Finding Wonder in a Sandwich
"The sillier the idea, the better." Bierbaum
Richard H. Thorndyke, November 25, 2023, Craig Bierbaum
This Thanksgiving leftover sandwich (Richard H Thorndyke) is inspired by my sister-in-law Kelly Bierbaum who, like the mandarin slices, tirelessly labored in and around us to ensure everything worked and everyone’s needs were met yesterday.
As many of us are preparing amazing leftover sandwiches this weekend, I decided to dive into the lowly sandwich. The wonder of mundane tasks can be cultivated by slowing down and being mindful of the task at hand. Creator, Craig Bierbaum brings sandwiches to his Facebook friends in a funny and thoughtful way that gives his followers an opportunity for improvisational banter. Thus, bringing joy and wonder to others.
See
What started as a spoof on social media, soon became a thing of wonder for sandwich enthusiast, Craig Bierbaum, and others. Craig has been meticulously preparing and posting his sandwiches on Facebook for about 8 years.
Be sure to read the descriptions!
I get joy from playing the “game” of making up the most absurd inspirations behind the sandwiches I make and then doing social media improv with the people who are commenting. -Bierbaum
Here are a few posts from over the years.
Meet Dustin Hoffman, March 14, 2022
I just Rain Manned 57 onion shards on it.
Lmk if you have a different count.
FYI if it’s different than 57 it’s wrong because…Heinz.
Election Sandwich, November 3, 2020
Red and blue coalitions vying for control of the 3 Branches of Olives I mean Government.
Again I know this is completely obvious but Red America is the sprout side (notice the sad lonely “George Will” sprout at the middle right who left the Republican Party) while Blue America with its concentric circles of vying competing agendas is held up by a solid slice of Biden bologna. Vote, etcetera.
3 Pickles for Sister Sandwich, October 1st, 2023
Clone Wars, February 21, 2020
“Folks, I was stunned to discover, in this homespun, workaday sandwich, the visual representation of the Pyrrhic victory known to some as the Clone Wars. Equally opposed, with heroes on both sides, they fought and won and lost, and to what end? To serve the evil aims of Palpatine, lurking below with his singular, sinister Red Onion plot.”
Say
Bierbaum’s posts get so many comments that create laugh-out-loud banter. Which of these posts might you chime in on? What would you say?
The US and Britain have clear definitions of what is officially considered a sandwich. Is a hotdog a sandwich? After reading the definitions, place your vote! (Sorry, I just had to bring it up!)
What is your favorite sandwich? Describe what makes it wonderful to you.
Do
Create a sandwich or other food with intention and mindfulness. Name it, share it!
Try elevating something mundane and including others to spread joy!
Make a big sandwich or start a BIG Sandwich Night like Zack Steven and his college friends!
BSN Founding Fathers: Seth “Captain” Bernsen, Brent “Glenda the Good ‘Wich” Dexter, Karl “BF Good ‘Wich” Johnson, and Zack “’ Wich Doctor” Steven in the Cowles Hall dorm room where the tradition began
About the Artiste du Sandwich, Craig Bierbaum
Craig Bierbaum lives in MN, USA. He studied English Literature at the University of Minnesota and currently, he is a full-time director of Cyber Defence for a healthcare company and a part-time Sandwich Improv artist.
“I have been posting sandwiches for about 8 years. The commentary I do is intended as a playful riff on the social media thing of finding meaning in everything but in this case, it’s sandwiches. I get joy from playing the “game” of making up the most absurd inspirations behind the sandwiches I make and then doing social media improv with the people who are commenting. Side note: I did improv for a few years and this is a fun way to bring people into the process. For me, it builds community and does no harm (except for some who find it pointless or exasperating but that’s ok). At its best, it creates positive energy.
The sillier the idea the better - a few years ago the sandwich I made on Xmas was supposedly inspired by the Xmas day truce in WWI. (My dad who is a history buff was like grrr this is ridiculous). I love pausing in the day for a brief moment of creativity if the mood strikes. That said, I absolutely love eating the sandwiches I make - they are my favorite food to make quickly. Lots of different combinations, it’s colorful, and is a simple pleasure.” -Craig Bierbaum
FYI
The bread-enclosed convenience food known as the "sandwich" is attributed to John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792), a British statesman and notorious profligate and gambler, who is said to be the inventor of this type of food so that he would not have to leave his gaming table to take supper.
As the holiday season approaches, bringing its unique blend of joy and stress, we invite you to embark on a tranquil journey with our "Zentangle for Winter Mindfulness" course. Designed to guide you into a serene headspace and equip you with a lifelong skill for calmness, this course is more than just an art class—it's a doorway to mindful living.
In-person class: Zentangle for Winter Mindfulness on Dec.6th!
Please share your reflections with me by replying to this post and tagging my Wonder Wander Facebook or Instagram pages!
