What is it about feeding people that gives us so much joy? Food in our family is a way of caring for the well being of our loved ones and expressing love. My husband loves to cook. It gives him a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment. We are so lucky to be able to feed ourselves and family every day and not worry about where are next meal comes from. Yes we complain about the price of food these days but for most of us we are still able to put food on the table. Sometimes we have to get creative to stretch the dollar but I still fondly remember some of the comfort food we prepared at university. Chicken livers and peppers over rice was a staple along side macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and meat sauce (from a jar), grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, homemade chilli and eggs and toast.
This week’s number brings back memories of a visit to the High Park Zoo, an art exhibit at the ROM, a day at the opera with my good friend, LInda, several of my art projects from years ago, friends and family, photos from my retirement party and pictures from the cottage.
…from writing cards to making soup for the unhoused
This year I sent out over 75 Christmas cards. For the last three years my husband, Kevin designed our Cards and had them printed through a printing company. Last year we went through a postal strike so most of our cards didn’t arrive to their destinations till well after Christmas.
This season both Kevin and I donated our time, energy and money to support our communities and individuals who aren’t as fortunate as we are. A good friend of mine has given three Ukrainian families an opportunity to work in her home. It’s an arrangement that has been beneficial at both ends, especially after C suffered from a stroke last year. These amazing women helped her with cleaning the house, doing her cooking and preparing meals.
A couple of other friends have also used these women to clean their homes. They left Ukraine when the war broke out while their husbands stayed behind to fight. This Christmas, C and her husband put out the call for new items so that these women and their children could have a Christmas. I spent a day shopping for presents and two more days sorting and wrapping gifts.
Kevin has always wanted to make soup for the unhoused. Another friend, B has been working with the unhoused for a number of years now and told me about a project where people can come every Friday and pick up food and clothing. Right now tables are set up on the street and people line up to pick up a hot meal, some groceries and warm articles of clothing.
This past week Kevin made a huge pot of soup that made about 30 servings. I helped him take the soup to the drop off and I stayed to serve it up. Another woman had also made soup so there was plenty for everyone and there were lots of trays of other hot foods like tortellini and other pastas. It was bitter cold but I didn’t really feel it until the soup ran out.
Today, after shopping for ingredients, I finally got around to making bags of Party Mix and dozens of chocolate cookies for my Christmas plates that I hand out to my neighbours. I’m hoping to make more cookies tomorrow.
Generally most sales if not all are made in the first week of a show. I hoped to sell one more paintings or photographs in the last two days and much to surprise I sold a photograph in the first hour today and a painting in the last hour plus a few more cards.
One of the best parts of these shows is getting together with family and friends, reconnecting with acquaintances from my past and meeting new people. Yesterday I met two new artists who I hope I can keep in touch with. Today friends who have never seen my work came to the show and two of them completely surprised me when they walked through the door in the last half hour.
Thanks to everyone who supported me throughout my art journey and a special thanks to Rod for helping me set up the show, Kevin who spent three days with me at the gallery and Frieda who helped me take down the show.
August started with my sister’s birthday and a family celebrating 50 years in Canada. The Heideckers became very close friends with my Mom and Dad soon after they arrived. Sadly they are no longer with us so my sister and I were there to represent the Winklers.
In the middle of the month Kevin and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Where did the years go? We invited our friends and family to share a meal at a wonderful Italian restaurant, Pulcinella.
Twelve days later we had a quiet dinner on my birthday and two days later at our lawn bowling end of summer event the club sang Happy Birthday to me and another Carol. That was quite unexpected.
Today I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of a couple I knew in high school and when our children went to school together we became good friends. This party was held at the Rogers Centre during a baseball game with the Blue Jays and the Brewers. It was a great game and the Jays won 8 to 4. Congratulations to Diane and Don. Thanks for a fantastic day!
Yesterday was a more laid back day but at one point Azadeh, Sevin and I needed to get out for a walk. It turned out to be one of those typical London days ….to rain or not to rain but we chanced it anyway and headed for the park.
We took a shortcut through the park and made our way to Church Street. About half the stores were closed because it was a bank holiday but most of the coffee shops were opened.
The best part of the walk for Sevin was the stop at the gelato shop.
…and buying her favourite flavours….mango and strawberry.
Mama Cormier 