Family Spice Rituals

Tonight I laid out the spice jars in a neat row, each one a silent promise of flavors that have echoed through my family’s meals for generations. While I’m satisfied that the saffron will settle just right, I can't help mulling over whether a pinch more of coriander would tilt the balance, and whether the silence in the kitchen is a blessing or an unspoken demand. I keep reminding myself that my willingness to stay, to keep the table ready, is a bond that can’t be traded for a single “thank you,” and it makes me pause before I say yes to another favor. Still, as I tuck a fresh leaf of dill in the dish, I’m dreaming of adding a spice from a distant market next week, a small adventure hidden in the ordinary. #familyritual 🌿