Dear Community, This time of year, we hear much about the happiness of new beginnings. But for me, I am often wistful, reflective. I lost my dad on New Year’s Eve, decades ago, but even today, it is not a day that I celebrate. Most of the time, I don't wait up for the clock to tick over, the fireworks to begin or the ball to drop. When I was younger, I felt guilty about not feeling the new year cheer, but now, it is much easier to accept the quiet that I crave on this day. I don’t want to misrepresent; I don’t spend the day morose or forlorn, but my heart is undeniably heavy. Over the years, I’m managed to balance that load with joy. A huge part of that joy is cooking.
Looking forward to seeing how you weave in your loved ones through your recipes. I reflect on food and loss quite a bit ever since losing my youngest uncle to COVID. Even now, I haven't been able to cook any of the dishes he would take me out to eat. But I know that some day, part of the joy of remembering him will be found in cooking, like you said. Thank you for sharing!
Hetty, I cannot wait to see Tenderheart and have it in my hands. I'm sorry that this is such a sad time for you. In Japan, new year is a really important time (if not the most important holiday) and it's generally a very serious time of the year, more a time of quiet reflection and less for celebration. I don't know if you've ever noticed on tv but the fireworks are not that impressive, it's just a time for reflecting, which seems to me as I get older more and more important too. Big hugs.
So excited to try these recipes. Thank you for sharing.
Looking forward to seeing how you weave in your loved ones through your recipes. I reflect on food and loss quite a bit ever since losing my youngest uncle to COVID. Even now, I haven't been able to cook any of the dishes he would take me out to eat. But I know that some day, part of the joy of remembering him will be found in cooking, like you said. Thank you for sharing!
Hetty, I cannot wait to see Tenderheart and have it in my hands. I'm sorry that this is such a sad time for you. In Japan, new year is a really important time (if not the most important holiday) and it's generally a very serious time of the year, more a time of quiet reflection and less for celebration. I don't know if you've ever noticed on tv but the fireworks are not that impressive, it's just a time for reflecting, which seems to me as I get older more and more important too. Big hugs.