It takes time. It forces you to slow down. To pay attention. To be aware. To be in the moment. Patience is required. And a little laughter too. We spent a good part of our weekend tending the fire, patiently watching as the last of our sap boiled down to maple syrup. Oh what a process. We are by no means efficient at this, it is after all only our second year collecting sap from four very old trees in the backyard. We boil it down on a wood stove in our little cottage in the backyard and bottle the pure liquid gold that results from our time spent watching and waiting, waiting and watching.
It is a process; a long, slow process that reminds me of the life we are choosing to live. A life in the slow lane. A life enjoying the little things. A life lived with awareness and intention. A simple life full of good things, such good, sweet things.
Wonderful Kim,
ReplyDeleteWe had a very slow Easter weekend too!
It´s soo good, it´s healing even!
After some time in the fast lane!
I am not yet as far as you concerning life though, it is sometimes to fast for me!
Thanks Karen. Glad you had a lovely Easter. Life gets too fast for all of us sometimes, it is up to us to control the speed of it :)
DeleteIt certainly does take patience as I'm beginning to learn too. I get the feeling it's worth it though.
ReplyDeleteIt is so worth it :)
DeleteMaple syrup is indeed gold. Better than gold I'd say, since gold just doesn't compare in taste ;)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this adorable cottage is yours, I love it!! Just a tad bit bigger and I'd move in!
I am with you, better than gold. And thank you! We actually built it as a little guest house, we just need to get a futon for it and it is set.
DeleteI love slow. But every time I think I'm going extra slowly, I realise I can slow life down even further...! I love maple syrup too :) xx
ReplyDeleteMe too! So funny how that happens. I find the same with simplifying my life, I think I have reached a point where I can't simplify anymore and then I find something else to simplify. I have to admit I do love that part about moving slowly though, discovering that we can slow down even more and still get exactly what we need as a family out of life.
Deletewhat an amazing experience!
ReplyDeleteIt really is, for all three of us :)
DeleteYippie! My mouth is watering. :)
ReplyDeleteIt tastes so good KC, so good :)
DeleteI'm making a mental note to myself.....when we visit Kim, make sure we go at this time of the year. I LOVE maple syrup. Organic maple syrup is expensive here.....we only have it occasionally. Enjoy! xxoo
ReplyDeleteI love that you say "when" I can't wait for you to visit :)
DeleteLooks like fun - I bet the heat of the boiling goes perfectly with a chilly, early spring day!
ReplyDeleteIt does!
DeleteI just received some syrup from my dad, homemade. Love it! Now I race a mile a minute in my head, and I would love to slow down just a little mentally.
ReplyDeleteIt is the best! I think the mental slow down is so tough, I have to remind myself to calm my mind sometimes. I can be wondering in the woods and yet my mind is going so very fast.
DeleteYum! Nothing better than homemade maple syrup. Isn't funny how so many homesteading tasks cause you to slow it all down and take it all in? It's a lesson I'm am still learning. Thanks for the reminder Kim! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, nothing better :) Yes on the homesteading tasks, they all force you to slow down and enjoy the moment of the task. Good lessons for us :)
DeleteOh, that looks so heavenly!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteIt seems like such a fun thing, boiling down your own maple syrup. I love that you share your adventures in living more simply. It is always inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIt is a ton of fun, and we enjoy it. Thank you Sara, that means a lot :)
DeleteI know that people do this in my part of the world, too. I just can't ever figure out exactly when. Looks divine!
ReplyDeleteIt is! We boiled down a little more last night and had it on our pancakes this morning. Divine is the right word :)
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