(Written January 16, 2018)
Every Day Is A Gift
The older I get, the faster each year seems to pass. And the more grateful I am for each and every day. In fact, my blog has become even more important to me with every passing year. And after losing a dear friend in a tragic accident last week, I sat down to take a serious look at how I plan to spend whatever time I have left on this planet.
It takes lots of time and energy to create the content I publish, and I’ve been writing these blog posts for almost a decade. And it’s a pretty safe bet that I probably have many less days ahead of me than my precious days that have already passed. (After all…how many people do YOU know who are still kicking at age 134??)
Why Write My Blog?
Today I have paused to remind myself why I started “Meemaw Eats” in the first place. So please bear with me as I share my personal story with all of you once again.
As a child growing up in the 1950’s in rural Iowa, I was surrounded with love: from my family, my pets, and my simple farm life. And that love transferred over to the foods on my plate, served up to me by the most wonderful cook I ever knew and have EVER known…my Mom.
My Dad had a favorite saying about Mom in our kitchen. “She can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” And Dad was so right. Mom could take the simplest ingredients and turn them into a dinner fit for a king.
Dinnertime was always special at our Iowa farmhouse, and the enticing smells wafting from our kitchen called us inside when the sun went down. No dinner bell needed!
My Travel Bug Bit Me Early!
My love of travel also began at an early age, since Mom and Dad took us on MANY road trip adventures. That’s my big brother and me…on top of the world. (Or at least on top of a mountain in Colorado!)
Yes…Mom and Dad introduced me to so many travel “firsts” in my life: seeing the mountains, the desert, orange trees, date palms, and the amazing and beautiful ocean. Once we drove all the way from Iowa to California. In 1956, on two-lane roads, with no air conditioning. Those family memories will stay with me forever!
As an adult, my travel bug led me to expand my horizons beyond the U.S. From the Caribbean, to Europe, to the Middle East, to Central and South America, my old eyes have been very fortunate to see so much of the world.
Nowadays, I’ve been married for almost 50 years to my high school sweetheart, known today as “Peepaw.”
And after being blessed to become the Mom to two little boys, I shared my passion for food and travel with them, too.
I recently came across this photo of our sons on one of our many trips when they were little boys…
and I quickly remembered that precious photo of my brother and me, “on top of the world” so many, many years ago.
And THAT is why this blog has become so important to me. It’s a bridge between generations. And I’m blessed to say that bridge has continued to lengthen and strengthen as the years have passed.
Our sons both now have precious families of their own, and I’m a proud “Meemaw” to seven amazing grandkids.
There is no place I’d rather be than in the kitchen with all seven of them!
And even though my Mom and Dad aren’t around to see it, I’m happy and proud to say all that they’ve taught me lives on through the tastes and smells of my own kitchen. And those long-ago family trips, both near and far, have given me an even greater appreciation for the universal language we all share…the language of FOOD.
What’s Next?
So, through my blog, I’m blessed to share that love of food and travel with all of our friends, family, and you, Dear Readers. But especially with our grandkids. So consider this blog my “love letter” to them. And I’m so happy to know you’re all coming along for the ride!
I hope my blog will live on for generations to come.
Yes…there are still more rocks for me to climb, God willing. It just takes me longer to reach the top. But I’m pretty sure one of these dear grandkids will reach out to take my hand when I need them. They are good, and kind and generous…just like their parents. And they make me so very proud.
So as long as we can come up with more road trips to take, and more stories to share, and more family recipes to cook…I think you’re stuck with me. And I treasure everyone who keeps coming back for more! So thanks to ALL of you…and let’s see what’s cookin’ NEXT as we embark on another new year.
Family, Food and Fun – Meemaw Eats…Since 1950.
(And Still Counting.)
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So enjoyed reading your blog! Wonderful memories and many more to come.
Thank you so much Mary Farrell! I am grateful for your comments.
XOXO
Meemaw
I can relate to all of your memories except traveling. Our family was just too big! Love, love, love❤️
Thank you Dear Linda…
XOXO
Meemaw
I do enjoy reading about your adventures, time you’ve spent with your family, and the food you prepare. Thanks for sharing.
From one Patty to another…I say THANK YOU!
XOXO
Meemaw
Great tribute
Thank you Dawn…
XOXO
Meemaw
So glad to be along for the ride.
Thank you Laura! You’re always welcome!
XOXO
Meemaw
Love your blog and YOU!
Awww…THANK YOU Bonnie! (The feeling is mutual!)
XOXO
Meemaw
What great writing and photos. So many fantastic trips, cooking and other adventures. Love your blog, keep it coming.
I had a failure on the beef stew last week. I’m blaming it on the WINE! and i did not do any wine tasting.
For some strange reason it just didn’t taste right. Will try again today.
Thank you Jan! And I; sorry your beef stew was a flop! Let me know if you want to walk through the steps with me before you try again!
XOXO
Meemaw
Patty, your patience in the kitchen with your kids and now grandkids will live on in their hearts long after you’re gone. That love will be in their hearts always as yours is from your family.
Oh Karen Hoffman…your words brought tears to my eyes! You really do “get it”. Thank you for your kind words.
XOXO
Meemaw
Seeing that photo of your mom brought back some warm memories.
My condolences on the loss of your friend.
Awww…Thank you Rosemary! And seeing YOUR name brought back such warm memories of your parents! Our small town childhood memories are the Norman Rockwell moments most people only dream of.
XOXO
Meemaw
Very nice. I often recall my parents and 8 siblings seated around our dinner table on a cold winter evening and the delicious smells and tastes and love surrounding us all.
Barb…Thank you so much for sharing your memory with me! It’s amazing how so many of our memories are intertwined with food. And that family bond is the icing on the cake!
XOXO
Meemaw
LOVE this‼️❤️
Thank you Lisa…I appreciate you taking the time to tell me! Sometimes I feel like I’m writing in a vacuum…so hearing from my readers truly warms my heart!
XOXO
Meemaw
You and your brother both have such a gift for writing. Such a rich live you have and are living! Keep it up.
Thank you so much Kathy! That is so kind of you to say. I LOVE to write…and to know these words will be left behind long after I’m gone? PRICELESS!
XOXO
Meemaw
I ❤️ Your blog! You are a wise woman, mom, wife and grandma! Keep on making memories and sharing your delicious recipes and memories with us!
Oh Jean…thank you so much! The comments and encouragement I receive from you Dear Readers is a very special part of my life. Thank you for taking the time to write to me. So stay tuned for more…God willing!
XOXO
Meemaw
Beautiful blog, Patty. You have a gift for cooking and entertaining for sure, but also the amazing gift of writing about your life. Your grandkids will cherish these stories, as will their grandkids! 💞💞💞
Thank you so much Patricia. Your comments touched my heart. And it brings me such a sense of peace to know my stories and recipes and laughs about life will live on…for who knows how long? (I hope I have a way of knowing!) 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
I can relate to a lot of your comments about childhood, community and your parents..as I grew up in the same community Thank you for allowing me to ride along your travel and cooking blog. Very interesting!
Thank you for your comments Emma! I’m glad you’re along for the ride…wherever we go!
XOXO
Meemaw