Friday, January 3, 2020

Conquering the Divide

We'd suffered a rift. Not a disagreement or a falling out so much as a split, a clear division. It wasn't intended, but then these things rarely are. They happen. Sometimes you don't even see it coming, not even on the radar and then BAM, one thing leads to another and there is a separation. A significant one.

I had decided . . . well, to be fair I knew all along, that I needed to make it right. It was, if I had to admit it, my fault. Not choice, never a conscious decision, but the betrayal was mine, it would be up to me to conquer the divide. After all, for as long as I can remember I'd wake up pretty much every single morning to the same image. But not for the past 10 days.

Fault aside, it's hard though, when you've been hurt, really hurt, betrayed in a sense by your love. Not intentional, but that doesn't mean the pain isn't there, the fear of going back isn't paralyzing, the thought that it would never be the same pushing its way in no matter how many times you push it aside.


Conquering the Divide. | Graphic created by and property of www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics #humor


You know, when you're sick, really sick, you give up a lot. At first you don't even notice because the fever, the chills, the aches, even the inability to stand keeps functioning brain cells at bay. When all your strength is required just to get to the bathroom when necessary, there's little else that permeates the thought process (or lack thereof). By day 3 or 4 you're so relieved have had your eyes open for more than 10 minutes in a day or, and this is a big one, to have accomplished keeping down a sip or two of room temperature water, that you still haven't taken stock of how much you've lost.

I mean like food? What's food? Who even cares about food (did I say that? Yes, delirium is a scary thing). 



French Onion Spinach Potato Casserole is a flavorful side dish perfect for company and easy enough for an everyday family dinner. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #casserole

French Onion Spinach Potato Casserole
French Onion Spinach Potato Casserole is a flavorful side dish perfect for company and easy enough for an everyday family dinner. | Recipe developed by www.BakingInATornado.com | #recipe #casserole




It's not food we're talking about here, although, spoiler alert, the appetite returns as well.

It's that relationship you thought you could not live without . . . yet for the past 10 flu days (albeit spent in a stupor) you have.

Yes, it's a slow and tentative journey back to the one you love. Taken in small steps for fear of rejection, the kind of rejection that you've become all too familiar with over the last 10 days, the kind of rebuff that has you brushing your teeth for the 700 time in a day while wondering what could possibly be coming up when absolutely nothing is going down. 

And although it requires diligence, dedication, commitment and patience, I tell you today what was never even questioned at all: I have missed you, here and now I publicly renew my vow of commitment to you. 

Even if it's at a rate of one sip a day, I will find my way back to you, coffee. You are my true love.


Baking In A Tornado signature | www.BakingInATornado.com | #MyGraphics





French Onion Spinach Potato Casserole        
                                                       ©www.BakingInATornado.com


Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

3 large potatoes
4 oz frozen spinach, defrosted
3 TBSP butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup French Onion dip
2 TBSP grated parmesan
2 TBSP bacon bits
1/2 tsp paprika 

Directions:
*Clean, dry and prick the potatoes. Microwave for 5 minutes. Turn over and microwave another 5 minutes or until they are soft in the center when pierced with a fork. Cut in half and set aside for 5 minutes.
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a small baking dish.
*Firmly press the spinach between cloths or paper towels to remove as much of the moisture as possible. Place in a bowl with the onion dip, parmesan and bacon bits. Mix.
*Scoop the potato out of the skins and into the bowl. Discard the skins. Add the butter, salt and pepper to the bowl. Using a mixer, beat for one minute.
*Place the potato mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 35 minutes.

14 comments:

  1. Bwahahaha! Oh my word I knew this was going somewhere! I just couldn't guess where!!!

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  2. I was figuring it was some kind of food or beverage but yes, you had me guessing till the end! The yummy potato was a bonus. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. Yes, I think I was not only craving coffee, but spinach was another one once I felt better. Bet my body needed the iron.

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  3. This had me wondering and guess and enjoying the post

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  4. Sorry to hear you've been ill, and if i get sick and can't have my coffee, you might just as well shoot me. Well, no, don't, 'cause then i won't get coffee any more.

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  5. I only have two small cups of coffee a day, but if I don't get it, within a couple of hours a withdrawal headache starts.

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    1. I'm guessing I was too sick to feel the withdrawal. Glad to be back on track with my morning ritual now.

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  6. Wow this piece was intense. Good thing I ate a while ago. Caffeine has been my struggle this week, fortunately not the flu. I bought a french press so I can minimize my trips to Star Bucks here's hoping.

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    Replies
    1. I've never had a french press but I know people love them. Enjoy.

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  7. I was wondering if you were talking about the kitchen but ah yes coffee. Being too sick for coffee?? THAT is the worst!
    Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

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