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Although Murakami claimed not to be making a direct political speech that day, he did go on to draw metaphorical comparisons between human beings as eggs, and the systems of government that we create as walls. Isn’t it true that we reach a point in our childhood when we begin to realize that it’s no longer possible to remain an open book as it pertains to our deepest thoughts and feelings? But isn’t it equally true that there also exists an egg somewhere inside us that represents the sense of self that existed before the need for structure, and that desires very much to rail against those walls, even if it means breaking wide open in the process? For today’s cocktail, I began with a base of Hanson Organic Habañero vodka and paired it with Giffard Pamplemousse Rose and Brancott Sauvignon Blanc to create a grapefruit martini.

It’s a Portuguese word with no English equivalent that captures the often indescribable feeling of yearning for someone or something so intensely that the absence we feel actually becomes a presence. Tu me manques” (too-meh-mahnk) which literally translates into “you are missing from me,” a much more romantic expression than its English equivalent, and one that captures the same feeling of absence and longing as saudade. In this case, I’ve chosen to combine vodka with Dolin Dry vermouth, and three equal parts of a high quality mint schnapps, an intense rosemary simple syrup, and DRAM lavender lemon balm bitters. ¼ oz rosemary simple syrup (as intense as you can make it) ¼ oz DRAM lavender lemon balm bitters Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until very, very cold.

Since I am a self-professed gadget girl, I’d buy a new stylus for the turntable or better speakers and I’d swear that the difference was amazing. My turntable collected dust and my albums migrated first to the basement and then to the Good Will store. I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you that I soon began drawing a parallel between life and listening to my new turntable. And we can listen to vinyl records on a turntable that provides the fullest expression of what the artist intended us to hear, that resonates with a sound that is warm and full, and that doesn’t allow us to switch tracks with a keyboard click or phone tap.

The book combines Oliver’s prose and poetry with Cook’s photographs and a few excerpts from her journals. I decided to change my base to Cali Distillery’s Riptide because it’s a cask strength rye whose weight would definitely bring a deeply serious element to this drink. It’s a wonderfully healing drink, bottled by a company called Mr. Mak’s that I found at my local MOM’s Organic Market. I found it to be a perfect representation of Mary Oliver’s life-changing moment.