Soul Food

I've decided to take some time to nurture myself today. My father is resting comfortably so now it's time to replenish myself. Being a good Italian women, I decided to cook a Sunday meal for my self, Vincent and Dad. Dad has been eating well even with the hospital food, yet I know he'll appreciate some macaroni with meat sauce. It's slowly cooking and the house smells like Sunday to me!

Growing up, Mom always made a sauce, or gravy as we called it, which we often ate at around 3 pm. I'm using another kind of "aromatherapy" in the house today to nurture myself. The scent of the gravy wafts through the house and reminds me that all is well.

I visited my acupuncturist, Jenny Lee, this past week. I've been stressed and experiencing achy heels and calves. Acupuncture has helped me so many times in my life. Click on Jenny's name above to read more about acupuncture.

Jenny gave me some special tea bags for a foot bath so I soaked my feet this morning, used my chi machine this afternoon and will shortly wash off this facial masque when I'm done posting this short blog. It feels good to catch up on some of my normal daily activities and adding a bit of nurturing to the mix.

I can't wait to taste my Rotelle, pork and tomato gravy meal . . . mmmmmm good! Food for my soul!

Recapturing Past Traditions with Macaroni!

I've been trying to bring Sundays back. During my formative years, Sundays were a day for church, bacon and eggs and Italian meat gravy with macaroni. It's also a day for catching up with family and some chores. Usually chores were completed on Saturdays so Sunday could be a true day of rest.

Every Sunday I would awaken to the smell of Mom sauteing the garlic and olive oil to start the gravy. She had already browned the meatballs, pork and other meats on Saturday night after dinner. After adding the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and various spices, the browned meats were added to the mix. Mmmmm . . . I can almost smell it! Wait! I do smell it.

I just had Dad over for a plate of Pasta Fagioli. After we ate, we called Aunt Rose, Aunt Dolly, my brother and my sister so Dad could have a visit. Vincent was at the gym so Dad called him there to have a little chat.

Visiting with family via phone after a nice bowl of Pasta Fagioli is very fulfilling for me. I'm feeling nostalgic for those days of visiting with cousins every Sunday. This Sunday is fulfilling my desire. My cousin, Stephen, who lives in Brooklyn, called me today. We connected via email and Facebook. Today we spent an hour on the phone. It was fabulous.

Tonight, I will visit mi cugini in Boca Raton, for another round of macaroni! Woo Hoo!

Margaret Ann