On the back burner is seemingly how things work for the modern gal, this one in particular.  Lots of lists and dates to make.  Projects, trips, tasks, etc. are all of equal importance but not extremely urgent.  How much can a back burner be expected to handle?  The last time I looked at my stove I only had two, and as I’ve come to grips with the acceptance I need blinders in order to make me focus, two might be one too many at this time.  Let’s pay some attention to my front burner then.

When I think about the things I would like to put on my front burner, I recall the other pots I have simmering on the back burner that may have already boiled over.  Wait, did I lose the window for dealing with my tax extension?  No.  Do I have the bandwidth to plan another trip abroad?  I wish I did.  Is this finally the weekend when we will see that Mary Blair exhibit?  Will I set aside a full weekend, or just hours each day weeding out my wardrobe for donations?  Do I absolutely have to see four separate people for four separate dinners that I unfortunately don’t have time for?  Is there a way to do this one recurring monthly task more efficiently?  Will I ever sit down and finish that book?  Wait, where did I put that book?  Am I going to build up a library of blog posts yet or what?  What ever happened to the editorial calendar I aimed to complete by mid August for the fall?  Where should we host that celebratory dinner?  Will we go with the other idea to do a divey bar party instead?  Are we going to have one of those pivotal husband and wife talks tonight?  I admit that there are pots that are hot and ready to consume, those that need the lid kept on them in back, and miscellaneous dishes that should be taken off of the stove all together.  Not everything needs to be warmed up just yet.

I have had many condolences to send out on the back burner and am now writing them in tandem with other greetings because I didn’t know what to prioritize.  I don’t stop myself from writing the sad letters just because they are harder … you may agree that those are more urgent.  I forgot that I know how much they mean to the recipient. Don’t wait for three months, I tell myself.  Saying very little in the simplest manner is better than saying nothing to people in grief, so up to the front they went.  Sending out other thank you, congratulatory, just thinking of you and birthday greetings, like condolence mail, are a show of support, love, grace, humor and sincerity.  Those things will always have a space on my front burner.

 I would like to look at my stove and be happy about what’s cooking.  Like perfectly timed Thanksgiving meal preparations, I know when I focus on those front burners my pots can produce some savory items that will compliment and not overpower what’s cooking in back.  In fact, eliminating too many ingredients and small saucepans from the front burner has helped me narrow my intent which is turning things around for me.  I am starting to see what deserves to be where and how .  I would like to look at my stove and be happy about what’s cooking.  Like perfectly timed Thanksgiving meal preparations, I know when I focus on those front burners my pots can produce some savory items that will compliment and not overpower what’s cooking in back.  In fact, eliminating too many ingredients and small saucepans from the front burner has helped me narrow my intent which is turning things around for me.  I am starting to see what deserves to be where and how not to go crazy from all of it.