so many small but profound insights here, and turns of phrase so pleasing they feel like candy. i love the slowing down to the point where everything becomes sensual. even asparagi! (i had to look it up to see if that is actually a word or you were just being silly. turns out it is! new info i will integrate into my vocab. its use here is quite fun.) hot showers - as good or better than therapy for sure.
Thank you so much, Karen! That's a delightful way of describing the text.
The use of "asparagi" was, in fact, tongue-in-cheek. I didn't use the term the way it's defined, but rather as a fake latin plural (something I do sometimes for fun, like hippopotami or campi).
And yes, hot showers, while not better than therapy, are certainly cheaper.
That kind of ritual with the espresso--it's the cup, the saucer, the spoon, sometimes a small doily even or diminutive piece of chocolate--can never really be replaced by a paper cup with your name scrawled on it, can it?
It certainly can’t! I do wish they would give chocolate in Portugal, but they never do. Thinking about it, though, maybe that’s for the best. Thanks, Dustye!
Thank you, Caroline! I’ve been all about mixing it up lately. Probably not a good strategy, judging from the subscriber stats. But oh well, I’m enjoying it.
I know that technique, Pam, but I have this belief—possibly erroneous—that it wastes more of the vegetable. Plus, I have a man's love of knives, I have to admit.
grasp the cup by its tiny ear. This moment is the pinnacle of the day. Raising the cup to my lips, I inhale the rich, nutty steam and take a sip of the bittersweet suspension.
Soooo, missing my weeks in Italy. They, too, have the espresso magic going on. Thanks for the smile this brought.
Soooo much in here! Beautifully observed and written. All of them sensuous and suggestive in their own way. Product of an inquisitive and creative mind.
If you ever feel like turning a hand to romance novels you could be onto something…
Sally, you are such an incredible sweetheart! I love the thought that I may possess "an inquisitive and creative mind". Romance novels? I think I have enough romance in the novels I have in progress, though if they don't work out, maybe I will try to write some things as Daniel Steel.
"Asparagi" was tongue in cheek. I've always thought that "asparagus" sounded a bit like Latin. Certainly better than the German "Spargel", anyway. 😊
Here's the thing (to quote a close and valued friend of mine): it is hard to transfer thoughts and perceptions – dare I say feelings? – into words without making them, the words, flat and uninteresting and rather silly. At least it is for me. And the more important the thoughts/perceptions/disf are, the harder it is. Thus, when you do manage to describe the sublime without it becoming flat or silly, that really is an achievement.
so many small but profound insights here, and turns of phrase so pleasing they feel like candy. i love the slowing down to the point where everything becomes sensual. even asparagi! (i had to look it up to see if that is actually a word or you were just being silly. turns out it is! new info i will integrate into my vocab. its use here is quite fun.) hot showers - as good or better than therapy for sure.
Thank you so much, Karen! That's a delightful way of describing the text.
The use of "asparagi" was, in fact, tongue-in-cheek. I didn't use the term the way it's defined, but rather as a fake latin plural (something I do sometimes for fun, like hippopotami or campi).
And yes, hot showers, while not better than therapy, are certainly cheaper.
so if i’m talking about a person’s hippocampus, and their friends show up and i want to be inclusive, i will refer to their collective hippocampi? ;)
These were all a delight to read, Gregory. Thank you for sharing your gorgeously quotidian with us.
Thank you, Amy!
That kind of ritual with the espresso--it's the cup, the saucer, the spoon, sometimes a small doily even or diminutive piece of chocolate--can never really be replaced by a paper cup with your name scrawled on it, can it?
It certainly can’t! I do wish they would give chocolate in Portugal, but they never do. Thinking about it, though, maybe that’s for the best. Thanks, Dustye!
What a lovely change of pace to read these vignettes— well done you, Gregory, for daring to mix up your stack!
Thank you, Caroline! I’ve been all about mixing it up lately. Probably not a good strategy, judging from the subscriber stats. But oh well, I’m enjoying it.
Well, what a voluptuous way to start my day. Don't even know if that's a correct description but it feels right. 😀
I like it, Melanie. May you continue to have a voluptuous day!
Just snap the asparagus—no need to cut it!
I know that technique, Pam, but I have this belief—possibly erroneous—that it wastes more of the vegetable. Plus, I have a man's love of knives, I have to admit.
Beautiful
Thank you, my friend.
All about the daily espresso! It’s the ritual that does it for me.
Absolutely.
grasp the cup by its tiny ear. This moment is the pinnacle of the day. Raising the cup to my lips, I inhale the rich, nutty steam and take a sip of the bittersweet suspension.
Soooo, missing my weeks in Italy. They, too, have the espresso magic going on. Thanks for the smile this brought.
I'm so glad it evoked a pleasurable memory for you, Robin!
This was lovely Gregory! That espresso shot was stunning.
Thanks, Bernardette! I was thinking you would like it. ☕️
I totally did! Thanks for the recommendation.
Soooo much in here! Beautifully observed and written. All of them sensuous and suggestive in their own way. Product of an inquisitive and creative mind.
If you ever feel like turning a hand to romance novels you could be onto something…
Oh, and… asparagi??
Sally, you are such an incredible sweetheart! I love the thought that I may possess "an inquisitive and creative mind". Romance novels? I think I have enough romance in the novels I have in progress, though if they don't work out, maybe I will try to write some things as Daniel Steel.
"Asparagi" was tongue in cheek. I've always thought that "asparagus" sounded a bit like Latin. Certainly better than the German "Spargel", anyway. 😊
Very enjoyable Gregory!
Thank you, Lily! 🌸
Beautifully written.
Thank you, Linnéa! 🌻
Here's the thing (to quote a close and valued friend of mine): it is hard to transfer thoughts and perceptions – dare I say feelings? – into words without making them, the words, flat and uninteresting and rather silly. At least it is for me. And the more important the thoughts/perceptions/disf are, the harder it is. Thus, when you do manage to describe the sublime without it becoming flat or silly, that really is an achievement.
Thank you, this is a genuine compliment. I truly appreciate it.
Gracias niño, iluminaste una semana difícil✨
Siento tanto que sea difícil, querida! Pero me alegro de que te haya gustado.
Muy chévere!!
This was a lovely insightful look into your daily life (which is, as such things should be, enchanting), thank you for this piece!
Thank you for that kind comment, Rebecca!
You write about the everyday in a way that makes them little jewels sparkling before me. Thank you 😸
Thank you, Jan! That's a wonderful thing to hear. 🙏