Jeni, you've been such an inspiration to me in how you weave your spirituality into everything you do. It took me years to own my spiritual nature (I am a seeker of mysticism, truth and love at heart) and to weave that magic into the kitchen and into the food content I now create. Thank you for being a light for me, and for sharing these beautiful words. I will be thinking about the definition of flavor for some time.
I knew of you then, Jeni…high school art classes, very quiet. I also kept to myself for the most part. We probably would have found great likeness to one another if we would have talked, as we have a lot more similarities in our story.
I admire you for what you have been able to accomplish! But I very much just love this of what you wrote: “ I am in awe of how terribly beautiful life is, even and especially with the shadow of pain. I have always felt that I am just a spark of light traveling through the universe.”
Same. And we find our people who make us shine, and we realize giving and helping others shine is the true gift. Cheers to you!
Hi! Yes, always in the art wing. I felt so lucky to go to a school with such great art teachers. I’m surprised you remember me! And, no doubt we would have had a lot in common. I was just surviving back then. I just wanted out. I was a little bit like a zombie. But I was never unhappy, just focused on the future. I hope we can meet again sometime! ❤️
In college I got lost in ways I still reflect upon with deep curiosity, when on a whim I decided to get colored contacts. For the first time amid the brokenness and expectations, it were as if I could see others but they couldn’t see through me, and something lit a spark. Like your glasses - there was both clarity and protection. While my path has fewer battles, I relate so much to your finding solace in character and adore the voice you’re finding to share with us.
Hi Meredith! You had such a big impact on me. I am so grateful that we met. For those here who are not aware, Meredith is the most incredible gelato maker in the world (not just my opinion). Are you still making it? I think you were the first one to put olive oil on gelato? We met probably 20++ years ago at Babo in NYC where you oversaw the ice cream. (Right?) I think we also met in Italy? Rimini? You were so wonderful and encouraging to me—and also held very high standards that I have tried to keep. Much love! And thank you. ❤️
Thanks, Jeni, I left the city, and live in a little house in eastern Connecticut ,near the woods and Long Island sound,also more in love with the natural world , and peace and quiet. I go out into my little garden, happily,every morning. I do a little consulting here and there, but no more restaurants, my mind and body say no. Best to you !
What purpose does strong emotion serve? How do I dare to build a bridge between who I have been and who I desire to become? How can i help my brain when I begin to self-isolate + think in circles? 👈 all questions I’ve been asking desperately…it’s helpful to hear these topics addressed through someone else’s story. I was a big fan of Scream at the time—love that it was born anew. Thanks for sharing your musings as always 🌺
I have asked these questions, too. I think emotion is the elixir of life. But, sure, you have to work to understand emotion or it’ll eat you alive. ;) love the second question. Your bridge is made of tiny steps over time. Two things that help me when I start to isolate and swirl into anxiety I go run in the forest to get perspective. Then I go volunteer at the food bank. Or the humane society. Anything to work on a team. You didn’t ask for my answers, but here there are. :) ❤️ wow! You were there in the early days of Scream!
Jeni, you've been such an inspiration to me in how you weave your spirituality into everything you do. It took me years to own my spiritual nature (I am a seeker of mysticism, truth and love at heart) and to weave that magic into the kitchen and into the food content I now create. Thank you for being a light for me, and for sharing these beautiful words. I will be thinking about the definition of flavor for some time.
I knew of you then, Jeni…high school art classes, very quiet. I also kept to myself for the most part. We probably would have found great likeness to one another if we would have talked, as we have a lot more similarities in our story.
I admire you for what you have been able to accomplish! But I very much just love this of what you wrote: “ I am in awe of how terribly beautiful life is, even and especially with the shadow of pain. I have always felt that I am just a spark of light traveling through the universe.”
Same. And we find our people who make us shine, and we realize giving and helping others shine is the true gift. Cheers to you!
Hi! Yes, always in the art wing. I felt so lucky to go to a school with such great art teachers. I’m surprised you remember me! And, no doubt we would have had a lot in common. I was just surviving back then. I just wanted out. I was a little bit like a zombie. But I was never unhappy, just focused on the future. I hope we can meet again sometime! ❤️
In college I got lost in ways I still reflect upon with deep curiosity, when on a whim I decided to get colored contacts. For the first time amid the brokenness and expectations, it were as if I could see others but they couldn’t see through me, and something lit a spark. Like your glasses - there was both clarity and protection. While my path has fewer battles, I relate so much to your finding solace in character and adore the voice you’re finding to share with us.
Thank you. This means a lot to me. I love your story about contacts. Sometimes that’s all it takes to completely shift what’s possible. ❤️
I briefly knew you, and a portion of your ice cream story. Thanks for this essay, filling out some of the story with flavor…
Hi Meredith! You had such a big impact on me. I am so grateful that we met. For those here who are not aware, Meredith is the most incredible gelato maker in the world (not just my opinion). Are you still making it? I think you were the first one to put olive oil on gelato? We met probably 20++ years ago at Babo in NYC where you oversaw the ice cream. (Right?) I think we also met in Italy? Rimini? You were so wonderful and encouraging to me—and also held very high standards that I have tried to keep. Much love! And thank you. ❤️
Thanks, Jeni, I left the city, and live in a little house in eastern Connecticut ,near the woods and Long Island sound,also more in love with the natural world , and peace and quiet. I go out into my little garden, happily,every morning. I do a little consulting here and there, but no more restaurants, my mind and body say no. Best to you !
The DREAM. ❤️
What purpose does strong emotion serve? How do I dare to build a bridge between who I have been and who I desire to become? How can i help my brain when I begin to self-isolate + think in circles? 👈 all questions I’ve been asking desperately…it’s helpful to hear these topics addressed through someone else’s story. I was a big fan of Scream at the time—love that it was born anew. Thanks for sharing your musings as always 🌺
I have asked these questions, too. I think emotion is the elixir of life. But, sure, you have to work to understand emotion or it’ll eat you alive. ;) love the second question. Your bridge is made of tiny steps over time. Two things that help me when I start to isolate and swirl into anxiety I go run in the forest to get perspective. Then I go volunteer at the food bank. Or the humane society. Anything to work on a team. You didn’t ask for my answers, but here there are. :) ❤️ wow! You were there in the early days of Scream!
Jeni, this is wonderful story telling. ❤️👏👏👏
Thanks Laurie! ❤️