Yes, a baker’s dozen we were, some drove hundreds of miles while others just a few to gather, giggle and gobble up all thirteen dishes made in our nest (except for the gelato.)
I had no other choice but to embrace the ancient art of wabi-sabi or appreciating the simplicity and serenity in things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.
It’s what state the entire nest is in, even the kitchen craves counter stools to complete the atmosphere. Who wants to stand around the counter when you can plop on a stool and relieve your distended feet while gazing at the food-in-the making.
On Thanksgiving, I gave thanks to what we had and set aside the need for perfection and instead focused on things as they truly are. All three tables round and rustic, worn and weathered from use and time, turned out to be just the right imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. The older children even communed with the dwarf tropical plants in the mud room…it never looked better.
I am forever grateful for this set bestowed to us by the previous owner, for they no longer were in need, but we couldn’t have pulled off this day without it. And how ideal the tiny and low table with its crescent moon seating for the littlest of the bunch.
Yes, it was a wabi-sabi gratitude of a day indeed. It was hard to miss the tender and raw beauty of the leaves in process of decay from whichever table guest were seated. A reminder that we too are transient beings; we too are in the process of returning to stardust.
Through wabi-sabi, we learn to embrace both the glory and the melancholy found in marks of passing time. The Japanese word wabi, which means humble, and sabi, which suggest beauty over the natural course of time.
While the traditional Cuban cornbread stuffing and bread was made to accompany the bird, my favorite dish was the chocolate soufflé.
Of course, I wasn’t the only one, “this is better than Roy’s” a gather commented. It’s from Roy himself, he happened to be at the restaurant and when he veered by the table, you better believe the soufflé recipe was requested. And guess what our wish was granted. He was more than willing to disclose his recipe and it has been enjoyed in our nest on special occasions quite frequently. I believe it’s better because Papa Bear pours his love into everything he makes, plus a good quality chocolate and healthy eggs help too. Now let’s finish up those half-eaten pies and the rest of the soufflé batter, because there’s no other way of eating them but made to order and right out of the oven with a generous scoop of gelato. May you discover wabi-sabi in your nest this holiday season and revere in its authenticity for it’s time to celebrate the cracks and crevices that time leaves behind.
thefolia.com 
It sounds like it was pretty perfect…
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Yes Trish it certainly was, with food made with love you can’t go wrong even if we didnt have a table big enough for us all. Hope you had a fabulous one!
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“set aside the need for perfection and instead focused on things as they truly are.”—That can be difficult to do, but so rewarding when we’re able to. Sounds like you had a wonderful day!
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Yes it is a work in progress at least for me. When you are able to achieve this state, you have the energy to deal with what really matters like in this case grateful to enjoy food, and the company of family and friends. Also, it gave us the opportunity to try out seating in the mudroom, not permanent but fun nonetheless. Hope your day was a great one too.
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It was. Thank you. 😊
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Great to hear, it’s such an exciting day!
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Beautiful analogy, if only we could appreciate our lives with its cracks and imperfections, rather than pretend perfection at the expense of our own honest happiness, we would be in harmony. Glad to hear you had a great holiday!
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Thank you, yes it takes some effort to see past first superficial impressions and see the beauty in what really is and what we have. Hope you enjoyed yours as well.
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Humble beauty. I love it. Please pass the chocolate souffles! Look at those raised garden beds you have out there. Do you have a green house attached to your house house?
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Thank you, yes three days in a row and each time they were heavenly…happy to share the souffle. Can you share your weather please? And yes that is an attached greenhouse it’s how I’m greeted when I come home, always through the greenhouse to see all my green lovelies.
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My goodness. That sounds absolutely heavenly, like your own personal Eden. I would love that–if only I could be sure I could keep the plants alive!
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It is wonderful to grow and harvest all year round just steps from the kitchen in a climate that normally doesn’t. It’s the next best thing being so far away from the coast and summer all year round. You are fortunate to do so without a greenhouse in your climate if you have a patch of land or even pots.
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We do have a garden, but it’s always hit or miss with us. I adore plants, but we just kind of stink at keeping them alive and/or well! 😦 So go you, my friend!
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That’s what the kids are for! I bet they will love taking responsibility with the garden, I know mine did when they were younger. Now they compare who’s beds are better…always a competition.
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Sadly, that hasn’t really happened. We tried. 😦
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Really they don’t like digging in the dirt? Make it part of the curriculum…they have to make a pizza for example with stuff grown from the garden except of course the crust and cheese. I worked for a school and the kids loved gardening classes especially when combined with cooking.
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They did enjoy helping with the planting. Watering is a different matter.
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Yes and Southern California you need to be vigilent…maybe one day one of your little ones can help set up an drip irrigation system and solve all your gardening challenges.
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That would be wonderful!
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Best of luck!
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Thank you!
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😁
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Good to see Grandpa bear. Sounds like it was a fun feast!
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Yes it’s always great to have him around. Miss you guys, thinking of you and wishing events went well for you last week.
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How beautifully put. Your tables have such character to them.
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Thank you kindly. Yes, it was a lesson in embracing the imperfect and entertaining with thoughfulness and ease.
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I’ve never known the meaning of Wabi-Sabi, Cristina, and I love the way you’ve described it in words and illustrated with your photos. I love the way you accommodate your guests and provide such gracious hospitality. It’s about the people who grace our family gatherings more than the beauty of our homes, but I know enough about you to know that with any imperfections you identify, your home is always lovely. And the chocolate soufflé looks incredible. 🙂
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Thank you dearest Debra. Yes you are absolutely right, guest do make the home even more beautiful no matter what state the nest is in. I’m learning to accept the impermanence state ours is in; it makes even the littlest changes more cherishing. It’s a new one to me too as I read about the ancient concept last year. Words cannot describe the souffle; it’s been awhile since it was made in our nest…it hit the spot.
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What a wonderful food-loving family!
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Thank you Haute Mommy…the simple things in life are always the best.
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Thanks for stopping by my blog. The Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-sabi helps explain the natural affinity towards antique object. I take that a step further in my appreciation for the beauty found in decay and abandonment.
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Yes, there’s not an exact translation, maybe because we are such a young and naive country…so much to learn. I enjoyed stumlbling upon your space, the compositions and patterns you discover in everyday life are intriguing. You have a well trained eye thank you for sharing your talent and stopping by my space.
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