We’ve built a cooking nest in the kitchen at Roncesvalles.
After having watched “Julie and Julia” an inspiration came
over the two of us to recreate the warmth of Julia Child’s
kitchen that now adorns the Smithsonian. The freezing
temperatures were the perfect backdrop to bake banana
bread and get the fireplace going to warm our toes.
The bottle of Bailey’s kept the power tools primed and
before long the pots were hanging and the cupboards now
had the room to organize themselves.
Now that the album is out hanging on the Masonite, next
to the spoon and measuring cup, we can finally start
cooking. We can share the creative meal we’ve made with
friends at the kitchen table.
There is one empty chair and a decade of distance
between us. My step-father passed away. Interestingly
enough I learned of his death after building the kitchen
workshop. Neil Diamond’s “Hot August night” on vinyl
was playing. I thought of Reg and the turntable that only
I was allowed to touch. I found the strength to look him
up on the internet. Maybe I’d go visit him. Play him the
record. He’d be proud of me I think.
Reg passed away in April of 2009 at the age of 57.
He taught me how to throw a ball. How to make
a bow and arrow. How to shoot a camera. He taught
me how to drive a car though he clung to the dash-
board. He could outrun me when I was in my teens.
We do things for the ones we love. Sometimes its
not until after its done do we know how it functions
and recognize its purpose.
Don`t scratch the vinyl.
Hold it like this.
Place the needle down gently.
Close the lid.
Lie down
…and Dream.
2010 by