I’m not very good at cooking.
I usually keep my meals simple. I prepare food that is easy and does not need a lot of time or attention. Cooking has never been something I enjoy. I find the act tiresome. The heat, the standing, and the continual movement in a hot kitchen. It wears me out quickly.
But today was different. I decided to prepare something special for the family. It was more than just a meal this time, a little more considered. I took my time, slicing the vegetables: eggplant, okra, and long beans. I observed the knife’s path, the way it transformed the surfaces as it went. Usually, I don’t focus on such details. Today I did.
The kitchen was hot. The heat was not only coming from the stove but also from the long, hot day. The sun was dazzling. The air felt still. As I stirred the pot, I could feel the heat descended on my skin and stay there. It made me feel sluggish.
I dislike this weather. If I could, I would always pick something cooler. Rain or a cloudy afternoon with gentle light and lighter air. My body moves more effortlessly on such days. Less clutter in my head.
Today was not one of those days. It was bright and sunny outside, and I was preparing something spicy in a warm kitchen. The combination felt strange. The heat from the stove, the heat from the weather, and the heat from the food layered on top of each other. I stirred the curry and watched it thicken. The aroma and the warmth mixed as they spread through the room.
The heat persisted when I finally sat down to eat. In the air, on my skin, and in my food. The curry was delicious. A little spicy, but not too much. The veggies kept their form. The broth wasn’t overly thick.
I took my time eating. The spiciness stayed on my tongue. The warmth remained in my chest. Outside, the light had not softened yet.
I write about Iban culture, ancestral rituals, creative life, emotional truths, and the quiet transformations of love, motherhood, and identity. If this speaks to you, subscribe and journey with me.
Olivia's Atelier 