Tiny bubbles

Ok, so I have wondered over the last few days what I could write about.
You know you want to be engaging, interesting and all the rest.
So let me tell you about my sour dough starter. That's what they call it.
In the past I have tried to do this and feel that I have failed miserably because my bread did not look like the picture in any shape or form.
And for those of you who enjoy sinking your teeth into some fresh, chewy bread such as the likes of Terra than you understand what might drive a person to try making their own. After all, how hard can it be?
But, there is a science to it.
I got a book out of the local library partially due to the fact that the photo of the baked bread taunted me and so I thought, "why not try again?"
In the past I have started my own starter with a little kick of help from a packet of yeast. This time and following the recipe I did the part flour, part water only and set the whole mixture aside to "catch some yeast" as the book explained.
And again, true to form the first batch sunk or stunk in this case.
So, back to square one.
Clean the bowl,
measure the flour and water,
stir vigorously (we really want to capture some yeast)
set it aside
and wait.
If I managed to do this correctly... then the next step to follow will be evident.
Bubbles.
Some big, some small but there will be bubbles.
Following the "praise God" there are bubbles, you must "feed" your starter and once again stir vigorously.
And, as you continue waiting there should be more bubbles.
Bubbles, beautiful bubbles.
Hey, it actually smells like sour dough should. This is a good sign I am thinking.
The recipe says not to cover it tightly with saran or any such thing but, you can use a piece of cheesecloth which I have, thus affording me the opportunity to monitor my batch of dough.
Very simply put, it feels like I am a parent caring for a child except to state the obvious it is a hunk of dough.
I watch it carefully,
bathe it,
feed it,
and care for it.
I really want this work.
Maybe this need to start something and see it through is all due to the fact that I was just at a seminar this weekend that was all about children. Caring for them, bonding with them, loving them and the commitment it all took.
Needless to say it left a lasting impression on me.
More than that (back to the bread) it is tangible. Although these various stages take up my time I really feel it will be worth it.

Yep, in the long run it will all be worth it.