Shall we make some lemonade?
“When life gives you lemons…” The old adage is a good one, most of the time. It reminds us to create something sweet out of something sour, to use a moment that makes your spirit pucker and turn it into something that uplifts instead, and gives us inspiration when life feels heavy. It’s a call to optimism and an encouragement to make the best out of a gnarly situation.
And, sometimes, there are just too many darn lemons.
Lemonade? Check. Citrus-stuffed branzino? Check. Salmon piccata? Check. Limoncello? Check. DIY body scrub? Check. Homemade all-purpose cleaning spray? Check. Zested, preserved, grilled, squeezed, juiced, sliced, suprêmed, curded, and candied – there are countless creations that can come from the humble lemon, yet when there are so many and the adage needs a nap, it’s hard to stay on that happy train.
And perhaps that’s ok.
After some tough health news came down the pike that made for an earlier-than-scheduled move back to the States from India this summer, life got a bit turned upside down. Future plans were paused, trips to the doctor became a regular affair, and medication side effects started to gain momentum. The uncertainty was – and still is – dizzying, and there have been many days I feel just like this:
It took some time, but once the initial dust settled, I began to make my lemonade: taking the chance to go meet Jordan’s “PNG Family” – his field research colleagues and friends who have become so near and dear, they consider each other brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. After getting clearance from the docs for my journey, it was 3 days, 5 flights, 4 Ubers and 2 shuttles to arriving in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, to meet the crew. Serena, Jordan’s “field mom” ran to me and we threw our arms around each other as if we’d known each other our whole lives. Brother Doka (yep, the famous Doka from the Auwo video) smiled from ear-to-ear, perhaps a bit shy, and sister Daisy danced and twirled while capturing video. It was like coming home to a place I’d never been.
Sadly, things have gotten progressively unsafe in many parts of Milne Bay, so we only trekked into the villages in daylight – prepared to be held up at any time – wading through sometimes waist-deep waters on the forest “paths” which now resemble rivers from the never-before-seen rains. Though the capital Alotau resembles a modern city with a tiny airport, buildings, vehicles, and electricity, the villages are different: everyone rises and sleeps with the sun, kids trek to school through the forest, baby cassowaries become adorable playmates, and meals from each family’s garden – passed down matrilineally – are cooked over an open flame everyday. This is modern life in 2025 there, and less the violence, it’s a way of life most of us in the developed world could gain a lot from.
On the way out there was a quick but wonderful stop in Sydney to visit a dear childhood friend and her family from our Minnesota days; on the way back out, it was direct to the Redwoods for another iteration of PACO magic. Then it was NLCMI and back to Cornell for the start of the school year. But, in-between those two moments was something else unexpected: the launching of a new mini-festival in Tuscany. Our once-beloved Paesaggi Musicali Toscani has transformed into the Cacciaconti Music Festival, inaugurated this year by the Indaco Quartet, Milano Classica, and a couple of recitals by yours truly with my longtime sonata pal Ieva. It was busy and trying at times (migraines during rehearsal and brain fog during concerts is a weird place to be), but certainly felt better than wallowing at home.
So back to the lemonade. We’re trained to “look on the bright side” and “turn that frown upside down.” Yes, the power of positivity is useful, and I’ve come to discover that even a half smile can brighten the spirit a touch. And, sometimes it’s ok to just feel awful. If I’ve learned anything from this summer, two things – and sometimes more – can be true at once. The key for me has been finding the balance:
Fatigue kicking your rear? Let it be ok to call in a sub and take a nap. Brain fog getting in the way of learning new rep? Dial up a beloved piece from the past that you know well, practice slowly. Lost a support system? Lean into new ones with those who love you. Headache making it tough to cook? A couple of clicks on DoorDash can take care of dinner. Nausea taking over? A little Pepto, soda water, and saltines go a long way. Emotionally gutted? Food Network reruns and diving into figuring out the perfect homemade iced matcha latte and oatmeal cookie recipe can be the answer:
And it’s also ok to just look at that pile of lemons and call it a pile of lemons. Sit in the pain, the hurt, the confusion, the uncertainty, and see where that takes you too. Our journeys are rarely straightforward, and sometimes we learn a lot from where the path breaks.
I’ll sign off here with a couple of book recommendations and more pics from the last couple of months, as usual. Until soon.
My current favorite read: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (1997 Booker Prize)
A book to make you smile: Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosch
And a book to make you appreciate storytelling: Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaoud
