Have you ever seen the movie “Fools Rush In”? I have, about 10+ times, but probably only once with an actual plan to watch it. The other 9+ times are due to channel surfing and landing on it, unable to click away. It’s not the best love story ever created for the big screen but still there is something so compelling about it. Endearing, romantic, new love, family issues and the occasional comedic scene, what’s not to love.
I recently caught about 30 minutes the other day during one of my favorite scenes when Salma Hayek {the female lead} surprises Mathew Perry {the male lead} by taking him to the Grand Canyon and brings out a picnic basket of Gray’s Papaya hot dogs for his birthday. Tomas {M.Perry} has previously mentioned that is one of the things he misses most about living in Las Vegas and Isabel {S.Hayek} remembers this and has them sent overnight by his Mother.
{image care of don’t white sugar coat it}
I love this scene for many reasons. First, the idea of having a picnic on the edge of the Grand Canyon seems amazing all on its own. But secondly, for the fact that we all have some similar memory that so strongly connects us to a place and time, to a smell or sound that remind us of people and places we love.
They sit and he takes his firs bite. His expression is of genuine appreciation for the food but also you can see that this flavor is linked to many memories that are all flooding back to him at that moment. And now he will add this picnic on the edge of the Grand Canyon with his love to the memory bank.
As you may know, I am writing my first book and as I am working on each of the chapters I feel like I am reliving my youth through the tableware, linens, tablescapes, floral arrangements and the many recipes for food and beverage both served by my family while I was growing up, and through my own recipes I have made over the years for friends and family during my own celebrations.
My daily hope is that through this blog and my upcoming book I can inspire others to create environments that become memories. And to let you know that when you set a pretty table, it is noticed even if only by the subconscious mind. That when you cook a special meal for friends traveling to visit with you overnight filling the house with it’s smell, your friends will recall that exact gathering when they catch a whiff of a similar scent when walking in their neighborhood.
People may never tell you about these times of recall but please, never take for granted the power of food, flowers, beauty and gatherings, big or small, I promise they mean more than you know. Keep cooking, creating and connecting, our future memories need you.
And now I want to hear from you. What is your favorite memory of growing up based on food or a special gathering? Please share them with me in the comments below.
