23 July 2009

Dream of Salt and Bread


I opened the door that evening, to make my daily schlep to the mail box, to get my daily dose of coupon flyers and junk, and there was a thunk at my feet. Looking down, there was a small cardboard box lying on the threshold. The wrapping tape said “Food Network” and it weirded me out. I was not expecting any packages, and I could not remember having ordered anything from the Food Network. Especially small kitchenwares, which is what the mystery package turned out to be.

I brought it inside and turned it over to read the packing slip. Aha, mystery solved! No, I hadn’t ordered something while sleep walking or after a couple of gin and tonics. It was from my Ma and Da, and they sent me a salt dish for my dining table. Just what I needed, and a nice surprise.

Later in the week I arrived home in no mood to cook. Tired and ragged out, with the walls closing in just a bit, I made a spot decision to go on a picnic at my favorite local lake. So I grabbed my cooler and backpack, filled them up with bread, olives, cheese, pickles, and threw in a jar of salt and my pepper grinder. A bottle of olive oil topped it up, and off I went.

Good on me for finding the perfect spot to conduct my noshing adventures. It was at a picnic table situated under a tree and in just enough shade for me to relax and enjoy the setting sun. A gentle breeze and, strangely for a Baltimore summer, almost no humidity, meant a most pleasant evening to dine outside.


While sitting there, chewing slowly and ruminating like an upright cow, I began to feel dizzy and weak. At first, I thought I was coming down with something. The working of my jaws slowed even further, my breathing loud and languid in my ears. I swallowed. I became hyperaware of the birdsongs among the trees, the shouts and laughter of the extended family picnicking across the way. I heard the giggles of children, the wind in the grass, stirring the leaves over my head.

Leaning back and closing my eyes, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The tensions of the day truly melted away. Realizing I was not going to be sick, I resumed chewing. The savory bite of the salt and the unctuous embrace of olive oil grabbed my tongue and lips, each working of the jaw a deeper exploration of flavor. Breathing deep into my belly created a deeper sense of comfort. And the laughter and voices I heard were that of my loved ones, sitting around the table with me.

We sat there at the table, laughing and joking and reveling in the joy of each other’s presence. I smiled, dipped my bread into the oil, and we shared salt and bread on a lovely summer evening.


Dedicated to the roots of my tree, those of this world and those who have gone on to the next. May love find you, whichever world you grace with your presence.

19 comments:

  1. You're makin' me hungry, Mr. Irish...
    :)
    Nicely done....

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  2. And you still haven't MOVED the rhythm stick....

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  3. What, no drinks?

    Nice post, makes me think of friends.

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  4. Yummy. Also a good twist on sharing a meal. Thanks for sharing...

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  5. Oh, Whether to let me eat one. : )

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  6. Those symptoms seem vaguely familiar... are you sure there wasn't some extra ingredient in that bread? Some extra fiber from the hemp family?

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  7. I love a spontaneous picnic. Well done. Hope you had a glass of something refreshing along with the picnic goodies.

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  8. Reminds me a bit of Trespassers Picnic, Part III:

    http://openmouthinsertfork.blogspot.com/2009/07/trespassers-picnic-part-iii.html

    (Only, your guests joined you from the ethers.)

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  9. "read, olives, cheese, pickle"

    Oh, and olive oil.

    And yet you somehow decided not to invite me? I would have been quiet. Honest. All you would have heard was the sound of me scoffing your olives.

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  10. Now that sounds awesome and delicious - glad you found some peace before the walls caved in on you.

    lots of love and peace to you my dear friend!

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  11. Is that Pickled Okra?

    And Colavita Olive Oil....you can't hardly go no better.

    Here's to you, Irish.

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  12. Food for the body, eyes and soul. Thanks.

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  13. Sounds like a lovely picnic, except maybe you could have thrown in some shrimp salad. I love picnics and my favorite spot to have one is on the beach in Ocean City. See you soon, Irish!!

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  14. this post made me really nostalgic for some reason

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  15. Nicely done! Looks like a wonderful picnic....all the right stuff.

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  16. But what did you wash this down with?

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  17. Looks delish..by the way..did the wind cry Mary?...

    Peace - Rene

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  18. We are never alone when we've got food and memories. Thanks for the lovely mindescape.

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  19. Well that was simply lovely! Positively dreamy even.

    blessings!

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"Let your laws come undone
Don't suffer your crimes
Let the love in your heart take control..."


-'The Hair Song', by Black Mountain

Tell me what is in your heart...