The Sunday Savoring #5

When you lose someone you love.

Loss reminds you to be grateful. To seek out what life has to savor. 

My dear, sweet, wonderful, lovely, makeup-free, true-to-herself-no-matter-what-the-world-around-her-told-her-to-be cousin, Rebeccah, is losing her short battle with glioblastoma, an evil type of brain cancer. 

It’s been a week of updates from the family. The kind that makes you wish for her release. Please, just take her. She has suffered enough.

I’m seeking savorings. Desperate to feel them. Heavy with heartbreak. 

Her baby boy turned seven last weekend. Something to savor. She couldn’t. It’s shattering. 

I find myself forgetting for a brief moment, laughing with a friend, then remembering and my soul aches anew.

I won’t hear her laugh again. Or hear her say, “Stefanie, no STEFANIE … ” pointing out something so very Indiana or very much “our family” that would make us both laugh together.

Who will I call when I need to ask for the 53rd time what day our Mimi was born or what year our grandfather passed? My historian, my cohort in familial crime is gone. 

I’m crushed by the sorrow of losing Beccah, but will find her always at the top of the list of things I have been blessed to savor in this lifetime.

This week with a heavy heart, I am savoring …

This Quote
In times of sorrow we must find what we savor. It’s the only way to survive. - me

Having a Good Therapist
LAWD do I love me a good therapist. And I’ve got one. My safe place to vomit it all. Be myself. Find yourself a good one. One who doesn’t always agree with you. One who tells you like it is. One who reminds you more of a Shrinking episode than she should, but that’s exactly how you like her.

This Shrinking News
Speaking of Shrinking. Season two starts on October 16. If you didn’t watch the first season, this is your sign to catch up now. 

This New Client
We signed on a new client this week. A beautiful horse barn that is in need of a refresh. This is our second barn and they are quickly becoming my favorite type of project. Being outside, with horses and people who love being outside with horses, is worth savoring indeed. 

First Fire in the Fireplace
We had our first fire inside this week. It’s just cool enough. Perhaps a tiny bit premature but it brought me comfort.

This Netflix Distraction 
Nobody Wants This is exactly what I wanted and needed this week. It’s one of those shows that everyone is talking about. Kristen Bell, Justine Lupe, Adam Brody and Timothy Simons are four good reasons to start today.

This Memoir
I learned to cook from my Mimi. I learned to love cooking from Ina Garten. I started her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, and I am savoring every word.

This Sourdough Bread
This week I savored time in my kitchen with Morgan, my son Noah’s girlfriend. She asked if I could show her how to make sourdough. What a compliment it is for someone to admire something you do so much, they ask you to teach them to do it.

These Witches
My witches from Pottery Barn arrived. I intended to share a photo with you of them lighting up the night, but this week was not as planned. I am savoring them, even if I have no proof of it.

UPDATE: I snagged a photo.

This Playlist
Autumn in New York is full of vintage jazz and classic crooners including Nina Simone, Carol King, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. Grab a cup of coffee, throw a fire in the fireplace and enjoy.

This Fall Salad Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1-½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

I made it last night and tossed it with fresh greens and kale, roasted butternut squash, pistachios and shredded Gruyére cheese. 

I’m going to make it again today and add roasted Brussels sprouts, pan seared salmon and sliced avocado.

These outrageously Overpriced Socks
These Bombas socks are a cozy tight fitting sweater for your feet.

Tell me, what are you savoring this week?