Ushering in another year of Delicious Bits

and highlights from my first year of musings, ideas and recipes

And just like that, Delicious Bits is entering its fourth year.

In some ways, it seems hard to believe. It’s been an extraordinary three years, much of it feeling like time was standing still. Yet, we found ways to cope: some got super fit, others became gourmands and put on a few Covid pounds; we bought, sold, or renovated our homes; we changed jobs, started new careers, or left the workforce entirely.

I did a bit of each of those and more. Travel took on new significance, each precious trip savoured in ways that brought into sharp focus how very lucky we were to be travelling at all. While some friendships fell away, others were rekindled and deepened, bringing me joy and solace and the much needed gift of connection.

And then I had this small newsletter. A weekly commitment that was at first easy to fulfill, more difficult as my life gets larger and broader. But still, here I am, on a snowy Sunday morning, chewing over words and jumbled thoughts and recipes and ideas that might be worth sharing.

For today, I’m revisiting some of my favourite posts from these past three years, starting with a few from 2021, and inviting you to revisit them too. If you’ve been with me since the beginning, these may not be new, but you might be reminded of a recipe that you wanted to try, a link you wanted to visit, a book you wanted to read or movie you wanted to see. For my newer subscribers, consider this a whirlwind tour of what Delicious Bits is all about.

Finding joy and simplicity

Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow

—Helen Keller

While the themes of Delicious Bits tend to run all over the place, still, there’s an underlying perennial topic I’ve written about often: how we can find joy.

This newsletter, from February 2021, is such a post. In it I write about the importance of casual connections, the beauty of small moments and why it’s time to stop pursuing happiness. I also share a recipe for a most delicious chocolate babka that you might want to bookmark for a special Valentine’s Day treat.

Simplifying life is also something I’ve pondered, here. And in this post from March 2021, focused on why simple is hard, and why having a learner’s mindset might be considered a very important life goal. But, still, recipes that are as simple as one two three are invaluable, and this featured one of my favourite ways to make chicken—on the table in 45 minutes.

Small but mighty

I’ve also spent time here ruminating about how even the smallest actions can have a big impact. This newsletter from December 2021 contemplated why we should stop taking in the noise and start listening to our quiet gentle inner voice, more wise than we give it credit for. Or this one, that focused on diving deeper and not skimming the surface of life (plus there’s a killer recipe for my favourite all time snack—pimento cheese).

Just do everything

Most of all this week, I wanted to remind myself of the preciousness of life. This post, from July 2021, is something we all may need now, more than ever, with this snippet to entice you.

What about all those random things you’ve been meaning to do or try? Overcoming your fear of heights and skydiving. Driving on the “wrong” side of the street. Joining a choir. Learning to paint. Taking up the violin again.

Where will you go? And what will you do?

Here’s a thought. Do everything. 

And bookmark this so you can try these amazing stuffed zucchini flowers when summer comes shining in.

In the weeks ahead I’ll be resurfacing some of my writings of the past; and watch for a new recipe to try next Sunday. I’m so glad you’re here with me at Delicious Bits. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for all.