à la carte spirit by ilona fried
depression
In a Crisis, Old Memories Cycle into the Present
Yesterday I cycled into Northampton for the first farmer’s market of the season. The ride is about 30 minutes, mostly flat or downhill. It was my road biking debut, rather than using a bike path (to which I drive). At the market I stood in a socially distanced line for half an hour before I … Continue reading
Anthony Bourdain, Food and the Soul
I knew of Anthony Bourdain but hadn’t watched any of his shows until I learned of his passing. In viewing parts of several episodes, I discovered that we had been kindred spirits: lovers of food, travel, exploring the unknown and, also, appreciators of simple pleasures. In one tribute to his life, there is a video … Continue reading
Turning Point: from Pescetarian to Paleo-esque
In choosing to view a panic attack that visited me last summer for my ultimate spiritual benefit, I decided in its aftermath to gently reevaluate many areas of my life. In early September, I stopped in at Whole Foods one afternoon looking for something to tide me over until dinner. Perusing their hot bar, some Asian style meatballs caught my attention. Since I … Continue reading
Dear Gluten: I Need to Separate
Dear Gluten: You’ve been in my life for almost as long as I can remember. Stalwart and faithful, you were as proper and unassuming as Sugar was sexy and alluring. Often the two of you made joint appearances in cakes, muffins and cookies; you showed up in pressed khakis, Sugar in black leather. I confess, I gave Sugar the credit … Continue reading
After a Death, an Ant Reminds Me to Choose Life
A writer I admired passed away on Saturday, March 2. I met Robyn Richey Piz in a class at Lighthouse Writers Workshop, and she invited me to join a writing salon. I knew her mainly through the story she chose to tell about living with a chronic medical condition. Her evocative and even ethereal prose … Continue reading
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