Granola

We always run in one direction
but what it is and what is its meaning, who knows...
~ Francesco Guccini, Running Into You

My name is L., but friends call me RunningWolf.
I started by accident one summer afternoon, I was twelve year old, not yet really, and dew was covering my skin. At half past six on a Sunday in July, I kicked the door open and started following the direction of the wind. I found myself that day on empty streets and paths moist with tears and rain, going through the pink sky at sunset and the smell of freshly picked grass. I was running after dreams and clouds to escape the offenses, looking for shelter from the fear of being and my almost teenage anger.
I then ran for a time that seemed endless, amid furtive and guilty kisses, Sundays devoted to feast and exclusive friendships sworn forever. I ran for boredom, futility and shame, chasing a scent of rebellion that didn't belong to us anymore.
I ran through my twenties, in the heart I was carrying one single memory always too close, and in the head eternal fantasies of freedom. I ran to the notes of an off pitch violin, to the verses of poems recited to the moon, dreaming of a romantic future that corresponded to my reality.
I ran alone and at night to escape ghosts and mirrors; I, whom no-one ever saw staying up late, was confusing and mixing this way darkness and dawn. I ran on ice in the winter to mask the cold coming up from within, and from my frozen lips I blew away insecurity and pride. I ran to forget, bury and forgive; I ran for redemption, devotion and renunciation.
Then one day I ran 26 miles in a row, my calves hardened by fatigue and my mind scared by the wall and concrete. I ran alone with a thousand people, fifteen years in a few steps through a handful of neighborhoods, and on that day I found myself at the finish line.

Diary of a pretending marathoner
New York, November 7th 2004




Granola
for 8 people

rolled oats 300 gr
sliced almonds 100 gr
pecan nuts (or walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews) 100 gr
dried coconut flakes 80 gr
dark brown sugar 60 gr
maple syrup 110 gr
light vegetable oil 40 gr
salt 1 teaspoon
raisins 125 gr

Roughly chop pecans. Mix them with oats, almonds, coconut and sugar. In a separate bowl, mix maple syrup, oil and salt. Pour wet ingredients over the nut mixture, and mix well.
Place granola on two baking sheets and bake at 250 for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring frequently so that it gets a uniform color. Allow it to cool down, then add raisins.
It will keep for weeks in an airtight container; eat it with milk or yogurt, and/or fruit.




Granola is pure crunchy energy. Early in the morning it gives wings to your feet.
Word of a running wolf.
w.v.<3