Walking away is not an option... dialogue must prevail.

"A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree sharply, but because he disagrees, he wants to know exactly what it is he is disagreeing with."
- Kenneth A. Wells

"I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace."
- Helen Keller

Friday, March 28, 2008

creature comforts


I've been ill most of the week with what seems to be the flu. My fever finally broke (and yes, I will be seeing my doctor next week). I fell into the routines that make me feel better... routines Mom started. I've carried them on with my daughter as well who has been an absolute peach this week.

I picked her up from school and when I asked her what she might like for dinner, she grinned and said: "Lipton chicken noodle soup... it always makes ME feel better when I'm sick, it'll make YOU feel better". She's a wise kid.

It got me to thinking about the extra special things Mom did for me when I was a kid.


My favourite? Apparently, there was no such thing as seedless grapes when I was growing up and Mom would cut each grape in half, remove the seeds. And when I was particularly puny, she even took the skin off. I still remember the feeling of cold and wet grape bits in the bowl.


I have no idea how or why this started, but it made me feel extra special when she did it.





One thing I love and never bother to do unless I'm sick is to have hot tea in a nice teacup. It makes me feel civilized and less icky.

Tonight's choice was Jasmine Tea complete with flower. The smell (it's nice to be able to smell!) is absolutely heavenly and the warmth soothes my throat.




"The aspects of things that are most important for us are hidden because of their simplicity and familiarity"
-- Ludwig Wittgenstein

25 comments:

CrystalChick said...

Hope you are feeling better each day! A good bowl of soup and some tea surely comforts. Mmmm, jasmine, sounds wonderful. I made spearmint tea with honey for the kids today and I will probably have a cuppa something relaxing before bed too. Tea isn't something we have every day though so it is a nice treat.
I remember when my Mom was dying of cancer we tried to give her grapes but she couldn't chew so I did peel a few for her.

Have a weekend of healing!
Feel well soon. :)

Jeff B said...

I loved your line "It makes me feel civilized and less icky." Glad you're on the mend.

Charles Gramlich said...

It's odd how little things really show their importance when you're ill. A nice comfy blanket, a warm drink in a nice cup. We really appreciate the small touches. HOpe you get completely better quickly.

buffalodick said...

Tea is soothing when you're sick- but a belt of Ny-Quil ain't too bad, either!

Lu' said...

My Mom whistled when things were good. To this day that is a sound of relief to me. Traumatic child hood, experimenting young adult. I'm not left with many memories.

I think tea in a pretty cup sounds lovely. Put in a little whiskey and lemon and it will help your cold.

Anonymous said...

Hope yo feel mo betta soon!!
I had that "black death" or whatever it was and it sucked.
Get well.

Desert Songbird said...

Moms had a way of making us feel special, didn't they? I try to do the same for my kids, but I don't know if I succeed.

Liz Hill said...

My grandmother did so many things like this for me. I love that soup--I haven't had it in years.

Barbara said...

Salut Anndi,
You get well soon .
Your Chicklet just knew what to do; Chicken soup.Yes, it always does one good.

It sounds like your Mommy was just so tender to you.And now, you are passing on the love.

Bises à toi, chère amie.

TopChamp said...

sorry you've been ill. Flu is HORRIBLE - take time to get better.

Anndi said...

Crystalchick: I love spearmint tea... The Chicklet loves having green tea when we go to the Chinese restaurant.

Wonderful thing you did for your Mom. The last thing Mom actually ate was Wonton soup, she and I had dinner, just the two of us.

Does a weekend of healing include spending the day cleaning floors and rearranging furniture?

Jeff: I'm kicking the flu's butt ;)

Charles: I'm working on it. Thank you.

Anndi said...

Buff: and a good stiff whiskey too! ;p

'lu: **hugs** - see? I took your advice about the whiskey ;)

Sage: thanks darlin'!

Songbird: yup... and of course you do! **hugs**

Anndi said...

Turnbaby: my grandmother always let me win at cards when I was puny... :)
Wel, hop a plane and I'll make you a bowl!
SMOOCH

Barbara: Salut mon amie!

I had the best teacher. And Chicklet will be a great mom.

Bises xo

Topchamp: Thanks dear. I'm going stir crazy though...

Christo Gonzales said...

hot swweaty baths always do the trick for me

Akelamalu said...

Sorry to hear you're not well Anndi. How thoughtful your daughter is and what lovely memories of your Mom. Pamper yourself until you feel better. x

Romeo Morningwood said...

That 'bug' hit me this week too!
I am absolutely certain that it came from one of 4 possible germ factories..I have 3 kids in 3 different schools plus my wife is a teacher.
I don't stand a chance when these things hit...aaarrrgggh!

I am sooo ready for Spring!
Bring it on.

Unknown said...

I´m gald you´re feeling better, Anndi!

Jasemine tea, chicken soup and chicklet... the best combination to cure the flu! :-)

Sanni

Unknown said...

Love the new site. My mom used to make Kool-Aid water (Kool-Aid without letting it gel) for us growing up.

RW said...

Here is to you feeling better Anndi! My favorite remedy is a couple of shots of Jack Danial's and a hot tub, this isn't a full proof cure but it always makes me feel better! :D

Mimi Lenox said...

I love the teacup idea. It's so true. I hope you are feeling bette Anndi. Take care of yourself and little Chicklet.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

peeled AND seeded??? sheesh

the Book of Keira said...

Wow... your mom was better than I will ever be...lol.

Unknown said...

Flu = No Fun

I’m glad to hear your daughter has been helpful. Your mom slicing the grapes: that’s wonderful! The reason as a kid that I never ate grapes was those seeds.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Chicken soup, ginger ale, tea and toast...yep that does it...

Anndi said...

db: those are good!

akelamalu: My Chicklet is a darling and takes good care of her maman. xo

donn: The Black Death was a doozy... and I'm with you as far as spring. Hope you're better!

Sanni: yup!**hugs**

Dana: comfort stuff... Hugs precious friend.

Roger: sounds great to me!

Mimi: What's the point of having someting pretty if it's just going to sit on a shelf. Thank you Mims.

Bond: yup! My Mom rocked!

Kyra: She peeled and seeded grapes, you sew amazing costumes... you're pretty darn good babe!

Nick: Chicklet's been very sweet. Maybe I'll fix myself a bowl of sliced grapes, for old times sake.

Coop: What is it about ginger ale! Thanks dear!