A Kitchen Safe Haven

They say it’s the heart of the home, and I think they are pretty right about that. It’s like the opening chapter that sets the mood of our house. Nourishing our souls and bellies with all good things made with love and a little bit of seasoning. I am always inspired by people who love to cook and bake. The idea of gathering together to enjoy something so beautifully homemade, so raw and genuine…is there a better gift than the gift of food?

The kitchen is a safe place for me… A place where I have found healing and wholeness… A place to think, pray, and listen. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I really began to find my way around the kitchen. My confidence grew as I experimented with different ingredients. Anyone who enjoyably spends a great deal in the kitchen can relate to the idea that there is something so healing and freeing about it. Is it a sense of control… or perhaps a sense of freedom, a place with no real rules, a peaceful release from the day, who knows?

It is possible that the kitchen being a healing place for me, relates to not only the physical but spiritual as well. Years ago, I discovered the reviving power of whole foods and began the journey of healing my gut. My newly invested time in the kitchen allowed for more contemplation. There is stillness in the busyness of cooking. I think any journey towards healing can lead to more unexpected healing if we let it.

We welcomed our first child, Eloise Lauren Elliott into the world the summer of 2020. She has been our bright light during a season of uncertainty. Pregnancy, post partum, breast feeding combined with hunkering down with the rest of the world set me a bit off track from my usually disciplined food habits. I find myself in a new season of longing for that ritualistic time of rest and revival in my safe haven. While I gradually work my way back towards my personal goals, I also recognize grace. We find ourselves in many different seasons in life, some beautiful and vibrant, others more dry and seemingly mundane. Each season yields it’s own fruit, my task of coming back to that place of rest remains. With vulnerability I open my home up to you, in this small way, welcoming you into our kitchen.

I find myself often inspired by many different things and people. Recently mentioned to my husband, in a car ride, how I find myself inspired by the most random things lately. Like, old sweeping power lines and the towering rustic wooden posts that carry them... it’s kind of funny. I suppose I can owe it to the theme of my thirties; intention, slowing down, appreciating more, finding contentment… considering what is most important and continually learning how to come back to those things. Learning to be thankful and appreciate all the little details of life. Currently re-reading Ann Voskamp’s book “One thousand Gifts” with my mom, a book that shifted my perspective a few years ago, still just as powerful for me today. I say all this, to marinate this place with the idea that to us, kitchen is centered around thanksgiving always. Food is a blessing, and to share it with friends is joy.

Phoebe's Kitchen Essentials