Folding.....part two in a series

Folding: a gentle process in which one mixture is added to another, using a large metal spoon or spatula.

"Most of the time when you talk aobut folding, it involves an edge. You fold laundry, you fold notes inhalf.  With batter, it's different: you bring two diverse substances together, but that space between them doesn't completely disappear - a mixture that's been folded the right way is light, airy, the parts still getting to know each other.

It's a combination on the cusp, as one mixture yields to the other. Think of a bad hand of poker, of an argument, of any situation where one party simply gives in".

*from Jodi Picoult

Handle With Care

Our family is like this.  Folded together.  His. Hers.  Two diverse families folded together by us.  There have been edges, some rougher than others.  Different parenting styles, bedtimes, rules, expectations.  Some defensiveness.  Many discussions.  Fortunately through the years no large spoons or spatulas have been used as diciplinary devices - yet.  Twelve years later the space still hasn't disappeared between the kids.  One who is a loner.  Four who are on their own.  Two who are sorta like twins.  For how young they were when our families combined none of them really joined forces.  An invisible line remains.  Maybe that line is loyalty to "the other parent".  Maybe they are still getting to know each other and will combine as adults when they have children of their own.  All in all our family hasn't folded together quite the way I had thought.  Ultimately I have been the one to fold, to give in.  Mostly my expectations.....life is not bad.  But, it is not what I had imagined either, and finally I am okay with that.  But I am still holding out (just a little bit) for that perfect combination.

*find the recipe here