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Happy-Gourmand

Taking solace: pause, reflect

I suppose the title sounds rather melancholy. I am feeling that way lately. Certainly, we are very fortunate to be in a place where the pandemic has not struck hard; in B.C. the curve has been flattened and here in the Okanagan we have only had a few small outbreaks of coronavirus. Canada is a country that has many levels of support and infrastructure to help keep us safe and healthy. I am grateful.

I am also saddened by the loss of a livelihood for hubby and me, and by the isolation needed to keep us safe. The irony is not lost on either of us that here we are with all this free time and summer coming, and yet we can’t go anywhere or visit anyone. 

Events are not happening for the most part this season – all the clients have rebooked for next year since guests can’t travel and some are vulnerable. Group pictures become hard to do when incorporating social distancing, and passing appetizers is impossible.

It is important to take solace in what we have. Every little moment from walking the dog to seeing a new blossom or shoot in our yard have been cause for celebration. Having virtual happy hour with friends and Zoom coffee dates with family and loved ones around the world does much to lift our spirits. 

We have taken advantage of the time to prepare a wonderful edible garden for this year, and to do some small (read affordable) fix-it jobs around the house. I am taking courses on bread baking and learning more about edible plants and their history. Hubby is working on his online presence for future. 

With the next phase of our reality, unfolding in the next few weeks, I intend to pause and reflect on how fortunate we are before I make any changes right away. Perhaps I’ve seen too many sci-fi movies, but I am not all that keen to find out we slid back down that curve because we got too excited too fast. 

That’s just me. I’m older, I’m self-employed and I have an autoimmune disease as well. I don’t expect everyone will follow my example or even understand it. I am just hoping that we can all respect each other’s positions as things open up and we have to be around each other with our own different comfort levels. 

The social experiment on which we are embarking is going to require all our patience, consideration and generosity of spirit to make it not only successful but pleasant. If ever there was a time to pause and reflect – take a breath and think before you act – it is now.

The timing at least is good. Mother’s Day is upon us, and what better example than the many women role models who exemplify calm strength (often in times of stress), and deep love (even in moments when people may not behave toward them in a loving fashion). We can pause and reflect on how best to show them we can follow in their footsteps.

Canadians are known for being polite and considerate, kind and easygoing. We generally look out for each other and have a strong sense of community. Let’s all remember that if we head out to shop or eat or gather with a group.

Please, be polite and considerate to all those working in this new world. Be kind to others around you and easygoing about their differences. Watch over others and remember we are all in this together. 

We can take solace in knowing our community has gotten a good start on this pandemic. We can also pause and reflect, being grateful for what we have and not taking it for granted.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Kristin Peturson-Laprise is a customer experience specialist by trade, which means she is someone passionate about people having a good time. 

Her company, Wow Service Mentor, helps businesses enhance their customer experience through hands-on training, service programs, and special event coordination.

Kristin enjoys her own experiences too, and that is what she writes about in this column. She and her husband Martin Laprise (also known as Chef Martin, of The Chef Instead) love to share their passion for food and entertaining.  

Kristin says:

"Wikipedia lists a gourmand as a person who takes great pleasure in food. I have taken the concept of gourmandise, or enjoying something to the fullest, in all parts of my life. I love to grow and cook food, and I loved wine enough to become a Sommelier. I call a meal a success when I can convey that 'sense of place' from where the food has come . . . the French call that terroir, but I just call it the full experience. It might mean tasting the flavours of my own garden, or transporting everyone at the table to a faraway place, reminiscent of travels or dreams we have had."

 

E-mail Kristin at:  [email protected]

Check out her website here:  www.wowservicementor.com

 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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