How It All Began...

I remember growing up, watching my mom and my grandmother preparing these awesome meals for our family. At the time I never appreciated what was happening. I just thought they were simply feeding their families so we would't starve! I knew that whatever they put out on the table was going to taste nothing short of amazing!!! When I was a teenager my mom would try to get me in the kitchen to cook. She would say "you know I'm not going to cook your food forever, one day you goin' have to cook for yourself!"; as I hurried out of the kitchen yet again! During that time I tried to cook, I really did! But as I tried , there were many casualties along the way, like pots that caught on fire , food that wasn't prepared properly, grilled cheeses that were well past cajun or char-broiled, hot potato salad sorry woo!) lol! Small segway: Sorry to all the people that had to endure my cooking through my learning phase! But through trial and error something big was brewing!I just didnt see yet. There was passion that I would have never recognized, an untapped love that came out when I finally met this woman. This woman took me and awakened what had been instilled in me by my mother and my grandmother. She caused me to see something that is being snatched from some many of us today! SHE GAVE ME A PURPOSE! Not only did she awaken these attributes that was set there by GOD through my mom and grandmother, but then she lit a match that lit up determination , passion, love, a desire for family and a wholeness that I had long forgotten. Who, you ask? Read a little further and you will find out.

Growing up , I saw my mom and my grandmother putting this same love and passion in the food , the same as this woman. I didn't know what they were doing, but my mother in law brought revelation to it all. It all began to connect. I will admit that when I first met my husband the connection had not yet been made. But my mother in law took me by the hand (literally) and said this is what you do. She gave the most subtle advice that still resonates within my spirit and soul today. And its that advice, and that same love and direction that I take and put into my food. She always told me " Make love to your food"! I'll admit the first time I heard that , I gave her that "say what now" look. But she was telling me that food is emotional just like you and I . You mst handle it with care , because it not only feeds the body but the soul! Anything yu do, if done with love it is felt. Hebrews 13:16, is an exact definition of what I do, what I was taught to do with food. What you feel when you create a dish is what your food will taste like. And everyone that eats this will know what you are feeling. So if you are scared of the food, your food will taste like it. If you are angry your food will taste uneven, because you are uneven. But if you have love on the mind and in the heart when you are creating, its like art it will speak to the audience, it communicates, but this is not cmmunication based on what they see, its what they taste , its what they feel. She said "why do you think it is that people can be at war one minute, but as soon as they sit down to break bread, there is peace? In the bible it speaks of friendships, alliances, healings, displays of love, sacrifice and even miracles were brought about when men would break bread .

For years I lost my sense of family , but when I met her she brought all back; full circle! And for that I am forever grateful. She is no longer here but this is my tribute to her (Loretha's Table)! It was at the table of life that took a seat at and learned some of the most effective lessons. So to the most influential women in my life, the ones that unveiled something so deep and started it all: Patricia Jo-Ann Arnold (grandmother), Althelia Mae Edwards (mom) and Loretha Yvonne Daniel (mother-in-law)... this is for you!!!! Love you guys