Featured Image: “Whole Grain Stout Mustard,” © Susy Morris, May 2011. CC BY-NC 2.0.
A few weeks ago, Laura Bruno Lilly reminded me that not every blog post must be a deep, existential, soul-searching exploration of my past, present, and future or the state of the human condition. For that, I am grateful; and in that spirit, here is my ode to mustard.
When I was little, mustard was my absolute favorite condiment. In fact, it was my only condiment. Ketchup? Blech! Not for this girl. I put mustard on everything. Sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, eggs, the Easter ham. I would even smear mustard on slices of hard cheese for an afternoon snack. The mustard stains on the sleeves of all of my weekend clothes was a testament to my passion. When I was wrapped up in my orthorexia, mustard was a definite no-no, if for no other reason than it seemed extemporaneous and I wouldn’t afford the now-seemingly-inconsequential extra calories. Yet, I never forgot the taste of mustard. When I was in Boston participating in a partial hospitalization program and living with my friend Veronica and her husband, there was mustard in the refrigerator door, waiting patiently for me.
Oh, mustard! I love your zest! Your pungence! Your garish yellowness! From the simple mustard of my youth to the spicy browns and French Dijons currently occupying places in my fridge and on my palate, you never fail me. How could I have ever thought your flavor not worthwhile? Oh, mustard! I’m glad I found you again. Let us never again be apart!
The Real Adventures of Becoming (whatever this thing is that I am presuming is the authentic and genuine) Me 
I’m a lover of yellow mustard. I’m with you. Ketchup, bleach.
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Hehehe. Totally agreed! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
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I did! Disturbed was another awesome concert.
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I can just see your kiddo-face in my mind’s eye: instead of a milk mustache, you sport a mustard mustache…
So great to feel the joy in this post.
peace
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It felt very joyful to write. I certainly had my fair share of milk mustaches, too, and sticky fluffernutter fingers!
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fluffernutters…I remember those…didn’t eat ’em, but I remember them! I’ll bet you made ‘marshmallow cream’ by kneading whole marshmallows between your forefingers/thumbs of each hand???
HA!
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Hahaha. I never did that (that I remember). We bought fluff in glass jars or white plastic tubs with light blue lettering and a red top. I can see them now, all lined up on the grocery shelf.
I did get gum tangled in my hair plenty of times though, back when it was long and wild.
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FYI- I started the 3days/3quotes challenge today…hope you enjoy the selections!
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Yes!! 🙂 I’m a lover of stone-ground garlic mustard, personally, and I tend to put it on everything, too. 🙂
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Mmmmmmm… Now that sounds good!
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🙂
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You are so right that everything does not have to be a deep soul searching post. I love the simple things in life, tea being one of mine, nothing fancy, just plain ol’ black tea. Have a great week Lulu 🙂
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You too! Thank you for reading and commenting! I also have a soft spot for simple, black tea. Plain, old Lipton is my favorite.
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