Following the recipe

Tonight’s dinner will be made up of two parts on-hand ingredients (those with impending expiration dates) and one part whimsy. Then served, as usual, half-baked.

Mystery meals, as this, are my specialty because I cannot-for-the-life-of-me follow a recipe. In my husband’s words, I take recipes “as suggestions.” It’s a wonder so many of my concoctions turn out as well as they do.

My approach to life is similar to that of my cooking. I'm always flipping through formulas for a successful life. I read the words of ancient masters and modern day experts and I'm intrigued by their perspectives. How similar are their recipes? Do they appeal to my appetite? Do I have all the ingredients necessary?

Ultimately I always find the need to make substitutions.Then, I trust my own intuition to guide me.

There are no guarantees. Monday’s cake sunk. As did my last big idea. But living on one’s own terms lies in embracing the risks.