Food That Resonates with the Soul

Orange bell peppers, hearty stews crafted from bones, both raw and prepared horseradish, all types of mustard except yellow, anchovies, rich blue cheese, pungent goat cheese, and stinky cheeses, cloves, crispy pepperoni, hog jowls, black-eyed peas, butter, corn tortillas, compound butter, watermelon savored with a spoon, scrambled and fried eggs, black jelly beans, both red and white vinegar, all chiles barring jalapeños, gooey chocolate chip cookies, prunes, classic Coke, whole peppercorns, celery, white onions, catfish, dill pickles, sauerkraut, dumplings, green tomatoes, gourmet mushrooms, green olives, chicken livers, Worcestershire sauce, tahini, hummus infused with tahini, mustard greens, Andouille sausage, iceberg lettuce, collard greens, coffee beans, matzah balls, corned beef, cilantro, buttermilk fried chicken, rosemary, jerk chicken, peaches, molasses, green onions, generous garlic, A-1 sauce, barbecue ribs, fried rice, wild rice, white gravy, sausage gravy, savory ham, cheeseburgers on loaf bread, oysters, shrimp étouffée, chocolate-covered blueberries, circus peanuts, ham salad, ham hocks, hot-water cornbread, sweet potato pie, a layer of crushed crackers atop soup, pozole, mussels, homemade refried beans, pecan pie, convenience store chicken meals, authentic chicharrones, lemon drops, chimichurri, green hot sauce, sausage and biscuits, ranch dressing with unconventional pairings, cucumber-infused water, lemon zest, and bacon fat.

Objects That Convey Some Soul

Gold or silver watches, cozy recliners, classic black and white Oxford shoes, ill-fitting slacks, horn-rimmed glasses, aviators, newsboy caps, corduroy jackets embellished with elbow patches, vintage books, unused leather items, clothing adorned with decorative patches, collections of decorative patches, a resolute aversion to crocs, pinstriped attire, car hood ornaments, luxurious pens, branded matches, nostalgic steakhouses, the aroma of an authentic barber shop, oversized classic cars, a perpetual supply of stamps, a writing desk, owning cufflinks without wearing them, musky cologne, admiration for gardeners, choosing to wear a dress out of desire, spice grinders, leather briefcases, consistently enjoying substantial breakfasts, bangs, refraining from cutting down inconvenient trees, manners, discussing horses without owning any, appreciating comfortable silences, a lack of interest in record players, collections of ornamental knives, unique nicknames, an affinity for Westerns, screen doors with latches, succinctness, sincere food preservation, wingtip shoes, the scent and use of Lysol, cloth napkins, selective yet uncontrollable laughter, solitude, a fondness for antique stores, cursive writing, emotional moments, a love for pets, the contemplation of leisurely walks, an open mind, a passion for art, comfort with bold jewelry, and dim lighting preferences.

Things Lacking Soul

Potato salad, jet skis, escalators, plastic bags, caps worn backward, ketchup, chain pizza, romance novels, casual footwear, apple-bobbing, fireworks, Columbus Day, Swiss Army knives, ignorance, parallel parking, mesh shirts, bullying, oversized foam fingers, jarred spaghetti sauce, punctuality for its own sake, Salisbury steak, writing out complete website addresses, the 1990s, barbed wire tattoos, chicken nuggets, most vampire tales, high-fives, all-star games, hard tacos, white cars, cotton candy, grocery store samples, weak flashlights, traditional TV channels, scentless candles, referring to larger individuals as "Tiny," televangelists, orange sherbet ice cream, radio music, excessive superhero films, complaint boxes, convenience store sushi, galoshes, self-service checkouts, gazebos, corn dogs, diving boards, dull pencils, gelatin, souvenir cups, numbered menu items at Mexican restaurants, Sasquatch sightings, practical jokes, tiny cowboy hats, plaid jackets, restaurant eating contests, heart-shaped candy boxes, recycled movies, contact lenses, neglecting turn signals, balloons, water parks, applesauce, wearing a "No. 1" jersey, food delivery services, and aversion to ranch dressing.

I invite your thoughts and suggestions! Feel free to share in the comments. Whether you agree or disagree, I welcome the discourse. You can also support my work by "buying me a coffee" below.

When Food Transcends Its Purpose: Soulful Reflections

The first video, "The Psalms: An (Unexpected) Guide to Life with God," explores how ancient texts can provide wisdom for modern living. It delves into the spiritual guidance offered by the Psalms, showing how they serve as a roadmap for navigating life's challenges.

The second video, "Awakening to Your Purpose & Answering the Call of Your Soul," discusses how individuals can discover their true calling. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s purpose and the journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment.