Coffee, spices and everything nice

Since my diabetes diagnosis in 2022, my taste buds have changed. I now love hot spices in food. My favourite condiment is Gochuchang. It's as if, by reducing my sugar intake through lowering carbs in my diet, I have opened my palate. We have a cupboard full of spices now and a fridge with sauces. The beautiful thing about spice as a flavour enhancer is that you don't need much, so it doesn't cost a lot.

Yesterday I was out running errands in Centretown. I wore shoes but it must have snowed in the night so it was a little slippery and slushy. I was weary. I had to take deep breaths and talk gently to myself to stop my legs from freezing up. The weather has been unseasonably (climate changy) mild, so I'm in my shoes more often. Note to self: you have shiny red boots with retractable ice cleats. Wear them. They're tough and pretty.

En route home, I stopped at a favourite cafe, the Art House Cafe on Somerset. It had just opened. Miguel, the host of their great weekly Monday night was there. We chatted. He is a lovely and friendly person, very supportive of creative endeavors, himself a musician. I asked if there was any way to have a large coffee. He gave me three shots of Americano coffee in a large mug. So now I know I can ask for an extra shot.

Since my diabetes diagnosis, I have developed a love for coffee, especially the Americano, which is espresso diluted with water. I add a splash of cream.

I sat in Art House and admired the gorgeous and fun art. I sat near Lin VH Nguyen's lovely dancing dandelions. My brain was going a million miles a minute as I read substack posts and soaked up coffee and inspiration.

When I left the café, the sun was out and the ice and slush had melted away. I put away my hat and gloves. I realized that I am a person who always finds the joy in life. That was reassuring to me. Life can be so tough and scary. This time is anxiety making. But somewhere somehow, there is still joy.

This was just the beginning of a beautiful day. May you find joy today.