Today my house is filled with the aroma of slow cooking broth, shortcrust pastry and laundry dried in the sun. For the first time in months, Ireland gave us a beautiful, sunny spring day and I decided to take full advantage of it. Due to the fact that I am alone this year, away from my family, and the last few months have been very intense, I am very happy for these few days when I don't have to do anything but can a lot.
Living in Ireland with its capricious weather has taught me that you have to seize the moments while they last. There is no later, because there is a high probability that it will start raining soon.
My pets and the sunlight streaming through the window woke me up shortly after five in the morning. I went out with a jacket over my pyjamas and with only one eye open because the other one couldn't wake up, but the morning air and the sight of the clear, blue sky made me want to make the most of this day. Just like I need it.
Therefore, at six in the morning I put the dog in the car and we visited our small allotment garden. I wanted to see if it was time, because everything in is waiting for the work in the soil, the growing plants, smells and sounds of nature coming to life.
Even though there is not much room for slow living in my life at the moment, I try to create as many moments as possible when I can slow down, be and enjoy what is around me. It brings me great joy to use what I sow earlier, the recipes for dishes that always taste the best, and to pull out my favourite decorations for special occasions that build tradition and bring back memories.
So there is a colourful Easter palm tree in the vase, simmering broth with the addition of leek, carrot and parsley that had survived the winter in my garden, and it started to smell like shortcrust pastry for Easter 'mazurek'. Today I am calm and happy, and this is probably the best sign for the future and the best way to welcome spring.
I also wish you a feeling of peace and fulfilment, days filled with joy and hope. Happy Easter!
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