How did the rose

Ever open its heart
And give to this world
All its beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light
Against its being;
Otherwise
We all remain too frightened.

It Felt Love, from The Gift by Hafiz

Electric blue Monday

This Monday, any Monday really, could use some Giorgio Moroder magic and the sultry warmth and strength of Donna Summer, so why not start the week with some synth-based pop even the young ones will recognize (thank you Stranger Things). Deceptively simple, this song is pure self-suggestion; use it wisely.

(Full disclosure, this whole month is a head fake, as much for me as it is for you, to keep one going in these relentlessly calamitous times.)

Let's go nuts

This Sunday is World Nutella Day. Yes, it's a thing. Sounds like an evil yet yummy plan to sell a sugary treat, and I'm here for it. Or rather for the goddess of all things delicious, Nigella.

If you can't eat nuts, I am so sorry. Nuts happen to be one of my favorite healthy snacks. Thankfully, soup-to-nuts Ms. Lawson has plenty of scrumptious desserts on offer, so fret not, sweetie darlings. And nothing says I love you like baking for your loved ones. Just because. And because Nigella. And okay, jeez, Nutella.

Have a tasty weekend, dearest denizens, wherever you are.

No-bake Nutella cheesecake by Nigella.

P.S. I'm in no way affiliated with Nigella Lawson, but I do worship at her...stove?...pantry?...she has saved me time and energy more times than I care to count.

Omnia vincit amor

 ...et nos cedamus amori. 

Love conquers all things, so we too shall yield to love.
― Virgil, Eclogues 10.69

For Caravaggio's painting, visit Berlin.

It is to Cupid that I dedicate this month 💘