Most of us like to tell stories from our past. Amusing anecdotes or life changing events are popular. But my mother loved to share her humiliating and shameful experiences of trying to cook when she was first married. She would describe her young self as someone completely disconnected to her present self. “What a dummy!!”Continue reading “Dirty Spinach”
Author Archives: mykitchenandotherstories
Tales from the Taco Shop
I am really resistant to long term planning. I am not ashamed of that. I gave up trying to live by the rules long ago. So far, so good. In the spring of 2007 I left my job, and by September had run out of EI and didn’t see any reasonable work opportunities in myContinue reading “Tales from the Taco Shop”
For Cat Lovers Only
It was inevitable that I would one day write a piece about cats. Cats have been a large part of my life. I grew up in a feline loving family, and over the years cats have been a great source of affection, amusement, companionship, and always a great non combative topic of conversation. They areContinue reading “For Cat Lovers Only”
Meanwhile….Life Happened.
One year ago I was working my second school season as a lunch lady at an elementary school near my home. The work was repetitive and boring, the food we prepared was uninspiring, and my workmate was often openly hostile. The kids however, made it worth it. Almost. They loved us, and the hot lunchContinue reading “Meanwhile….Life Happened.”
Memories of Food and Family
On this Mother’s Day I am sharing a piece I wrote as a gift to my late mother for her 87th birthday. There were a lot of things we didn’t agree on, but in cats and cooking we always found common ground. Thanks Mom, for giving me life, and for showing me how to liveContinue reading “Memories of Food and Family”
A Good Life
So, these are sections for what is important in my life. And some unsolicited advice. Take it or leave it. Housekeeping- If you are lucky or blessed enough to have a house, or a room, keep it proper. It makes such a difference to have order directly surrounding you. Make the bed, fold the patheticContinue reading “A Good Life”
Wild Things
In January 1990 I left frigid Toronto for a three month journey backpacking through southern Thailand and the Malaysian peninsula. I spent the majority of my time island hopping and looking for the perfect beach, or wandering city avenues searching for the perfect street food. Of course I found both, many times over. It wasContinue reading “Wild Things”
Summer in the Valley
The Alberni Valley , my home, is located in the middle of Vancouver Island, at the head of a narrow forty kilometre long inlet which originates on the Pacific Coast. Three main rivers flow through the valley, converge, and and empty into the inlet. There are countless streams and lakes that are also a partContinue reading “Summer in the Valley”
Soundtrack of my Life
Music. Life without music would be, what….pointless? drudgery? dry as a desert ? Music can fill me up and bring me to tears. Or make me feel melancholy, lazy, inspired, joyful, heartbroken, ecstatic!! Sometimes I can’t stop myself from dancing, or at least moving to the beat, even if it is NSYNC and I amContinue reading “Soundtrack of my Life”
Home.
Is where I want to be. But I guess I’m already there. When I hear this song, This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody), by the Talking Heads, tears come. Why? I know it is a love song, about human connection, but I always think of my house, my home, and how grateful I amContinue reading “Home.”
food by jude 