Two years ago I experienced Southern hospitality when visiting Tennessee for the very first time. The occasion was momentus: meeting my husband’s dad and his wife Karen, their adult kids – Erroll’s step sisters – and their brood of kids. And of course the matriarch of the Hartleys – my new “Granma Bonnie.” I sure felt welcome and the transition from essentially being a stranger to them, to becoming embraced as an integral family member – one of their own – was conducted in the kitchens of their beautiful homes.
Measuring Cups NIKON D3000 f/3; Exposure 1/15sec; ISO-100
Fast forward to today, and Dubai’s very own Southern Belle, Sunny, became my acquaintance; opening up her warm home to people she’s only recently met, with affectionate friendships soon to be forged over kitchen benchtops, chopping boards and hot ovens…
Fresh Basil Pizza NIKON D3000 f/3; Exposure 1/15sec; ISO-100
Home cooking in the inviting kitchens of new and existing friends creates the conduit to sharing parts of ourselves which then leads to that spiritual mood lifter – acceptance. Sharing parts of ourselves while mixing ingredients and stirring the pot; teamwork producing taste sensations.
What a perfectly balanced way to indulge in life’s great joys: food and friends. And I sure am grateful for that.
Ratatouille NIKON D3000 f/3.2; Exposure 1/8 sec; ISO-100
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