just love it when our dreams come true :) And you definitely deserve to have your dreams come true!
March 24, 2011 -
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Molly Chester
Awe – thanks Jenny! You are too sweet. xo
March 25, 2011
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Deliciously Organic
What a beautiful post. One of my favorites. :)
March 29, 2011
Amanda
That nap sounds divine… just how do I do that?? :)
susan
I love your day and your dream. I will keep it positive for you! x
Molly Chester
Susan – You are so sweet. Thank you!