It’s not unusual for me to hop in the car to take a leisurely drive up to the shimmering waters of Superior to see how the day will unfold. This time I opted for warm companionship to tend to my senses.
What is usually a bustling hub of makers and creators seemed to be a private sanctuary for a curious soul such as mine, whose heart unabashedly longs for fresh baked dough.
I couldn’t have timed it better.
Perhaps it is my old soul that cherishes a brown beacon of goodness from a glowing rust blaze or the hot wafting aroma of love transcended through working hands. Whatever it is, the desire led me to be inspired to meet another remarkable stranger turned friend… and she donned an apron!
Her eyes were wide with curiosity and wanderlust and she had a smile of a passionate baker.
I knew Kirsten, an impeccable German speaker (among many other languages), and a former sheep farm worker in Wales, would lead a primo carb creation experience in the glorious north woods of Minnesota.
It was all in her eyes. A sparkle that shot through me…in her, a deep illuminated glow of artistry and creativity. I had to know more!
Come to find out… she is a masterful pie artist and has killer skills outside of the kitchen as well, but no matter the craft, passion permeates.
What could have been a basic stale baking lesson on Carta Di Musica and Focaccia transported me through time and place. At one moment, I was standing along the serene Mediterranean sea where I tasted my first gelato. Next, I was playing bocce ball with my old Italian neighbor who taught me my first Italian words, “te amo” and who often served up burnt pizza. But most importantly, I was in front of a fiery, witty, bold young woman who was living her best life!
Sometimes it doesn’t take a flight to a faraway place or an elaborate travel itinerary to replenish your mind and heart. I discovered connecting with those who are open to exploring the fire that burns within them empowers me to light up too.
I realize there are times in our lives where we are called upon to grow and to go, even if it means leaving comfort and familiarity behind. It is that first faithful step that eventually leads to unearthing riches we never knew existed before.
We ended our Italian dream around a glowing bonfire and parted ways, but that day will always be etched in my heart.
