Love is the best spice
a daily ritual with limitless life lessons, Sifnian ceramics, and 1.75 drinks hitting differently in Greece
a quick note.
(September 1) Hello from the Cycladic island of Sifnos. There is something about the energy here that is incredibly warm and inviting, Jess and I felt it from the moment our ferry arrived at the port. This is my first time in Greece — a place I’ve been wanting to visit for years, but always felt too daunted by the intricate planning and logistics required to reach the more remote islands here. But I can surely confirm, it’s well worth the commute. (editor’s note: the Seajet ferry back to Athens in 90 degree heat is not for the faint of heart or delicate traveler. Pack lightly.)
More on my Grecian adventures soon…
First, I want to tell you about the “meditation of the day”. A daily practice Jess introduced me to two years ago (during a very mutually transformative trip in Pantelleria), by means of the book “Journey to the Heart”. The book contains little passages with big messages for every day of the year. Countless dogeared pages, missing its front cover, highlighted insights, and personal footnotes from years past, Jess’s copy tells many stories of her life lived. It has provided us with a steadfast morning ritual and catalyst to deeeeep conversation and reflection, both when we’re together and apart. That is, until she recently gifted me my very own copy. I can’t wait to slowly turn the thick crisp pages into softer lessons, worn and wise with age.
It always seems the MOTD was written personally for my mind’s currently consumed thoughts. Sort of like a spiritual and meditative horoscope. Depending on how you interpret it, it can be incredibly deep, or just a moment to shift the tone and perspective of your day. Either way, pretty impactful.
Today’s MOTD is as follows — September 1st
Make It a Labor of Love.
«Incredibly fitting, too, as we had organized to take a ceramics class that day.»
Have you ever wondered why your mom’s chicken soup tastes better when you’re sick? Why your dad’s roast chicken is the best in the world? Or, conversely, why a dish that reads deliciously on a menu may taste bland or unsatisfying?
Did it feel like a warm hug when you’d walk into your grandparents’ home as a kid? Has a piece of art ever brought you to tears, happy or sad? Do you have a favorite item of clothing that used to belong to someone else that can instantly change your mood when you put it on?
Isn’t it SO interesting that if two people made the exact same recipe using the exact same ingredients, it can still taste totally different? Energy transfers. Love, or lack thereof, transfers.
This really got me thinking. It applies to everything! Sometimes we can’t help if a dish doesn’t turn out how we envisioned it to, or we are inevitably rushed moving through a task in life. But it’s a great reminder to slow down, be intentional, and lead with love. In everything we do. People can feel it, people can taste it.
(today, September 3) I’m very excited to receive our pottery pieces back, and gift them to loved ones. I know they are infused with a lottttta love, and hopefully the Sifnian lightness and warmth we were feeling.
I have savored every.last.drop. of summer this year. Especially the 1.75 cocktails Jess and I had last night. You know those nights when you literally feel tipsy after the first sip? Yea, the freakin’ best. We realized just how lethal they were when checking out of the hotel this morning and found this in the room key slot (it still worked). All time.
With summer coming to a close, and back-to-school energy in the air, I have a LOT of catching up to do on here. Cooking for 100+ people in the Swiss Alps, followed by slowness in Sardinia, the best pizza and pasta of my life in Verona, now stillness in Greece, and everything in-between.
In the meantime, may all your meals taste of love and care. Can you make breakfast for your honey or dinner for your BFF? Take time to lead with love, it matters.
Ciao for now xx
B&B
P.S. “Use your mind”
I want to have 1.75 drinks with you
This was the perfect little treat to start my day with reading. I love the way you see the world, Erica. Can’t wait to see the pottery and hear about the rest of your adventures. 🫶🏻