Last week my friend gave me a mother. While I was staying she divided hers and then fed them both. They sat, the two mothers, on the bench by the Aga and doubled in size. By the time I left my mother was fierce. She smelt potent, alive. Put an alarm on your phone,
This “the pain of grafting, the raw risk of it, the effort it takes to splice one life into another - the reward when the graft takes.” So eloquent and perfectly expressed. This book, these newsletters and sharing thoughts on this most mixed phase of life has been the biggest gift helping me sort through my own feelings on the wrench and awe of watching our young men soar off into the world.
Having a coffee by the fire before the house stirs reading The Sit Spot has become one of my favourite ways to start the day. I will look out for your Melbourne event xo
Your writing always, always reminds me to see the world through rose coloured glasses, because the beauty and magic is there. It’s just hidden by my glass half empty nature.
"By evening, she is fermenting and fierce once more." So funny. I think to myself .."Oy, that is just how I feel at the end of another nutty day in the US". Journeying mother, love it. A friend in the far north of Canada, has been tempting me to the Yukon in order to share her 100-year-old mother. I am so tempted, and maybe I can coincide a mother collection with the northern lights. Feast for eyes, feast for tummy. Deborah Levy - love her.
Love this --- "It’s all there - the pain of grafting, the raw risk of it, the effort it takes to splice one life into another - the reward when the graft takes."
Enjoy your sourdough journey Maggie. I tried for ages to start my own mother but it just would not work. Then a dear friend gifted me some of hers and her story that sourdough is a bread of friendship and your mother should always come from a friend. It has now been in my kitchen over twenty years, four different kitchens. Sometimes thriving sometimes a bit neglected but surviving. It’s been one of my great joys and I hope your sourdough baking will be one of yours.
I had Herman the German for a while 5 years ago, but travelling meant he didn’t last long. I did attempt croissants, but was too lazy to do them properly, it was a learning curve I did not quite surmount but I might try again now I am back in my house, post renovations. I must order the book... do you ever record or ‘zoom’ your book talks? Love it when you mention your house... the memories xxx
I get so excited when I see I’ve got a new sit spot to read, Maggie.
I knew exactly what you were talking about as soon as you mentioned, “The mother” I call my starter, the mother too. And twice a week will leave a note of the windowsill in the kitchen that reads, feed the mother. My eldest, who is almost 6, thinks it’s hilarious.
Enjoy the sourdough adventure, Maggie! It’s a beautiful addiction
A treat to read as always Maggie. I too was recently gifted a “mother” and I’m shocked it is still flourishing & we have enjoyed many delicious breakfasts of sourdough toast & marmalade! It is improving with each bake.
Have heard several glowing reports of Deborah Levy's "August Blue", now yours as well, so am adding it to the pile. Look forward to hearing more about the Adelaide event.
This “the pain of grafting, the raw risk of it, the effort it takes to splice one life into another - the reward when the graft takes.” So eloquent and perfectly expressed. This book, these newsletters and sharing thoughts on this most mixed phase of life has been the biggest gift helping me sort through my own feelings on the wrench and awe of watching our young men soar off into the world.
Having a coffee by the fire before the house stirs reading The Sit Spot has become one of my favourite ways to start the day. I will look out for your Melbourne event xo
Your writing always, always reminds me to see the world through rose coloured glasses, because the beauty and magic is there. It’s just hidden by my glass half empty nature.
I love your grafting sentence ! And am overjoyed because I can bring a good old friend to your Palm Beach event.
The reward when the graft takes! I cried.
"By evening, she is fermenting and fierce once more." So funny. I think to myself .."Oy, that is just how I feel at the end of another nutty day in the US". Journeying mother, love it. A friend in the far north of Canada, has been tempting me to the Yukon in order to share her 100-year-old mother. I am so tempted, and maybe I can coincide a mother collection with the northern lights. Feast for eyes, feast for tummy. Deborah Levy - love her.
Love this --- "It’s all there - the pain of grafting, the raw risk of it, the effort it takes to splice one life into another - the reward when the graft takes."
That was so beautiful and intimate. What a start to the day - thank you
Enjoy your sourdough journey Maggie. I tried for ages to start my own mother but it just would not work. Then a dear friend gifted me some of hers and her story that sourdough is a bread of friendship and your mother should always come from a friend. It has now been in my kitchen over twenty years, four different kitchens. Sometimes thriving sometimes a bit neglected but surviving. It’s been one of my great joys and I hope your sourdough baking will be one of yours.
I am looking forward to your Melbourne event x
I had Herman the German for a while 5 years ago, but travelling meant he didn’t last long. I did attempt croissants, but was too lazy to do them properly, it was a learning curve I did not quite surmount but I might try again now I am back in my house, post renovations. I must order the book... do you ever record or ‘zoom’ your book talks? Love it when you mention your house... the memories xxx
I get so excited when I see I’ve got a new sit spot to read, Maggie.
I knew exactly what you were talking about as soon as you mentioned, “The mother” I call my starter, the mother too. And twice a week will leave a note of the windowsill in the kitchen that reads, feed the mother. My eldest, who is almost 6, thinks it’s hilarious.
Enjoy the sourdough adventure, Maggie! It’s a beautiful addiction
A treat to read as always Maggie. I too was recently gifted a “mother” and I’m shocked it is still flourishing & we have enjoyed many delicious breakfasts of sourdough toast & marmalade! It is improving with each bake.
Have heard several glowing reports of Deborah Levy's "August Blue", now yours as well, so am adding it to the pile. Look forward to hearing more about the Adelaide event.
Thanks for the Cracked and Spineless FB link. I might start ordering from interstate and I’ll certainly visit when I get to Hobart.