mist: a poem

She is out there The milky morning Strong as Peppermint tea. Wind like a sigh Upon chilled flesh. She wears the Earth Like a glove; The joy A subtle radiance in her eyes.

The essence of Woman is compromised

There was a time, not so long ago at all were you would find a woman clad in her apron, singing sweetly while she floated and fluttered around her home. Filling it with enchanting smells and decadent edible fantasies. Making every inch a home that she was proud of, a sanctuary for her beloved family and faithful friends. Some find that image both demeaning and archaic. I ask why? Isn't it a blessing to make your life one of peace and happiness? Making mundane things into moments filled with a sort of spiritual elation? I have been asked a number of times by those I have given recipes to 'why does mine not taste like yours?!' What is the "extra" I put into mine? I am obviously leaving out a huge magical secret the lack there of is ruining their culinary masterpiece. My answer.... is Love. Yes. As corny as it sounds, I said 'love'. Imagine this: The house is a disaster. The kids are running wild like spazed out unicorns. Your husband (or what have you) is lounging, feet up, cold beer in his grasp, the paraphernalia of his day scattered haphazardly where they fell and his eyes are glazed with that 'stuck in the magic box' look. All the while, you 'have to get dinner on the table.' So, armed with a scowl on your face and a dose of anger clouding your vision you stomp into the kitchen. Slamming cupboards, ingredients, pots, pans, plates and silverware with the vengence of a woman scorned. As you mix up my recipe you add some ingredients of your own. A pinch of jealousy, a 1/3 cup of animosity, a splash of spite and a 1/2 cup of depression. Into the oven it goes with a flourish and slam! The bell tolls....: It looks as good as mine. Smells absolutly divine. You place a forkfull into your waiting, eager lips and somthing is not quite right. There is a flatness to it. Perhsps a bitter after taste. Why did you waste your time? Next time you have to get dinner ready, do not waste your time and energy feeding your family just a nutritional meal. Instead, make one that can also fuel a heart and enliven the soul. Bringing smiles out of sorrows and being capable of erasing the effects of the day is one of the powers of being a proper woman. Leave the bitter resentment at the door and pour a large helping of love and happiness into it instead. The difference is absolutly MAGICAL!