Over the weekend it was just me, Izzy, and Winnie hanging out. Roger and Caroline were in California for a volleyball tournament and Sophie...well, Sophie is away at school! I keep forgetting that, if you can believe it. I mean, I know she's not around, but sometimes I fail to grasp she's actually gone.
I struggle with this concept in general--distinguishing between true reality and the one inside my head. I know there's a difference but if I'm not vigilant, it can blur.
I did a lot of cooking for some reason. Perhaps it would make more sense not to cook when it's just us girls but lately, and I think it's due to Caroline's fascination with Ina Garten, I've come to fancy myself quite the proficient in the kitchen. I mean, I've always been pretty familiar with the goings on in that area of the house: a firmly rooted childhood memory is standing over a bowl of some concoction with an electric beater in my hand.
I love how cooking is reduced to ratios and concepts, how basic methods of preparation may be applied to the advent of any dish. Of course, I'm no barefoot contessa so take everything I say with a grain of salt, but essentially it is less about strict measurements and more about vibes, about grasping the rhythm of proper temperatures, of wet and dry ingredients, of sugar to cut the acidic and of course my favorite: butter vincit omnia.
Butter conquers all.
Much of Izzy's weekend was occupied with music in some form or another. On Sunday her quartet played in an ensemble competition and won first place!
The experience left me feeling grateful...not for the win or anything like that, but for the wonder of seeing someone so deeply content. Izzy never fails to intrigue me, her interests are varied and intense. She is one game girl, curious and outward while at the same time quiet and thoughtful. Perhaps more than enjoying the performance, I was happiest to see how she interacted with the other quartet members off stage. They spend a lot of time together and I can see it's a great friendship with lots of laughs, interesting conversations, and genuine concern.
The musical part is a privilege, but in my mind it's something of an extra. What really matters is to see this greater development of character, this ability to connect with others, to share interests, to make something beautiful together which comes through effort, collaboration, and love.