Aisling's Decluttering Journal
20 April - 15 May 2003

"I felt like Persephone..." It was more than an escape from the record-breaking cold and snow this winter; it was a return to life, when I spent time in Houston, New Orleans, and Orlando.

In February, I remember being amazed when someone was actually delighted with my cooking. Oh, on an intellectual level I know that I'm a good cook. I know that many people love the food that I prepare. But... that hasn't been the case here, for a long time. At best, my cooking has been taken for granted.

Almost every night, my husband serves himself small portions of what I cook. Then, he goes out to the kitchen and pours himself a big bowl of breakfast cereal. That is what he'd rather eat. It's been difficult to live with, these many years, and I've pretended that it doesn't bother me as much as it does. But, it's worn me down.

Then, in February I was suddenly gifted with daily reminders of the things that I am good at, such as cooking. And, that was amazing and fulfilling.

I like to cook, but it's not exactly the meaning of life for me. But, I took such joy in seeing someone utterly pleased when I prepared a meal. It was a bigger relief than I ever expected.

Frankly, it rattled me as I journaled about it, and put it into perspective.

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