Everyone has their favorite way to relax. Some people meditate, practice yoga, or take a nap. Others exercise, bike, or do something active. When I want to relax I pour myself a nice glass of wine and start slicing, dicing and prepping. I think about what I'm going to cook and how I'm going to do it. Pressures, anxieties, and stresses slide right out of my mind, off my back and into the deep background. As I saute onions and garlic, roast vegetables, and sear meat or the protein du jour, I am at peace. There have been times in my life when I've not been able to sleep because of an upset, argument or problem in my life. I've gotten up in the middle of the night and baked bread, cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, and cookies. My daughter sometimes woke up in the morning to a batch of pastry or cookies that puzzled her in the way of Christmas presents. Writing is something that is a deep part of my psyche but I cannot say it brings me the kind of peace and tranquility that cooking does. There is too much struggle, sweat, and tears, although I couldn't not write. Cooking brings my physical and mental self into a deep harmony that blocks out everything except my senses. It's love and lust combined, like a good marriage.