Sourdough (originally posted on 5/2/2020)

Two ingredients. The sourdough starter only requires two ingredients: flour and water. 

You'll be surprised that something so delicious can arise from two ingredients. You'll doubt this is possible. But soon you'll see the tiny bubbles pierce their way through the thick mud letting you know that your starter is alive. The bacteria are thriving. They are eating. They are creating the byproducts of what happens when two molecules meet and unite. Soon there is a rich, delicious sour flavor. One bubble at a time. One day at a time.

You may ask yourself if it's worth it, making the sourdough. There are only so many hours in the day. Do you really have time to stop and measure out the flour and water and feed your starter every day? Every week? 

I mean, you can buy sourdough at Trader Joe's. Perfectly round. Perfectly sliced. 

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With resignation, comes peace.

Here we are, in a global pandemic. 

We need to stay inside as the virus threatens us. 

Concerts canceled. Trips canceled. Parties canceled. School canceled.

This is a master class in disappointment.

But soon we see

We can’t kick and scream our way through this. We can’t curl up our fists and fight this virus away.

We’re resigned to our homes. 

We finally fix up that loose step. 

Organize the drawers. 

Take out the dust covered puzzles. 

Start our gardens. 

I made a sourdough. 

Michelle made a sourdough. 

Darien made a sourdough. 

Jessi made a sourdough. 

New things are working their way through the thick mud, being born.