Love's Galettes

 By Maryanna Gabriel

I wake up, check and see if Zelensky is okay, breathe a sight of relief, and get on with my day.

Today I heeded the recommendation of a friend and checked out a local master baker, "Love's Galettes", doing a pop-up at a nearby barn at Bullock Lake Farm on Salt Spring Island. It seemed pricey and I am a particular sort of cook so I hesitated.

Then I read the artistic description..."Say what? Plum blossom infused cremeux? Caramel almonds? Roasted strawberry?" What a sweet talker.

My first impression was that for ten dollars the cake should be at least three layers high. Or wider. There were a trail of us lining up and making off with our treasures. 

Oh my. The Blueberry Lemon White Chocolate Cream Puffs are amazing. So flavourful. The best I have ever had and that includes several trips to Paris as a basis for comparison. 10/10. No regrets. 

On The Subject Of Joy

 By Maryanna Gabriel

Yesterday, quite unexpectedly, I was given some deep-red roses.
This poem so aptly captures the moment. Mary Oliver is so good. 

Don't Hesitate by Mary Oliver

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don't hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. And much can never be redeemed. 
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that's often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don't be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.