Breaking Bread

"You live in an amazing country and so do I. You've put a man on the moon. Right now in time is a moment when we're all confused about how brilliant we are and how technically advanced we are and that is fighting with what once made our countries great which is family, community, being together, and something honestly as simple as putting a few ingredients together and sitting your family and your friends and yourself and your girlfriend and your mother-in-law around that table and breaking bread. If you think that's not important then shame on you." ~~ Jamie Oliver

This week Tom and I took the girls to the Lorane Valley, a portion of the Willamette Valley's wine country.

Our first stop was Silvan Ridge where, after exploring the Old World style compound we gathered around a wooden patio table and broke bread, surrounded by acres and acres of newly budding grape vines.

Up the neighboring hill we drove, after our lovely meal, to our next destination Sweet Cheeks. There we enjoyed the magnificent hilltop vineyard view as well as dessert from home and wine tasting. Sweet Cheeks makes marvelous wine!

Meandering further along we came upon King Estates with its over one thousand acres of grapes, fruit tree orchards, herb and vegetable gardens all surrounding an impressive chateau which includes the winery and restaurant.

With temperatures in the low 70's the fragrance of blossoms, spring grasses, and rich soil was more intoxicating than the wine.

To share leisurely meals and treats with these precious people under a pale blue sky, amidst the liveliness of food growing up from the earth invigorated me. Walking among acres of vines carefully manicured for the best possible result rooted me to what is real and that is life. All life. But mostly human beings.

Jamie's quote above settles and strengthens my heart. The confusion between achievement and being is alarming. What makes a country great is her people. The same holds true for a community, and a family. While it is important that we work and create - that we 'do' - far more important is who we are and that is cultivated through sharing life's experiences with one another. Listening. Pondering. Laughing. Observing. Giving. Taking the time to know one another, to trust one another, to grow individually and together.

What better way to enrich ourselves than at the table with family and friends, a few simple ingredients put together, gratefully received?

"If you think that's not important, then shame on you."