Dear Humans,

I could keep a big old jar of minced garlic in my fridge and dollop a spoonful in the pan anytime a dish called for garlic. But I really like peeling garlic. Even though it’s slow. Even though it leaves my hands sticky and stinky. If I make myself pay attention while I do it, I have a lot of fun peeling garlic.

Life is full of these little pleasures: pausing to admire a freshly sharpened pencil; cracking sheets of ice in the sidewalk gutter; popping a jigsaw puzzle piece into place on the first try.

But those pleasures are only available if we give them our time and attention.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck