How to Lose Friends with Garlic Rub
Smoke Before Coffee
BBQ Diary: Ashes and Aloe
Same lesson, different medium
Written by Barbie Q - July 2025
The Setup
I burned my hand on the lid again. Same spot, same hiss, same reminder that I still move too fast when I’m trying to prove I’ve got this under control. Mike yelled from across the yard, “Use the glove, woman!” I waved him off with the burnt hand.
The Stir
Funny thing about pain is it humbles you faster than any sermon. While I ran cold water over the blister, the garden caught my eye. Tomato vines heavy, some split from the weight. Growth can turn to breakage when you ignore balance.
Same lesson, different medium.
The Flip
Later, when the ribs rested, I looked at that aloe plant I’d been ignoring. Ugly little thing, half-dried and forgotten. I tore off a leaf, spread the gel across my palm, and laughed. Sometimes the cure sits ten feet away, waiting for you to slow down long enough to see it.
The Rave
Dinner turned out fine. My hand will heal. So will my pace. There’s beauty in learning the slow way, you actually remember it.
Stay patient, stay spicy — Barbie Q
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