The Finishing Touch

"Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save them for a special occasion. Today is special." Regina Brett, age 90

Years ago I learned a way to save money on the weekly grocery bill. Build your menu around the supermarket specials that week. It takes some creativity, because you have to turn your thinking around. Instead of deciding you'll make spaghetti, then shop for the ingredients, you shop for the ingredients and then decide what dishes you can make. Back when I cooked for two hungry teenage boys, this kind of approach made a lot of sense. The Sunday paper had coupons every week, and one store discounted the coupon items even further so that it was possible to get a particular product for free. Of course, the hope is the "loss leaders" will bring you in, then you'll buy a bunch of other stuff that the store actually profits from.

In the aisle with the ketchup and mustard and olives and pickles, you can find these very expensive tiny jars of delicious capers. To me, they are an extravagance. But they are so good, adding that little something extra to sauces and dishes.

I have a new friend with a delightful way of enjoying life and turning everyday times into special celebrations. The last few times I had dinner with her, she has tossed some capers into whatever she was making. In fact, she made some pasta and after she had served it, she got up from the table announcing she had forgotten the capers. Oh my goodness. We can't forget the capers. So with her help, I have made a giant leap from those are an unnecessary extravagance, to where are the capers?!

As we go through life being sensible and practical, let's not forget those little touches that make all the difference. Those deliciously smelly candles, the soft, pretty sheets, the beautiful, feminine lingerie. And the capers. We can't forget those.

Susan

My Day, My World

"Be careful how you interpret the world: it is like that." Erich Heller

It's early morning. Cool, but the day promises to be a scorcher. The birds are singing, and my neighborhood appears to still be asleep. That's as it should be. It's Saturday morning, after all.

Today I won't just have a good day; I will make it a good day. I will walk through this day knowing that just like me, other people are inherently good. I won't leave my purse sitting around, but my heart will be open and trusting. I will go to my job, knowing that all honest work is honorable. I will mean what I say and say what I mean, but I will frame my honesty with kindness. Perhaps the smile that I offer will be the only goodness that someone will experience today. Whatever happens, I can handle it with grace and humor. And if I need some help or support, I will ask for it. I will listen to some music and read something profound and laugh at least once today. I will spend some time quietly meditating on those people I love. If a sad thought crosses my mind today, I won't chase it away, but I won't dwell on it for too long. If things don't go my way today, I won't take it as some personal insult from the universe. Today is my day.

Susan