Berry Ferry
Yesterday, Yancey and I took the ferry to Orcas Island. We took a cup of Skagit blueberries up to the deck and ate them with our yogurt and coffee. We read the paper, eavesdropped on other people's conversations, and moved to the sunny side of the boat.
We got off the ferry, drove along the lush (and nostalgic) island roads. Both Yancey and I used to come here as children and haven't been in years. We found Roses Bakery & Cafe, where we devoured the most delicious savory breakfast roll in history. Again, we found a sunny spot. More coffee.
Then we sat on the beach. I finished my Gourmet magazine and Yancey fell asleep with his head in my lap. Then we went back to Rose's for corn and chantrelle chowder, split a dish of peach cobbler.
And then we catered a party for 100 at Moran State Park.
I expected yesterday to be Stress Attack 2009, racing around, tired and worried. Instead, we had plenty of time, the kids were happily coked out on sugar at the Lynden Fair with my parents, and Yancey and I had a rare day to ourselves and the fun of working together.
It's all about expectations, which I figured out quite awhile ago but always manage to forget. I often get worked up about something, only to discover what I had been fearing wasn't worth the effort. Or I really look forward to something, then am fatally disappointed when it's not all I'd cracked it up to be.
There's a lot of talk these days about being "in the moment." The reason we all talk about it and pay to go on retreats about it is because it's so *$%ing hard to do. On my best days, cooking for 100 or not, I can be "open to outcome," whatever that might be. Yesterday, it happened to be blueberries in the sun, drinking cold beers in the car while we waited for the late-night ferry back to Anacortes, falling asleep exhausted next to the incredible man who's known me since I was fifteen.
Me and the kids are home, unpacking and sorting (they're still coked out), Yancey's at the fire station, and I'm happy to be here with you. I've got some deliciousness up my sleeve, too. See you tomorrow?
August 23, 2009
Reader Comments (19)
Great reminder! When I make my "everyday" feeding my kids, wiping mouths, changing diapers, picking up toys, feeding my kids, wiping mouths, changing diapers, laundry, dishes, bills, etc, about "being in the moment" it amazes me how much it changes my attitude! Yes, looking forward to more of your deliciousness! Glad you had a wonderful time and I'm sure all those 100's were living in the moment as they were enjoying your amazing creations!
glad the day went well for all. very glad indeed.
p.s. i'm writing in lowercase letters, in the style of jordan
Breakfast on a ferry sounds like the perfect start to a weekend. Can't wait to see your next posts this week!
I am always happiest after a David Day....even if it is spent working. As a matter of fact, he's coming home today to fix the water heater and I'm giddy with excitiement. Why? I adore him and it involves a sexy man wearing a tool belt. Can't wait for your newest brain share.
EXCUSE ME........you're children were not COKED out on sugar. I was a responsible nana, they didn't get any treats, just boiled corn on the cob, and bbq beef sandwiches at the young life booth, with a small drink to accompany their lunch. However, while Wyatt was having "the ride of his life" his nana was jeopardizing,the contents of her breakfast,just because she didn't want to appear wimpish to her grandson. I rather think they had excellent care,which equals no worries for you, which makes for a grand time. Glad your back with yumminess, and glad you were able to relax, and enjoy the moment amidst a potential stress attack,with your very best friend.
I know, Mom. You know me--The Exaggeratress. Anything for a laugh. The kids had a really good time with you. Thank you again.
Hilarious. I share the tool belt thing.
The comments here are priceless. I find I come to see what your community of people are saying even when I know you are away for a day or two. Just lovely to tap into. Plus, of course, your lovely recipes with commentary about the enormity of your world. Thank you for starting this online community. I continue to learn from you and it.
To everyone following all the comments (and I love how many of you do), pds came over to my house on Thursday, went to Costco with me (and entertained Loretta all the while), chopped a crapload of cabbage and fresh herbs, and saved my butt, basically. THANK YOU.
What a beautiful post, Sarah. I have a big-stress day coming up on Wednesday--I'm going to try to bring some of your calm with me that day.
Two ferry stories from me:
#1: My first job out of college was teaching eighth grade in Anacortes. I used to bring my stack of papers on the ferry, pay $5 and ride around the islands while grading compare/contrast essays about the differences and similarities of The Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch. I really should have enjoyed it more (and laughed more at what the kids were writing about).
#2: We were in Seattle about a month ago looking out over the water at a commuter ferry going by. It was the biggest thing in the water so we couldn't understand why our 4 year old couldn't see it. "Where's the ferry???" she kept asking, becoming more frustrated by the minute. "Right in front of you!!" I finally realized she was looking for a "fairy" not a "ferry," but by that point she was a puddle of tears.
"Coked out on sugar" made me giggle!!!
Wonderful post--I like the way you think.
I love it! Look at all us junkies hoping for a Monday morning hit :) And you delivered.
Very sweet post Sarah. I love hearing a good love story 20 years in.
Loved the story and loved the pictures that went with it! Thank you for sharing!
*perma grin* you always make me laugh pds!
not sure i should say this in public, but since my mom isn't online...you know what i say about expectation: they're f*@#$ers. releasing them as much as possible usually results great delight instead of disappointment. i want to both joyfully anticipate life yet still hold things loose enough that i'm not frustrated when things don't go as expected: this is my goal. i'm getting better at it, but i still get sideswiped occasionally. love gathering with you + your other readers here. as for nyc: watch out! ipol will be taking you by storm! ate your granola this am. a little bit of comfort food from home. xo j.
I loves me some pds; she's like that.
P.S. I am so hungry when I read your blog.
Yes, for sure, see you tomorrow! What's for dinner?
Aw shucks. I luvs me some Lisa. Glad your back from vay-cay.