I had never really thought about a word of the year before until I came across Deb of Deb’s World’s posts from 2021 about her year of being bold. It seemed such a lovely, positive thing to do, so this year I decided to have a word too. As long as you promise not to laugh, I picked mine from an Instagram post where you picked four random words you could spot in jumble of letters. My words were creation, power, health and strength, all of which I liked and which linked well too (eg increase my physical strength links to health). Creation was the one that came top though, so how have I done so far?
Creation means to bring something into existence. This could be a blog post, a meal, a drawing a beautiful place to live….all sorts of things. Well, I have created a lot of blog posts at least this month! I have also done a fair bit of creating in the kitchen, from using summer fruits to make clafoutis to turning to both familiar and new sources of inspiration. Below you can see the creative process of turning leeks, paprika and other seasonings into a stuffing with feta for chicken breasts from Katerina Nitsou’s new book Macedonia (I found the recipe on line here if you want to try it)
Pulling together ingredients from the fridge, the pantry, along with herbs from the garden is something that brings me joy. I am not a great cook, I am a cook who loves to be in the kitchen, trying new things or going back to old favourites, creating good things to share with others. Below there is a smoked salmon and courgettes quiche based on Sophie Hansen’s recipe in A basket at my door, pickled radishes made from the bunch in the featured image, and a scallopini based dish from Peter Gordon’s Savour (not all made in January though…I need to remember to document my creations better…).
So…I now need to plan what creations will be made in February. I’ll let you know next month!
Thanks to our hosts: Retirement Reflections, Deb’s World, Women Living Well After 50 and And Anyways for setting this up and giving us some great ideas for blog posts.
You can find Thistles and Kiwis on Facebook, and also on Instagram @thistlesandkiwis. As for Twitter….am totally inactive these days. If you want to get in touch, email me on thistlesandkiwis@gmail.com
Thistles and Kiwis 
I can’t wait to see what you create in February! By te way, the radishes in the top pic have me craving radishes…
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A lovely crisp radish with bread and butter…..
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Oh yes…now you’re talking…
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Powerful word choice! I look forward to seeing what else you create over the year.đź’—
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I agree. ‘Creation’, ‘power,’ ‘health’ and ‘strength’ are very powerful word choices. I love how you chose them. Rather, it seems like they chose you. And your top focus of ‘creation’ works very well. I am already drooling over some of your January creations…and can’t wait to see February’s!
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I really like these words…now to use them more often….Thanks for the inspiration!
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I am not a great cook either, yet I enjoy the process of creating something tasty out of the ingredients in my kitchen. There is something therapeutic about being ‘in the present’ while you chop and stir and pick things up, open drawers or find the right dish for whatever it is.
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Going into the kitchen, preparing food is so relaxing I find.
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Isn’t it great when things fall into place and we inspire each other? I’m so pleased you enjoyed my BOLD year and have now got a word for 2022. Creation is a fabulous choice and I love how you have lived it this month and created a great post! Thanks so much for joining in and I too look forward to your creation in February 🙂
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It’s great to link up to so many other interesting bloggers! Word of the year is a great idea.
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That’s some great looking food you created. I am like you — not the best cook but I love to create there and in my attic space whether that is with paper, thread, material or words. Bernie
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Love your WOTY & how you are planning to put it into action – I am sooooo looking forward to it!
So much deliciousness, beautifully photographed. My favourite is your jar of pickles – it is bursting with life & promise!!!! (I am salivating just thinking of it …. I need to go make some of my own now ….)
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Oh you should make some – they are really good! I’m going to use the year to try new things as well as go back to old favourites.
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I’ve never actually cooked with Scallopini, it’s something I don’t know much about, the radishes look good and crispy though
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Scallopini are very like more crunchy courgettes – you can pretty much use them interchangeable.
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Isn’t it fun to create in the kitchen?! I love baking, and the type of cooking that allows you to experiment with different ingredients, like soups, salads, casseroles. Have fun with your February creations!
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Yes it is fun! I think I need to try something new next month. And create other things too!
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Creation is such a beautiful intention and leaves room for a lot of different ways to incorporate it into your life. I love the idea of creating in the kitchen. I have been trying some of that myself lately and am really enjoying it.
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