August Harvest
AND THE BEAT GOES ON
Where does time go? It’s been a year since the last photo shoot, launch party for my cookbook Looking Back, Cooking Forward and a whirlwind of presentations and cooking demonstrations. I decided early in June to devote my summer to exploring other projects, one of which is competing with my lovely new horse, Galant. I’m starting at a much lower test level than I was at with Z, my favorite horse of all (and the last I entered the ring with over 3 years ago) but that is OK. What is important is that Galant and I have only been riding partners for 5 months, so to be able to trust a 1400 lb. bundle of energy around the hustle and bustle of the show grounds so early in our journey together is a gift. Not only is he kind and trustworthy, he loves the show ring. Two nights away from his home barn is more than enough though. He is ready to get on the trailer and back to familiar surroundings. One of the greatest parts has been not having to run home and get ready to work a Friday or Saturday night and then drive an hour in the early morning to ride my next class. That was crazy!
Because they are easy and familiar I gravitate to cooking recipes from Looking Back, Cooking Forward. A “new tradition” over the last few years has been to take dinner to my mom on Wednesday nights. She is so grateful to have a “real” meal instead of the food at her assisted living facility. I asked her last week what the difference was, and she quickly replied, “Mary, I know you love to cook for me.” WOW, what a mind-blowing compliment. I had made her the Gazpacho that she has enjoyed throughout 3 restaurants and nearly four decades. Even though I wrote a story with each recipe it still is amazing to me to re-read them and realize how much love I have received and given through cooking. From grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and family, I have been truly blessed with memories, food and otherwise. To have been able to bring them all together is a gift to myself, and hopefully others. Whatever recipe I’m making I follow my directions to a “T” and make sticky note suggestions for the next re-print. It is an on-going undertaking. My Cross Word Puzzle, so to say.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I love the Peace Sign and after some reflection realized that it became a “part of me” as the Viet Nam War was coming to an end. Peace was good after years of unrest here and abroad. The sign was designed in 1958 for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament after a Semaphore, a method of visually signaling by flags or lights, combining the movements of N and D. It quickly became an anti-war symbol and international sign for peace. It was first used in the U.S. during the civil rights movements and became significant during the 60’s and 70’s as an emblem for peace, change, hope and inspiration.
Peace and love are truly part of my spiritual self. I absolutely love to cook, mostly because it is peaceful. I can listen to music and groove with my little pups watching hopefully for a treat. Or while teaching a class and feel the joy that learning brings to those who are there because they love to cook. One of the most gratifying Cooking with Love experiences I have ever had was during Covid when Sharon and I, on our own for the first month or so, would crank out 200 beautifully prepared, from-the-heart, meals for pick-up 2 days a week. We worked our butts off but were so proud to provide a service that no other restaurant was. It was cool to stay connected through masks and the 6-foot rule with our guests. But it goes deeper… memories with my loved ones—both family and friends—fellow chefs, former students and those who have supported me throughout the years. I’m very grateful to have taken the opportunity to allow myself to Look Back and to Cook Forward with Peace and Love.
We Wish You Many Million Dollar Days!
XXOO,
Mary, Maddie, Sophia and Galant!