scatter-brained, frenetic mental hop scotch

a/k/a my mental state this week, giving you a thought and a recipe

Aug 10, 2024

Coming ‘atcha live from a slightly delirious state. Lawyer life got in the way of creative pursuits this week, but the joy of being in Cassie’s Gemini, quick-fire, lover of all things, a little-bit-ambitious, and sometimes over-extended brain is that you still get a grab-bag of FUN. Like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know if you’re gonna get a deeply focused, long form essay, or a scatter-brained, frenetic hop scotch between seemingly unconnected ideas. The latter state is what I’m in today, and it’s borne from having visitors, juggling several big work responsibilities, raising a puppy, and preparing for a trip abroad. All good things. Also, all stress-inducing. And, all elements of a perfect storm to prevent me from FOCUSING ON ONE THING.

Today, I am meandering through a hodge podge of thoughts that crossed my mind this week in moments of reflection in between all the busy-ness of my early August. What’s come out of that is a meditation on “community” and a recipe. That’s all I have to say about that.1

xo, Cassie

“Community” as a verb

Back in January when we were all setting intentions for 2024, my friend Colleen told me that this year she is using “community” as a verb. This idea has stuck with me, especially because Colleen is so good at the pursuit of this ideal. As Nik and I were hosting some of Nik’s family last weekend, “community” as a verb was swimming in my thoughts. In somewhat of an epiphany, I realized that to engage in “community” as a verb is to reciprocate, to welcome, to set and hold clear boundaries, and to sometimes be uncomfortable for the greater good.

We all know I love a definition. Merriam-Webster holds a prominent position on my phone home screen. Wordle is in my daily routine. And, I’m known at work as the Wordsmith Queen (i.e., the one who loves to edit any written communication). So, it’s no surprise that I want to define what it means to “community” as a verb. We aren’t solving it today, certainly. This concept is rich and profound, though seemingly simple in application. And, as I watch friends like Colleen “community” as a verb, I’m sure the definition will morph and evolve over time.

I share with you today my initial attempt at the exercise.

Dear Readers Book Club — the exemplary in my life in Seattle of *“community” as a verb*.

“Community” as a verb is…

…sending memes to your best friend while she’s in a stressful meeting so that she knows when she’s done you were thinking of her during the hour.

…asking what your friend’s partner’s favorite dessert is and baking it same day because of recent family stress and/or shenanigans.

…asking how you’ve slept, how much water you’ve drank, whether you have finally scheduled that doctor’s appointment, how your mom is doing, etc.—not because you are micromanaging or mothering, but because you care.

…putting a weekly hang on people’s calendars even though there’s no pressure to attend—just knowing it’s there is comforting and supportive.

…breaking the tension with a joke or breaking the joking with a serious sentiment, and knowing when to do one versus the other.

…coming over when your friend has a new baby or puppy just to hang out and order takeout, do the dishes for them, sit on the couch and chat over wine or tea, or craft into the night at their dining room table.

…asking whether you should provide solutions or just listen if your friend is upset and venting, and then doing what they need.

…hearing your friend say “I’m in a reading slump” and grabbing their phone to assess their Goodreads for “fun reads”—and then prescribing them a fun read.

…reminding your friend they are smart, talented, loving, capable, and badass, even if they made a mistake that stings.

…giving your friend space and quiet when they need it to grieve a family member (human or canine) who has passed.

…remembering birthdays, anniversaries, or other details of your friends’ lives even if you never say anything or are two weeks late (there are no such thing as late presents in my opinion).

What does “community” as a verb mean to you?

Summer watermelon salad, a recipe

During Nik’s family visit, we cooked a few meals for his family. I wanted to serve dishes that were fun but not too foreign for the kiddos (his two preteen cousins were part of the group). We introduced them to “Seattle dogs” and Tim’s potato chips, which they loved. A dark horse dish that I was not 100% certain would be a hit was a summer style watermelon salad I threw together. Everyone loved it—so much so that Nik’s Grandma asked for the recipe. Since I’m already putting it together, I thought I’d share it with you. ENJOY.

Is there anything that scream *SUMMER* more than a fresh watermelon?

Ingredients:

1/2 - small seedless watermelon, cut into 1” chunks (any other ripe melons would do!)
1 - jalapeño, sliced into thin half moons
1/2 - red onion, sliced or diced thinly
1 - bunch of mint, chopped (basil, thai basil, dill, or cilantro would work well, too)
2 - limes (you’ll need the juice of both and the zest of one)
1 - glug (~1 tbsp) of extra virgin olive oil
feta cheese (measure with your heart; I used about a half cup of fat free feta)
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare jalapeños, onions, and limes first, then toss in a large bowl. Let sit while you prepare the other ingredients (this will help with the bitterness of the onion).
Prepare other ingredients while the jalapeños and onions marinate, throw into the bowl. Combine and serve!

This is best served immediately with a glass of rosé, though if you don’t mind a watery salad, it’s decent the next day as a snack. Also, chop up the other half of the watermelon and freeze for watermelon margaritas, or serve as is with tajin.