This is for the sourdough romantics! 🥖 🍞 🥯 But also, art 🖌
A Tale of Passionate Dough, Creative Rebellion, and Unwashed Jars. Espresso Optional, Love Essential.
P.S. Adam Grant's take on astrology misses the mark entirely. His article ranks among the shallowest pieces I've ever encountered. Rebuttal—upcoming.
When people stood outside watching the Sun God being eaten by a dragon—which is what most centuries before we had rubber shoes believed in— I fondled my dough and I do not mean — dollars.
At least once a week I rendezvous in my kitchen with a peculiar living entity that thrives on attention, air, yeast, bacteria, and warmth of my kitchen. The affection I harbor for these little organisms of the future loaf saturates the very glass of my jar, which I've steadfastly refused to wash.
Remember the science class when you were asked to take care of an egg? Perhaps this wasn't a staple in American schools, but in Poland, we had an egg assignment. It was an exercise in responsibility — nurturing a fragile life. Frankly, I can't recall if I passed that test, and it's been quite some time since my early teen years, although you might mistake me for someone that age when you witness my beachside handstands.
Forever young, and an #acrobat.
In many ways, my weekly ritual with sourdough mirrors that egg experiment from my school days. I am entrusted with the care of my sourdough and her name is
Jagna.
Jagna is a character from a famous required read "The Peasants" (colossal 1904 novel of over 1000 pages) by Władysław Stanisław Reymont. She is the sizzling siren of young Poland, but no run-of-the-mill femme fatale. Sure, she's got that fatal allure, but don't be fooled, she's not all wickedness and mischief. You wish.
She's bursting with passion and an insatiable appetite for captivating hearts. With a penchant for amorous adventures, she flits from lover to lover like a butterfly in a flower garden. Why? Who knows! But one thing is for sure, she's a force to be reckoned with in the game of enchantment.
Like sourdough, yes?
When I first embarked on my sourdough journey, concocting a peculiar starter recipe involving raw milk, spelt, and a hint of ground cloves, every step was meticulously planned and timed.
After all, we're dealing with life here — you can't afford to neglect or smother it. As a scrupulous Virgo, I meticulously measured, diligently noted the time, methodically set alarms, and assumed the role of a vigilant factory worker. Sounds military? It was. Virgos have that tendency, unless, of course, you turn on a Sagittarius, especially after an espresso, and then it's off to the beach --> the handstand --> the "FREE HUGS!!" maniacal state of being.