Celebrations Abound!

Growing up my Mom used to sing this song, Fountain in the Park by Ed Haley (1862–1932) to me:

While strolling through the park one day,

In the merry merry month of May,

He was taken by surprise,

By a pair of roguish eyes,

In a moment his poor heart was stole away.

A smile was all she gave to him,

Of course she was as happy as can be,

He immediately raised his hat,

And finally she remarked,

He never will forget,

That lovely afternoon,

He met her at the fountain in the park.

I must say it brought a twinkle to my eyes as a child, but I never really knew what it meant until recently. Basically, it's a boy meets girl kind of story.  I take it now she was amused by the song and it would explain why she loved spring so much.  All things become new again.

Of course, I surmise that my being born the 15th of May on Mother's Day may have something to do with it too! On May 15th I will turn 57 years young, the day after Mother's day.  Mama has been celebrating in Heaven for 13 years now.  One thing I know for sure is she could sure throw a party.  I am certain her duties in Heaven include hospitality!

This year, I am so thrilled that most of my immediate family will be joining me in our nation's capital,  Washington D.C. It's a real exciting time because we get to see the new National Museum of African American History and Culture and lots of other sights in D.C.

The family is very important to us, as well as our cultural heritage. This trip I will be missing my #1 Son, Adrian. But finals week waits for no man!  Next year will be graduation, go Raiders, guns up!

We are excited to have an immersion experience by staying in an Airbnb in the community of Trinidad.  We are looking forward to sampling the local cuisine, art, and culture of Trinidad. Hat's off to Ana Maria our host for creating such a warm and inviting space!

It will be great to have food, fun, and fellowship with my sister Josephine, my niece Staci Viola, my daughters Arielle and Amiah and my dear friend Gwendolyn.Amiah is planning a birthday feast complete with a double-layer lemon cake and wine, of course, mmmm! I can't wait to taste the creamy goodness.  Be sure to check the Travel Blog and Instagram for pictures. 

Live, Laugh and Love Life!

Well, it certainly has been a long time since I visited my own site.  Life changes have taken me in some new and exciting directions since moving to Waco, but I am back!  First, let me catch you up to all of the news for Cast Iron Skillet.  We have definitely expanded our services by developing a series of Creole cooking classes in collaboration with Gourmet Gallery owner Karyn Miller Brooks. The classes were so successful that we have branched out into corporate and private classes.  Most recently CIS provided a private bash for the Waco Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the Waco Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Our first corporate client is Balcones Distilling for whom we hosted a Mardis 
Gras Soiree. 

In addition, CIS has participated in two non-profit events, the Signature Chef Auction for the March of Dimes of Waco last October, Healthy Choices for Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. and Providence Healthcare, Kentucky Derby Fundraiser on May 6th! So as you can see, we have been busy! 

I am so looking forward to summer! First stop, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. I will be showcasing African American culinary history and women chefs on our Le Pain De Vie website and our new Black Women Chefs Instagram. I can't wait to taste the delicious Ruby Scoops ice cream created by fellow Chef Rabia Kamar as well as the Sweet Home Cafe inside the NMAAHC. 

Plus it's my birthday month so I can't wait to see what surprises my family has in store! (Hint, hint.)

I recently visited California for the first time, which was awesome by the way.  I so enjoyed San Diego, I can't wait to go back. Upon arriving, I had an exciting road trip to visit my dear cousin Shirley and her family in Beaumont, CA. We visited the wonderful 123 Lavender Farm in Highland Springs, had a ladies day at the spa and celebrated Resurrection Sunday with church service and a great Easter meal in Riverside. I loved the majestic mountains, some of them still had a bit snow on top. The weather, the diverse culinary scene, the beautiful coastal sunsets.  I put myself to sleep the other night just thinking about the view from my room. Au revoir Mon Ami, until next time!

Last but not least, I am back on track with the cookbook, special thanks to the Writing Barn in Austin, so more news to come about that in the June/July post!