Later that morning, Albert opened the oven to a wonderful smell. He smiled as he sensed that the second key lime pie would be just as good, and hopefully even better, than the first.
06.03.2021
This illustration speaks to me of optimism. Albert opens the oven and looks expectantly in to see the second key lime pie. In some regard, he is taking a second chance with something he got tangled up with before. He is clean and rested and his mind is clearer now than it has been in days. I’m cheered just seeing his bow tie and cardigans back in order. Sometimes we get tangled up in habits or situations that we need to separate from and perhaps never re-engage with. Other times, a pause, some healing and balance, and then returning to engage in a new way can bring redemption.
Making breakfast that morning, Albert felt like a new man. He savored every bite and many thankful thoughts swept through his mind. He went to the cupboard and took out the remaining mint leaf from the slopes of Mt. Fuji and set to work.
06.02.2021
I have a slight hesitation in having Albert go right back to this mysterious ingredient. After all, he got so wrapped up in the first creation with it...is this a good idea? I know that when I am trying to break a habit, I usually choose to break from it “cold turkey”. We’ll see what happens for our friend, Albert.
Albert got up and slowly made his way upstairs. He took a long bath and then climbed into his bed for a long sleep. He slept all that day and through the night to the next morning.
06.01.2021
I tend to take showers very quickly and rarely take extra time to indulge in the luxury of a long hot shower. Every once in a while though, when I’ve been working outside or gotten fairly cold, I will stay in for a bit longer. Albert is on his way for a restful experience, which I think he needs and will enjoy. After wading in the stress and anxiety of protecting his pie, the release of a long bath and some necessary sleep will be just the thing.
Slumping to the floor, Albert sat quietly for a long time. As he began to stir, he became aware that he really was incredibly tired and that he definitely needed a bath. Although he was disappointed that the pie was ruined, he felt strangely lighter than he had in days.
05.31.2021
Albert has finally reached rock bottom or, at least, the bottom of the hope and focus he had invested in his pie. As he transitions through this experience of disappointment and acceptance, he regains awareness of himself and the world around him. Although not to the extent that Albert did, I can relate to getting overly focused on a situation or something I’m prizing to the point that I fret and worry over it until there is little enjoyment left any longer. Learning to live with open hands, rather than in a grasping pursuit of things, seems to be a lifelong lesson, but always brings a sense of freedom and peace.
As soon as he pulled the door back, Albert was hit with an awful smell. Wincing, he held his nose and his breath. After a brief moment, he opened his eyes and to his great dismay saw what was causing the terrible stench. It was his own precious pie.
Crestfallen, Albert realized that it must have spoiled while he had it locked up and was keeping watch over it these last few days.
05.28.2021
This is certainly a tough one for Albert. All his energy has been devoted to guarding this object and now the object itself has spoiled.
This brings to mind a time when I was living with my sister in Portland, Oregon. I was working as a teacher’s aid and helping with an after school program in an elementary school. I didn’t make much money, but with the little extra I had, I often made my way to a music store where they sold used CDs at greatly discounted prices. I remember really starting to collect CDs during that time, and of course I bought a very large case to hold all my precious albums. Later, during this season, I took a trip home to visit my family in Missouri. I brought my CD case with me and stowed it safely under my seat in the plane. As we arrived at the destination, I deboarded and got my bag from the baggage check, only to then realize that I had left the CDs on the plane under the seat. I remember the rush of regret that came over me, as well as the sudden urge to run to the gate to see if it could still be found. I also remember the very next thought coming into my mind, which was to simply let it go. I think I realized that I was clinging too tightly to those CDs and it was having the effect of spoiling me. I ended up leaving them for the lost and found, and I haven’t missed them at all.