Twirls, Toast, & Tantalizing Scents
A Slice of Morning Alchemy
With a "Bring!" the alarm went off. Rubbing my eyes, I turned off the alarm. Pushing back the comforter, I stretched and got out of bed. With a twirl around the room, I headed to freshen up for the day.
"Hm..." "Hmm..." I went through the hangers. Sand-brown is what I selected—a not-too-loose, not-too-tight, but just-right top and bottom. That’s what I wore, with my hair properly combed and away from my face. Then, I began my morning skincare.
Now, I was ready to start the day. Skipping through the silent hallways, I arrived in the kitchen, beginning my morning with a hearty breakfast.
The rich aroma of coffee filled the air. Glancing around, I spotted a pot of freshly brewed coffee. Mom must be awake—probably watering the plants in the back garden, I thought.
I set to the task at hand. Cracking the eggs into the pan, I grabbed a fork, considering scrambling them—but stopped myself. Mom doesn’t like scrambled eggs. So, here came her plate of sunny-side-up eggs. Letting them cook, I topped them with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Ah! The scent was tantalizing. Quickly, I prepared a plate of scrambled eggs for myself, then moved on to toasting bread slices. Next up: the toast topping—avocados were my choice.
After plating everything and cleaning up the mess, I set the meal on the table. Just in time—Mom walked in, and we sat down for breakfast.
Pouring a cup of coffee, I watched as the steam rose in an alluring way, curling at the top like a delicate heart.
Bon appétit!
The pan hums, the toast sighs,
Avocado green winks at my eyes.
Steam curls up in a heart’s disguise—
Oh, what a sunlit surprise!
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Comments (4)
Knock, knock! Long time no see, Staringale! I'm sorry to have disappeared without notice, but I've been back in China lecturing again these last two years! That, by the way, informed my choice of which of your works to read first on my return. Or rather, the title of this beautiful short piece did, because I hope you don't mind my saying I have so missed those magic ingredients that make up a Staringale story! The way you take the reader through a typical morning would start anyone's day on the right note. You always make every moment seem so special! It was just what I needed after all this time away, so thank you. The high point for me among so many charms, as you can probably guess, was your description of the food and coffee! Scrambled eggs have never sounded so good, and I'll just bet the scent was tantalizing! You've made me want to reach for the pepper and herbs. I think I will, as soon as breakfast time comes around (it's the small hours here in England, as I still seem to be on China time)! Euan Brennan just below is absolutely right that you've always had a Miyazaki feel about you, and I'm sure you were on my mind while I was teaching Film Studies classes on Kiki's Delivery Service and Totoro and just lately! You have the same gift for expressing the beauty of life's quiet little moments, and reminding us how much they mean. And now I'm the happy position of having a great many of your works to catch up on, so I'm looking forward to that!
This is such a comforting read. Just something so relaxing with the scents and imagery, and a non-hectic morning. Had the vibe of the start of a Studio Ghibli film.
This is utterly charming! You’ve made the everyday feel like alchemy, just as promised in the title. I’ll be dreaming of toast that sighs and steam that flirts. Lol ✨
Interesting!!!