Barbara’s Mockingbird Lunch
Somerville, Massachusetts

The Story:
Recipes written out usually have names, so my simple offering with story does also. To explain…I started on a spinach kick about two months ago after bringing fresh spinach and eggs to a neighbor friend who was sick. She is Type 1 diabetic and I figured what is good for her is good for me. About the same time, the resident mockingbird started his spring practice at 3 am perched on an antenna next door (yes the singers are the males). Since I like to crack my window overnight in April/May, the penetrating serenades filter in loud and clear. Reluctantly awakened I lie there thinking about my day, maybe doze off, and eventually rise to an early start. Without the extra time I might simply make a peanut butter banana sandwich or grab some leftovers. But, now most mornings with the longer days I get up once the mockingbird’s sonata is in full swing and have time to gather strawberries, herbs, and lettuce in my garden, or whip up my spinach concoction. Who needs an alarm? If you have never been treated (?!) to an Eastern Mockingbird’s territorial compilations, well, they are crazy ☺. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNNX3f3_svo

Who am I?
 I started practicing gentle flow with Laurie and this wonderful community during the pandemic, thanks to my friendship with fellow yogis Lizzette Soto and Elsa Rubin. I live in Somerville, MA, am an illustrator/artist and currently work at the Harvard Peabody Museum directing the Maya Corpus Program. I haven’t owned a car since 2019 and love walking, bike riding and swimming. After 47 years focused on the archaeology and art of the ancient Maya I’m inching toward retirement and look forward to devoting more time to my personal art (as Barbara Jo), family, and keeping moving. You can see some of my work here: https://barbarajocreates.com/

Meanwhile, I am eternally grateful to Laurie for keeping us on the mat and together as a community practicing yoga. I hope to meet more of you in person when the stars align. To your health! Namaste.

Mockingbird Lunch (photo of Mockingbird from Feathered Photography here)
Single serving

Ingredients:

  • Bunch of spinach leaves (can be chard or kale if you prefer)

  • ¼ onion, sliced

  • Mushrooms of choice (optional)

  • 1 TB olive oil

  • 1 egg

  • Feta cheese

Directions: Sauté onion and mushrooms until soft and golden
Chop and add spinach, cover with a dash of liquid, cook a minute or so until wilted
Add egg and scramble
Remove from heat, add feta cheese crumbled

Additions to toss in as you like:
sauerkraut, pickled carrots, corn relish, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, oil and vinegar, etc.

Pack and go ☺ Like the mockingbird’s songs, my cooking is often a compilation of ingredients in my cupboard. My children once joked I never made the same thing twice. Enjoy inventing your own!