Sentimental Tuesday

I was too crazy to post on Sunday, but instead went blog stalking and read the posts of others on Sunday. Something Jacque said got me thinking. She mentioned that most of her Sentimental Sunday posts seem to revolve around food. As do most of mine and some of our kids too. It reminded me of something Nana used to say. A friend of hers and long time visiting teacher was saying that she wanted to make stronger family traditions, but didn't enjoy cooking all that much and  “why does everything always revolve around food?”  I really loved Nana's response. She explained that it really isn't about the food. The food is just what gets people together and triggers the memories. Our family holidays do take place at mealtimes for the most part. Everyone has to eat, right? What better time to get together than a mealtime to share food and fun. Of course we love good food. That really isn't what the memories are all about though. We remember the good times and associate those with the sensory perceptions of food. Even smells will evoke memories of things, good and bad sometimes. 

Nana knew that food is what gets people together. We make the memories from there. I again so appreciate her wisdom and willingness to serve us all. This fall season has for some reason been very difficult emotionally for me this year. It is my first of all the occasions to be in her and Papa's home and the memories are wonderful, but hard. As Taya said in her blog, the open doors in the mornings are soon to start, but I don't think I can handle the music of Don Ho this year. I would just cry all day. And not only because it would be Don Ho. (not my fav). Music is right up there with memory association and it is just a little beyond us all here at the house for now. I am enjoying the season and hope to get through them all without a total meltdown. I still miss Nana so much. I am looking forward to making the house a fun place through the holidays and hope she will smile on us all and our efforts. I know she must be getting a kick out of our crazy canning mode. Gotta love it.