Cookie Sandwiches & Cut Flower Gardens

Sunday Saves 7.16.2023

In the last two weeks, my curious toddler entered a new phase I imagine him coining: throw myself into danger so Mom has to remain on high alert at all times, then giggle at her reactions to my antics. In other words, we MUST leave the house for an activity every single day, even if that activity is going to a park, visiting the library, or splashing in rain puddles. So long as it involves discovery, play, and, ideally, running around, we’re good. We can make it through the day, or at least to nap time.

Last week, I drove to a toddler-friendly park where we played for 20 minutes, then ambled over to my hometown library about two blocks away. When I pushed the jogger past the historic district, I noticed something odd out of the corner of my eye. Pigs. Pigs in a front yard pen, just chilling and eating cheerios from their owner’s hands, a mere ten feet from the sidewalk. The owner invited us to say hello to Mr. Pickles and Kevin Bacon, who snorted and snuffed right up against the fence, much to Theo’s delight.

I smiled all the way to the library, charmed by the small town pig surprise. When we walked into the library, the same librarian who gave me my first library card 25 years ago greeted us, and I knew that whatever else happened that day, even if I had to rescue my child from running into the street ten more times, it was all worth it. A short drive to the park, and we could pretend this small town was our oyster for a few hours.

Turns out, it isn’t all that bad to have a precocious toddler who requires daily outings. I may be tired, but I, too, am engaging with the world, making discoveries and soaking in my surroundings like he is—although my “soaking in” looks more like scanning for danger and threats like I’m a wild mama animal.

Speaking of animal parents…

• New Bluey episodes have delighted not only my son but also my parents, who have a particular soft spot for the Grannies. I could write a dissertation on the expert storytelling here—truly some of the best writing and creativity I’ve seen on TV, adult shows included. If you’re wary of overhyped shows, let me assure you this one is worth every accolade, enjoyable at any age.

• “It sounds like you’re pretty frustrated, because you’re in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. I know it’s hard to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men when you’re in no humour for it".” (hahahaha)

• I’ve probably shared my favorite sourdough chocolate chip cookie recipe already, but I need to mention it again because over the Fourth of July weekend, I made the cookies extra big for ice cream sandwiches and WHOA. Delicious is an understatement.

• A few things I’m sad to report: eating more protein, getting more exercise, and deleting Instagram from your phone do indeed improve your quality of life. A lot.

• I’m dreaming of a cut flower garden in the backyard of my someday, future home. If you adore farmers market zinnias and wish you, too, could snip a bouquet from the bounty of your own yard, here are some resources I’m saving: a guide to planning a cut flower garden, a beautiful coffee table book, and a how to guide for beginners.

Cheers to mini summer adventures and falling into bed beyond exhausted.

Chelsey