I think food, especially vegetables, are so beautiful. When I see them gathered, I always wish I could paint an amazing picture. The colors fill my spirit. Instead I use my cooking as a gratitude practice. I feel the privilege of having beautiful, healthy, fresh food. I try to prepare it with care and little waste. I often add the extra touch to make the dish more beautiful, my work of art. I think of the people I am cooking for, even if it’s only me, and I imagine how the food will take care of us. When I serve, I give the most yummy morsel, beautiful piece, etc the reverence it deserves.

I, too, have begun to write letters. Looking through keepsakes during quarantine, I noticed that I was filled with joy and love as I reread letters. Clearly they were important to me when I received them, so I tucked them away. Little did I know how important they really were. I also let the person know that the letter sent years ago was still delivering:) I wrote letters to my granddaughters last week. There is something powerful about sending something tangible. They truly are love letters.