PIE THERAPY

Today my seven-year-old (youngest) Gabby and I decided to take a day off from life's regular demands. I kept her home from school because, lately, she’s just exhausted; all the time. All of the end-of-year revelry, while fun, just gets a little overwhelming for her. We’ve been going from one year-end occasion to the next, with barely enough time to regroup and get the next sidedish prepared. She needs her down time. I can totally relate. Too much of a good thing …

… So she bopped around with me today “doing what Mommys do.” I bought her a new composition book to write a story while she waited for me at the Doctor’s office during my annual “spot check.” All clear for another year, so maybe I was in the mood to celebrate, as I sweat my sunburned youth in a big way every time I enter the dermatologist’s office… or maybe it was just the right thing on the right day.

Gabby was looking at a foodie magazine and came across summer pie recipes. Now there’s something that will cure whatever ails you: baking pies. When life is all rush rush, and you can’t seem to get a grip, there’s nothing better than throwing it all into the face of a pie. You cannot be in a hurry when you’re baking. It takes time, and patience. Now patience isn’t something I ever claimed to have much of, but lately I’ve been “actively” practicing mine through baking.

So after the doc’s office, we decided we’d chuck everything else we were supposed to accomplish, and just make a pie. Gabby chose blackberry, but blueberries are more available at the moment (therefore cheaper for six cups), so we’re going by way of the blueberry.

When I asked for lard at the local Wholefoods (I thought if anyone would have it, they would), they very nicely raised their eyebrows and said they didn’t carry it. I think at first I confused the girl, because she sent to the frozen pie crusts. No, I wanted to say, “Lard. Like tub of lard. Lard ass. Lard.” But I didn’t, because that wouldn’t have been nice and, besides, Gabby was with me. So we settled on a very expensive tub of organic “Crisco” type of product. Not the same, though.

Making pies is great therapy. It brings us together in a moment of focused, calm, togetherness, and we all enjoy creating — and then eating — our version of a masterpiece. I made my first fresh fruit pie with my dear friend Jen. She’s no longer with us on earth, and I think of her every time I make a pie. It was 4^th of July about 10 years ago in Ohio, and we even did a lattice crust. It was fun, and delicious, and I can still see her smile and hear her laughter when I close my eyes and think of that moment.

Making pie isn't everyone's idea of a fun-filled day, but for me — it’s memory making magic.