We can be so hard on ourselves sometimes. As if a small amount of a delicious cheese would really push our cholesterol seriously over the edge. Or that we don’t deserve an occasional taste of the sublime.
My friend and I were enjoying a petite celebration in Frenchtown today. After a wonderful meal at Pulp, a vegetarian restaurant and juice bar known for its cleanly grown food and fabulous smoothies, I’d wanted to make two stops, one at Minette’s, a chocolatier, for a gift, and Olive with A Twist, a store that specializes in the most vast array of oils you could imagine, specialty cheeses and other delights. Minette’s was closed for vacation, so we moved on to our next stop. The sandwich board out front advertised “Watermelon Balsamic” and “Coconut Gouda”. An unusual combination to be sure, but how bad could it be?
The shop owner happily shaved us each a sample and I was immediately in love. The coconut was bright but subtle, and the gouda smooth and a tad on the sweet side. Did I – do I – really need a 
cheese high in fat and at a price that made me gasp to myself and momentarily think of starving children in the world? Before I backed down, I requested between 1/4 and 1/2 pound.
I reminded myself that life is short and to be enjoyed, and small treats here and there are good for the soul. Besides, I would hate to think, in my final moments on earth, “Why didn’t I buy some of that coconut gouda?”
The moral of the story? Be good to yourself. You deserve it.
It is important to be good to ourselves, too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed. Sometimes we get so busy and caught up in life’s “stuff”, we forget. But it is never any the less important.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I very much agree Jeanne. I don’t like cheese so this particular treat wouldn’t have appealed to me, but yes, we all need a little bit of luxury now and again 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm … how does it happen that one doesn’t like cheese! LOL In my efforts to eat as little animal products as possible, it will, however, always be cheese that tempts me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this post, Jeanne. I must say, too, that the coconut Gouda cheese looked deeee-lish on that cracker. I’m glad you treated yourself too! Like you said, we all need to remember that a little more often.
LikeLike
It IS delish, believe me! Maybe I should count myself lucky that Minette’s was closed! 🙂
LikeLike
Sweet! Glad you are out smelling the roses AND cheese!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diane, you would love, love, love this. I hope you’re well, and I have no doubt you’re keeping very busy! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Busier than a one-armed paper hanger…
LikeLike
That’s good – it means you’re making hay while the sun shines!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too bad expenses are SO high…plumber, new eyeglasses…the list never ends!
LikeLike
Yes, and then there’s that. Life does not get any cheaper … 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve lost the link for your other blog – please send!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am most happy to. But I do believe you’re following me – have you not gotten a “New Post” notice from WP? Here it is with my new (and second) post on Self-Publishing – https://jeannebalsamgraphics.com.
Here also, is a link to my website, where both graphics samples and my Fresh Bulldog offerings can be found – http://www.jeannebalsam.com 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, my brain stopped working for a bit there! Thanks. I wanted to give you a shout-out on my blog and couldn’t remember the URL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem. Mine stops, too. Nowadays, when I’m on several of my big jobs at the same time, at the end of the day I truly feel like I’ve lost some of my memory, so much does the intensity and juggling of what I’m doing take over. That, I know, is also not being 25 anymore. (Ssssshhhhhhh!) 🙂
And thanks again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wot? You’re not 25 anymore?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just turned 30! Big LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tee hee….
LikeLiked by 1 person