I’ve been a bit of a crank lately (due to a lack of sleep) and I’ve been spending a lot of times indoors. I even canceled a work meeting because I didn’t feel like walking. But yesterday after work, I gave myself a pep talk on the way home. You are going to relax and forget about the rest of the world. You are going to enjoy the outside. Whatever I did, I wanted to practice some escapism and so, I started cooking. Then, my roommate joined, and we both were cooking & talking. Then, it turned into an hour in the backyard.
Perhaps we’re slow moving, but we’ve only just now dusted off the porch furniture and set something up. (Pittsburgh has finicky weather that you can’t always trust.) I can’t tell you what this step felt like. It was like a renewal. As if we were saying: winter you are no longer coming. You are gone for now. I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had on this back patio, how many epiphanies I’ve realized, how many thoughts I’ve kept only to myself that were actualized here.
We poured ourselves some wine, and I was immediately transplanted (escapism = check!). Memories made. New ones hiding in the soil. I’m so excited to see the way the backyard will liven up as spring progresses. I think there are many more back patio sitting nights in the future, and I’m really happy about that.
While we sipped on wine, our enchiladas were cooking in the oven. I used this recipe, and it was fantastic. I made a few tweaks, but the recipe was essentially the same. My favorite part about making this was how we let it sit out while we finished our wine. You know it’s a good conversation when you’re hungry, there’s food waiting, but you’d rather finish your conversation (and wine) first.
Yesterday, I gave myself the red plate. The red plate was a gift given to me by a former coworker. You only receive one, so it is mixed among your other, regular-colored plates. Whenever someone has a special accomplishment, they get the red plate at dinnertime. It’s sort of like an award for an award. Recognition of sorts. I used the red plate because I needed a pick-me-up. I felt like I’ve been too hard on myself lately, and I needed a little pat on the back. It worked.
After dinner, I plunged into some other activities to help me escape and finally, FINALLY, I went to bed early. I feel like myself for the first time all week & it’s such a happy feeling.
Hope you’ve been unplugging, unwinding, and relaxing in your own way this week. It is necessary & important!
I’m so glad you were able to get what you needed last night! Seems like a wonderful way to spend an evening. And look at your backyard- I hope you take full advantage of all those raised garden beds. Also, those enchiladas look deliciously cheesy.
I’ve been in a similar state of mind this week, but last night Mr. T and I went to a wine bar to celebrate a silly anniversary and sat outside eating fresh food and sipping wine. It was a good recharge. Something about the outdoors really is magical. Especially when there is wine. And food. Your enchiladas look wonderful.
<3 this post!!
Also, the red plate is such a great idea. I love that you were able to escape, rejuvenate, and find a sense of comfort all in one night. How special and lovely!
Glad you were able to unwind a little. I have needed that time this week myself and I make sure to focus on the environment that I’m in in the present moment…because down the line, I could never got back there and experience it again. Being outside is always so relaxing…
Rose, this is the best post I’ve read on any blog this week (by best I mean the one that made me smile the most). I feel like some of the energy in this post is seeping through the computer into my life, so thank you!
PS – nature heals.