Hi there,

The week brought some very anxiety-provoking news about Dom’s health. Dom needs a stent put into one of the arteries in his heart. This unwelcome news came as a total shock. I became very anxious and angry at the universe for delivering this unwanted problem to our doorstep. But I don’t like to live with feelings of anger, and I knew the way to rid myself of these feelings was through gratitude meditation. And, what better place to do a nice, extended gratitude meditation than in my kitchen?

I almost did not “put my tomatoes by” this year because of these feelings, but I decided to use the opportunity to “put up” my tomatoes to soothe my soul.

The meditation started at the farmer’s market when I purchased the tomatoes. I went to pick up the bushel basket and suddenly realized I was no longer strong enough to do this. But a wonderful woman saw my struggle and quickly and quietly brought over 2 boxes. She proceeded to lovingly pack up the tomatoes for me. She looked at each tomato before she put it in the box. When she came to a less than perfect one, she discarded it and replaced it with a better tomato.

Thank you, universe, for reminding me of the goodness of my fellow travelers on this planet.

Very early the next morning, I brought my tomatoes into the kitchen and made myself a cup of coffee. As I looked at those red beauties, I am reminded of the many women who have joined me on canning day.

I send love and gratitude out to my grandmother, who taught me this process of “putting by” and the many women who have come to my kitchen in the past to help with this project.

As I assembled my sturdy mason jars, I am reminded of the many years I have been gifted with the strength and health to perform the task ahead of me.

Thank you for the gift of good health and the strength to be able to perform this task.

As I lower the tomatoes into the boiling water, I smile at their beauty and I am intoxicated by the tomato’s aroma.

Thank you, Father Earth, for sharing the beauty of the tomato whose heady aroma fills my kitchen.

As I peel the tomatoes, I enjoy the revelation of their jewel-toned redness and relish the slippery feeling caressing my hands.

Thank you, Mother Earth, for sharing the sensual experience of peeling the tomato and revealing its further beauty.

As I put water in the enormous pot needed to process the tomatoes, my thoughts lead me to the precarious state of our planet’s natural resources.

Thank you, brother/ sister planet, for the gift of your water. Help me to redouble my efforts to remember your gifts are not endless and should not be squandered.

As I sit quietly with my coffee and listen to the sound of the cicadas singing, I am filled at last with tranquility. When I hear the familiar pop of the canning disc, a smile comes to my face.

Cooks note: Although the process of canning tomatoes is very labor intensive, you will be rewarded on a cold winter’s day, when the warm sunshine of a summer day embraces your tastebuds.

Postscript: Dom had the procedure last week, and I am happy to report has had a fantastic outcome.