The Kitchen Is Closed
I feel like I'm at a buffet, and I've managed, as always, to stack too much on my plate. Gravy flowing down mashed potatoes, pooling in the sauteed green beans and bleeding into the bread; broccoli, insulted by the close proximity of roly poly stuffed mushrooms. When I finally dig my fork into the piles of food, some grains of rice slip off of the edge of the plate, onto the table. My companion reminds me that we're at a buffet--I can always come back for more.
It's the same with this blog. I've finally realized that I need to come back for extra helpings at another time because, right now, I'm full, and the fixings, however delicious, are losing their appeal. I don't have much left to offer. I can't see how the ingredients can come together to create the final product. I can't even remember what I've started eating or cooking here.
We have a full menu for the end of July and the month of August that includes several trips, a return to work and a return to school, birthday parties, a reception, appointments, guests, and occasional pauses. I don't know when I will return to the kitchen.
In the meantime, however, I would still like to continue to visit your blogs; you--and your thoughts, and your writing, and your art--have become a part of my life, little helpings of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Fuel to get me through my day, tasty morsels of thought, warmth, inspiration, and creativity.
When I visit, it will be my way of stopping by your house for coffee (or a beer). Hopefully, one day soon, I will be able to reciprocate the favor and invite you back to my place. Maybe, by that time, I will have a loose leaf binder full of new recipes and a pantry brimming with exotic ingredients. Maybe I will have a gorgeous new runner on the table and pretty floral curtains on the windows.
Then again, maybe you'll just get some regular ol' home cooking served up on a paper plate at a clear spot on the table.
Regardless, I hope that one day, just like me at the buffet, you'll be willing to amble on back for more.
It's the same with this blog. I've finally realized that I need to come back for extra helpings at another time because, right now, I'm full, and the fixings, however delicious, are losing their appeal. I don't have much left to offer. I can't see how the ingredients can come together to create the final product. I can't even remember what I've started eating or cooking here.
We have a full menu for the end of July and the month of August that includes several trips, a return to work and a return to school, birthday parties, a reception, appointments, guests, and occasional pauses. I don't know when I will return to the kitchen.
In the meantime, however, I would still like to continue to visit your blogs; you--and your thoughts, and your writing, and your art--have become a part of my life, little helpings of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Fuel to get me through my day, tasty morsels of thought, warmth, inspiration, and creativity.
When I visit, it will be my way of stopping by your house for coffee (or a beer). Hopefully, one day soon, I will be able to reciprocate the favor and invite you back to my place. Maybe, by that time, I will have a loose leaf binder full of new recipes and a pantry brimming with exotic ingredients. Maybe I will have a gorgeous new runner on the table and pretty floral curtains on the windows.
Then again, maybe you'll just get some regular ol' home cooking served up on a paper plate at a clear spot on the table.
Regardless, I hope that one day, just like me at the buffet, you'll be willing to amble on back for more.
posted by Cate at 5:53 PM
62 Comments:
Cate, have a good time doing all the things you need to do. I'm betting you'll be storing up lots of impressions, ideas, happenings, etc. that will be boiling over on the cookstove of your brain. Hope you'll feel like sharing them with us!
It's difficult to get the water to flow if you have nothing with which to prime the pump. Life is worth living; get out there and do it! We'll miss your wonderfully written posts but will welcome you back with open arms if and when you return.
I think if your blog was serving cold beans and rice with warm water I'd still come back with my best Oliver Twist face and proper accent saying, "Could I please have some more?"
Enjoy the break and I hope it will recharge your batteries and fill your cup. Blessings!
Hmmm, great minds think alike I suppose. You have my email addy. Don't you dare forget about the ABC girls.
I will hunt you down if you do! :)
Love ya babe,
a.
I'll be waiting... (how about coffee and beer!)
What Kim said.
Don't forget to stop by and my place and say hi now and then, ok?
(((Cate)))
Fair enough, see you round.
It'd be reassuring if you'd post once a month to say "All of us are still well."
Enjoy yourself. And of course I'll be back, yours is one of the few I religiously check daily, even if it has only been a recent addition. Your comments are lovely, and I always enjoy your words.
Take care!
-Aly
sometimes you just can't force these things and need to take a back seat for a while...when you return i hope the inspiration is flowing once more.
have a good summer.:)
Oh Cate I totally understand sweetie! We all have those buffet moments. Even if you come back just for an appetizer I promise to check back in and hope you do the same. I will me some Cate but I understand.
Sorry to hear it Cate but I completely understand. I've been having a hard time lately finding time to keep up with the blogs I want to read. It feels like standing up friends; silly! But I hope you will come back -- I really love your writing!
Take as much time as you need, we'll be here waiting when the spirit moves you.
Tis better to live life and come back to share.. then just sit at a computer. I love everything you write, so I will be anxiously awaiting your return.. In the meantime, enjoy the world.
I've just found you -- in the last few weeks -- and you run off! Geez.
But I understand. When you're back, I'll be ready to read. And see you for coffee soon, I hope!
How we could we not come back for more? Enjoy your summer though. It will be over before you know it. I hope you are having a great time.
I love your words Cate. Even as you write of your sabbatical, I long to read more. Enjoy the rest of your summer, even more so, enjoy your vacation and I hope to see you again soon. I'll keep coming by because I'm always looking to see what I might have missed at the buffet.
I will miss your writing, Cate! I really always smile at how clever you are at turning a phrase, an dyour way with words. I hope you will still visit me, because I would hate to lose touch with your creative mind!
:)
Come back soon (or stop by) and I'll bring the beverages!
Cate, I'll miss my time with your writing and will be waiting for your return. Enjoy the summer. When you get back to us you'll have baskets of juicy words to share.
I have been going through this for the past year...so I can relate! But I will look so foward to when you are back!
Have a wonderful time on your trips and enjoying everything in your plans!
xoxo
oh cate, you sound like you'll be having a fabulous time! (: Take care and have fun. I'll be waiting for your stories.
love.
Cate,
By all means take a break, you have earned it. Okay you done now?yayyyyy!!!!! Just kidding.
As so many others have said, we will miss the great posts for a while no doubt. However, when you get back I am sure you will have reloaded and have plenty more to share with us in your great style.
We will just be like the kids waiting for you to return from vacation. Only instead of coffee mugs and tshirts stating "my friend went to Las vegas and all i got was this stinkin t-shirt" we will get more of the great gifts your posts tend to be. So....
Relax.......get back here!
rest........get back here!
Sun.........get back here!
fun..........get back here!
shop........get back here!
ooops sorry, showing my psyco side a bit there......Seriously, enjoy the break, and hope to see you soon.
Rob
I'm convinced it's all about being summer. A few of us have slowed down a bit. I know I certainly have. So much going on, the heat, etc. So enjoy your break, store up experiences and impressions and RECIPES to share and come back when you are ready. We will all be here waiting. Hugs, Annie
There seems to be something in the air...something about summer, and wanting to grapple with time away from the computer.
I'll miss your words so much. My coffee pot is always on for you.
"May the road rise to meet you"...and...there's always tea a'plenty-or coffee, if you prefer...
hi my little bean counter. damn you went out with a bang. i know this is only a sabbatical so I am not goin to say "good bye" but just that I have a cold one waiting for you in the ice box. oh... and i just want you to know that i have often been called "jojo bean"... this must mean that we are long lost sisters... kin from another life in the bean fields (is that where beans grow... in fields?) well anyway. maybe we were "orphans drowning in the creek" ? oh will you please come for coffee! i cannot promise you milk but I always have a hefty supply of soy. maybe i will be bitching and complaining... but when you want to steer again... just nudge. I wish you all the best relaxation during the rest of the months of summer! xo ~ jojo
Must be the heat. I'm feeling overstuffed myself.
I completely understand... my plate feels a bit full right now, too. Summer is a crazy time, so much to cram into such a short span of time, then add in family and work and all that to the mix, and yeah... my head is spinning, too.
My best to you, Lou and the boys; I miss you all! Enjoy the rest of your summer and your new job and all the other exciting things going on.
Keep in touch!
xoxo,
Melanie
Cate, i know you're 'absent', but i'm hoping you may still pick up your comments.
i would just like to say thanks so much for your comment recently...much appreciated.
hope you're realxing and enjoying the summer!
Hey Cate,
Just stopping in to say hi.
Tanya
Hey! I'll miss you while you're wandering around without your apron on, but you're welcome to drop in any time. I'm not much of a baker, but I whizz up a mean Hummus - you can dip, and there's smoothies, too! See you when the summer madness calms down. (I love how you worked that metaphor there - so, SO well done!)
Have a wonderful summer - your words and their effect on me will be deeply missed - please do stop by for coffee anytime & let me know when you'll be back. I'll be pretty thirsty by then!! LOVE to you! xo
*sigh* :(
:)
Its been so long since I checked your blog. Its such a breath of fresh air to read your thoughts :)
xox
Jess
I love your imagery. Something tells me, the recipes brewing inside you will come back. I get the sense whether you like being a cook or not, you're a cook, lady!
I'll be waiting.
In my journal a year or two ago, I wrote "I've been looking at life like it's an all-you-can-eat buffet" (probably an idea I borrowed tho); finally I quit my job and am trying to learn to live without overcommitments... It's tough, but great!
Thanks for the well-wrought reminder! Enjoy the busy if you can, but remember to take care of Cate. We'll miss you!
HeeellLO, already? Just a Sunday Scribble? Maybe? I miss your words.
:)
Thanks for the birthday wishes. was hoping i might find the kitchen open, you know how that cake wears off and leaves you hungry. :)
We understand. However. Please come back!
I can't even tell you all how much I appreciate your kind words, encouragement, etc!
The kitchen is still closed (the stove broke) but I'm not sure what the future holds.
Still visiting and enjoying blogs (though not always commenting). Thinking of my blogger friends and hoping that good things continue for you all. xo
Heeeeeerrre catycatycatycaty! Heeeerrre catycatycatycaty!
:)
I just read an old entry on my blog and it had a lovely warm comment from you and I missed you so I thought I'd pop in and say Hi.
My family and I are going to a friend's wedding in Lewisburg, PA on the 30th of September, which I guess isn't all that far from you. If you see a blonde stranger wearing bright colours and talking with an accent to two little girls called Hazel and Iris, say Hi.
Hey Cate,
I take some time off, come back and here you are. Gone. Boo Hoo. I hope to see you soon.
Hugs!
I take consolation in knowing that you are still willing to drop by for a visit.
Ack - this diner has been closed for too long.
Hi Cate, just a hello to say I'm still missing you.
Agreed - Also missing your words. xo
Aly
thought maybe i could get a spot of tea.
Sigh.
I'm hungry.
I wrote this thing, and I'm proud of it (it's short too, so you can read it really fast if you like) but now it's done I'm wondering if it is Flash Fiction, or does that require a plot surprise?
I hope you come back soon--the blog world just isn't the same without you. I miss your wise and wonderful writing and think about you often.
Just checking in again. I see youve left a comment, but the kitchen is still closed. Hope all is well on your side of the world.
BD
PETITION!
SEANCE!
I thought for sure the kitchen would be open today of all days!
Oh well...happy thanksgiving, Cate. Now get a new stove, dammit. :-)
No leftovers even? Sigh.
Just wanted to say hi! Hope you are well. :)
:)
I hope you are well. And I would like an order to go please!
Just stopping back by to say Merry Christmas!!
I smell cookies!! You're holding out on us blogger friends......nope, we're not going to go away(we know where you live)hehehe!
Happy holidays to you and yours my dear!
Hohohoh!
I know you aren't writing, but I do miss hearing your thoughts.. especially during some of the downtimes. If you ever start a secret journal somewhere, let me know. In the meantime - I'll keep coming back, hoping someone has started serving food again!
I hope you are having the Merriest of Christmases. Big hugs to you!!!
It actually must be freeing not to blog, huh?
As the year comes to an end I just wanted to say I was thinking of you today, hoping you still check in here from time to time so I can say I miss your writing and hope you are having a lovely Christmas weekend and that you have your most fulfilling year yet Cate. Hope you are well!
Merry Christmas, Cate! I miss you. I wish you'd start posting again, even if it's only every now and then and that you'd say hey in comments more often. I hope everything is going well with you and I hope you and your family are having a wonderful, joy-filled holiday.
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