Traditions

Memories take me back to love; that is where it started for me. Love the first memory is my parents and their adoration and calming presence and how they laughed and watched me intently. We did all things together just the three of us.

My favorite time was dinner time. It was the longest period of time we were together and we all gathered at the table for food and drinks. When they fed me and it was a time for me to entertain them; there was stage set and ready. I as an adult have a strong adoration for for food and entertaining. I do believe that this love comes from my first love, my parents, and how they enjoyed my high jinks every night.

I did not have to steal the show it was given, the merriment that they shared as I sang and danced my way out of eating broccoli was better that any Broadway show. You see I am a first born child-a red headed one too! So full of energy and lots of sass and I loved my parents, my keepers, my friends, my confidants. So for the first few years (sans siblings) of my life and the ones after that I remember I entertained my parents.

This was done with songs that I learned in school, stories I made up playing with my imaginary friends, and whatever other shenanigans I got into that I shared. We laughed and I loved those moments. I will cherish those instances where I was the only one just for a twinkling second in my existence. Those laughs, secrets shared, songs sung, hugs and kisses formed my love for entertaining and feeding other peoples souls; how perfect a LOVE.

I love to throw parties and entertain the masses. I love to feed people their favorite foods, highlight their achievements, oh and let it be their birthday, sparkling gifts at Christmas, Wine clubs that meet every month, Book clubs and so many more. I can find an excuse for it every single DAY. This brings me joy and allows me to show those that I love how much I do love them…because I was so loved.

It is a tradition; a passion that makes me happy. It reminds me of my happy. Entertaining the two people who created me who also gave me a brother and a sister to entertain. I have a voice that I need to share- because I always have…

I still love to entertain that has not changed…I do not think that it will. It has actually gotten stronger since Dad died. I want things to look nicer and I want to bake cookies and deliver them. I want to cook an incredible meal and open a bottle of wine. I am making charcuterie boards with those salami rose buds! Just things that make me feel good inside and one of those things is making others happy. I want to make others happy- because I believe that sparks something in me!

Our traditional family ended many years ago but our tradition never ended… we are the Rankin’s. We are the Morris’s… Just blended with traditions and limited with time. I wrote this a while ago and found it in my drafts this morning. I thought it was appropriate because new traditions are our path forward as a family as we grieve our Dad. We will start new traditions and incorporate all the little things that made our Rankin traditions important. Today the sun is beaming and I am off for an AUNT adventure and I am excited. New traditions y’all…

Love to all. Be Blessed. XOXO