“First, trusting that we don’t bloom just once, that there is no single moment in which our lives must crystallize. Then, learning to see more slowly and recognise what has been present in us all along.”
And I knew about the movie, but not that it’s where the saying comes from (I thought the movie was named after the saying). Also, I’m gonna have to try this stew!
Thank you Giovanna! I also thought the movie was named after the expression—funny how something can take hold of our imaginations so quickly. And the stew is wonderful! Nicki’s recipes are always so delicious.
Just caught up on this series with my morning tea, as a 53 year old, I can so relate to this wisdom. In one way I feel so young and in another like something around the corner is approaching that I can’t quite keep a hold on. It doesn’t make sense but I’m keen to keep going. Love the bucket list, and I am looking forward to seeing you on that red carpet one day, hopefully with Vera!
Thanks so much Alex! I can completely relate to how you are feeling—when did we get so old? 😊
I have a milestone birthday approaching and it’s really gotten me thinking about this next chapter (of many I hope!). We have a friend who is 93, in excellent health, sharp as a tack, still practicing as a lawyer and has a full schedule of activities going to the opera, ballet etc. Another friend’s father is 95, and still going strong. When I think about what’s next I look at it as infinite possibilities. Here’s to achieving our dreams whatever they may be💕
Discernment is a theme I’ve also been exploring in life and in work, and this was worded so beautifully. I was very surprised to see my image and recipe in the newsletter.
I've enjoyed immensely your ruminations on life and agree with you wholeheartedly. May I add that I've done a few things from your bucket list (having never intended to do them), which supports your findings.
This essay as a whole would be wonderful for a magazine read by many. Lots of wisdom that some people would benefit from.
Thank you dear heart 💕. It’s been a satisfying few posts to write. Digging deeper highlights how much work I need to do but more importantly how rewarding and joyful that journey can—and should—be.
Thank you dear Kalee. I’m so glad it resonated. Writing these past three posts—and reading the similar themes in posts like yours—have solidified my reflection homework assignments for 2026! 💕
That may well be one to return to Liza! 💕I did spend 10 weeks in Sicily as part of a farm to table program and it was wonderful. Milking sheep is really hard work!
I really enjoyed your bucket list Elizabeth! As you can imagine, the food stylist/photographer one really spoke to me.
Yet, as you say, even if they don't come to pass, sometimes, something more wonderful will take shape. How lovely to ebb and flow and adapt to the shape of life. ❤️
This is the wisdom of having lived through all that came before, Elizabeth. All of the striving, ignoring of inner voices, the joyful carefree jaunts through life, and the search for meaning and truth, and so much more. We arrive at a gentler place, with compassion faceted by the precision of life.
A thoughtful and stimulating piece again Elizabeth, as always thank you for sharing your beautiful mind. And of course my gratitude for sharing the Curry Night post.
I loved this part:
“First, trusting that we don’t bloom just once, that there is no single moment in which our lives must crystallize. Then, learning to see more slowly and recognise what has been present in us all along.”
And I knew about the movie, but not that it’s where the saying comes from (I thought the movie was named after the saying). Also, I’m gonna have to try this stew!
Thank you Giovanna! I also thought the movie was named after the expression—funny how something can take hold of our imaginations so quickly. And the stew is wonderful! Nicki’s recipes are always so delicious.
Just caught up on this series with my morning tea, as a 53 year old, I can so relate to this wisdom. In one way I feel so young and in another like something around the corner is approaching that I can’t quite keep a hold on. It doesn’t make sense but I’m keen to keep going. Love the bucket list, and I am looking forward to seeing you on that red carpet one day, hopefully with Vera!
Thanks so much Alex! I can completely relate to how you are feeling—when did we get so old? 😊
I have a milestone birthday approaching and it’s really gotten me thinking about this next chapter (of many I hope!). We have a friend who is 93, in excellent health, sharp as a tack, still practicing as a lawyer and has a full schedule of activities going to the opera, ballet etc. Another friend’s father is 95, and still going strong. When I think about what’s next I look at it as infinite possibilities. Here’s to achieving our dreams whatever they may be💕
Discernment is a theme I’ve also been exploring in life and in work, and this was worded so beautifully. I was very surprised to see my image and recipe in the newsletter.
Thanks for the conversation, Nicki 💕
I've enjoyed immensely your ruminations on life and agree with you wholeheartedly. May I add that I've done a few things from your bucket list (having never intended to do them), which supports your findings.
This essay as a whole would be wonderful for a magazine read by many. Lots of wisdom that some people would benefit from.
Thank you dear heart 💕. It’s been a satisfying few posts to write. Digging deeper highlights how much work I need to do but more importantly how rewarding and joyful that journey can—and should—be.
There is always work to be done. You are right: enjoying the journey is what matters.
This is beautiful Elizabeth. I'm looking forward to reading it many times as I feel there is a lot to absorb and reflect on here.
Thank you dear Kalee. I’m so glad it resonated. Writing these past three posts—and reading the similar themes in posts like yours—have solidified my reflection homework assignments for 2026! 💕
I am kind of glad you didn't learn to butcher pigs and chickens. A year of cooking around the world would be lovely.
That may well be one to return to Liza! 💕I did spend 10 weeks in Sicily as part of a farm to table program and it was wonderful. Milking sheep is really hard work!
I really enjoyed your bucket list Elizabeth! As you can imagine, the food stylist/photographer one really spoke to me.
Yet, as you say, even if they don't come to pass, sometimes, something more wonderful will take shape. How lovely to ebb and flow and adapt to the shape of life. ❤️
Thank you Shell! That is one to return to for sure. And you are well on your way on that front! 💕
This is the wisdom of having lived through all that came before, Elizabeth. All of the striving, ignoring of inner voices, the joyful carefree jaunts through life, and the search for meaning and truth, and so much more. We arrive at a gentler place, with compassion faceted by the precision of life.
A thoughtful and stimulating piece again Elizabeth, as always thank you for sharing your beautiful mind. And of course my gratitude for sharing the Curry Night post.
“with compassion faceted by the precision of life.” That is such a lovely way to think of it, Lisa. There is always more to learn, isn’t there? 💕
So much more Elizabeth.