Many of us are looking for ways to occupy our time. In this capitalist society, we’ve been socially conditioned to use our time productively. More often than not, this leads to the overconsumption of media, processed foods, mental distress, and, in short, “crashing out.” At least in my case, it does. In an effort to combat an evening of sadness, I decided to fill my senses with the delectable taste and smell of homemade morning glory muffins. https://weekendatthecottage.com/morning-glory-muffins/

With most tasks, the writings of mother, scientist, and author Robin Wall Kimmerer echo in my head. Her book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, ends with an invitation to be a part of the gift economy. “Whatever your currency of reciprocity—be it money, time, energy, political action, art, science, education, planting, community action, restoration, acts of care, large and small—all are needed in these urgent times.” As an act of care for myself and my housemates, baking these muffins was my small act of defiance against participating in this consumerist society.