Some fragmented thoughts on "The Bear," peeling potatoes, the safe haven of the kitchen, "The Holdovers," and offering solidarity to the suffering in the Middle East
I'm so struck by your story of Nour and your time in the kitchen. Sounds like Nour had his own struggles and shortcomings, but his humanity was a sanctuary for you. It's good to be reminded that sometimes just presence - imperfect presence- can be what we need.
Also, I watched maybe two episodes of the Bear before I tapped out. It's good but way too stressful!
Your description of the kitchen really struck a chord with me-- I recently started volunteering in the kitchen for my church's homeless ministry, and not only does it do a lot of tangible good for our neighbors, but it's exceptional at quieting my mind. I'll show up with my head buzzing with all my worries, but once I settle in chopping veggies and plating desserts and doing dishes, I get out of my head for a while and just fall into the flow of work.
As the newbie on our church soup kitchen ministry, I was given the job of making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Apparently, that is the lowest job on the totem pole - and the men are always the ones doing the grilling and stove duties (don't get me started...). I'm not the newbie anymore, but I'm still proudly the "sandwich queen." It's quiet at the sandwich table and easy to talk to whatever partner I'm given. All that spreading is meditative to me. Plus, who doesn't love a sandwich?
And... thanks for the ideas for giving in the Middle East. The need is overwhelming and sometimes it's hard to sort through the noise to figure out how to help from way over here.
Jeff, your amazing ability to find beauty in the ordinary, is remarkable. For a few moments of my day, I’m transported either to a kitchen, another land or in my minds eye. Thank you for your good work
“While in recovery from the most recent episode…” EXACTLY that! Our kids insisted we watch The Bear, and I could barely make it through each episode. Had to watch the Christmas episode in 3 small chunks to swallow it. I’m with you- the most stress inducing show I have ever watched.
My husband and I watched "The Bear" together and thoroughly enjoyed it. He works in a upscale kitchen and could totally relate. I like you found it a little intense at times, however I had just read Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain, which is also pretty intense at times. What comes across for me is that those who have a vocation in the culinary arts definitely do it for the love of all things food and creativity. Certainly not for the money or how they are treated. Stick with "The Bear" you will be glad you did.
I have actually been in Grand Rapids this week! My husband and I came up from Nashville to meet our new nephew for the very first time and see my parents off on their new adventure living in their RV full time and traveling. It's been a wonderful trip and the weather has been beautiful (and terrible) up til today!
“Just be you” 💗 I love that the kitchen feels like your safe space. For me, it is the opposite. I have to put music I love to stay in the kitchen in order to feel joy, as it has been a place of trauma for me from early childhood. I love reading about your kitchen experiences. It’s gives me joy.
I’m right there with you watching The Bear. We stopped after episode 2 because it was so intense. So far I’m not seeing as much comedy as I think an Emmy winning comedy should have! However, my son assured me that things in the kitchen calm down so I’m now carrying on and am at about the same episode you’re at. Good luck!
Hello Jeff, I must have missed a few of your newsletters because I didn't realize that you are going to be ordained on April 6 - Congratulations and may the Lord bless your call! I'd like to know more.
I'm so struck by your story of Nour and your time in the kitchen. Sounds like Nour had his own struggles and shortcomings, but his humanity was a sanctuary for you. It's good to be reminded that sometimes just presence - imperfect presence- can be what we need.
Also, I watched maybe two episodes of the Bear before I tapped out. It's good but way too stressful!
Your description of the kitchen really struck a chord with me-- I recently started volunteering in the kitchen for my church's homeless ministry, and not only does it do a lot of tangible good for our neighbors, but it's exceptional at quieting my mind. I'll show up with my head buzzing with all my worries, but once I settle in chopping veggies and plating desserts and doing dishes, I get out of my head for a while and just fall into the flow of work.
As the newbie on our church soup kitchen ministry, I was given the job of making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Apparently, that is the lowest job on the totem pole - and the men are always the ones doing the grilling and stove duties (don't get me started...). I'm not the newbie anymore, but I'm still proudly the "sandwich queen." It's quiet at the sandwich table and easy to talk to whatever partner I'm given. All that spreading is meditative to me. Plus, who doesn't love a sandwich?
And... thanks for the ideas for giving in the Middle East. The need is overwhelming and sometimes it's hard to sort through the noise to figure out how to help from way over here.
PS - Hi Fozzie!! xoxo
"Just be you...I think that is all that matters. Just be you". Yes 🙌
Jeff, your amazing ability to find beauty in the ordinary, is remarkable. For a few moments of my day, I’m transported either to a kitchen, another land or in my minds eye. Thank you for your good work
“While in recovery from the most recent episode…” EXACTLY that! Our kids insisted we watch The Bear, and I could barely make it through each episode. Had to watch the Christmas episode in 3 small chunks to swallow it. I’m with you- the most stress inducing show I have ever watched.
yes, how long oh Lord. Thanks for sharing the work that Rev. Linda is doing. I hope she gets lots of support from this letter. Thanks.
My husband and I watched "The Bear" together and thoroughly enjoyed it. He works in a upscale kitchen and could totally relate. I like you found it a little intense at times, however I had just read Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain, which is also pretty intense at times. What comes across for me is that those who have a vocation in the culinary arts definitely do it for the love of all things food and creativity. Certainly not for the money or how they are treated. Stick with "The Bear" you will be glad you did.
I have actually been in Grand Rapids this week! My husband and I came up from Nashville to meet our new nephew for the very first time and see my parents off on their new adventure living in their RV full time and traveling. It's been a wonderful trip and the weather has been beautiful (and terrible) up til today!
“Just be you” 💗 I love that the kitchen feels like your safe space. For me, it is the opposite. I have to put music I love to stay in the kitchen in order to feel joy, as it has been a place of trauma for me from early childhood. I love reading about your kitchen experiences. It’s gives me joy.
Well. God bless Nour. I am so glad you had that sheltering kitchen. ❤️
I’m right there with you watching The Bear. We stopped after episode 2 because it was so intense. So far I’m not seeing as much comedy as I think an Emmy winning comedy should have! However, my son assured me that things in the kitchen calm down so I’m now carrying on and am at about the same episode you’re at. Good luck!
Your words are like a nourishing meal. Thank you!
Your notes are a calm in the storm. Thank you. And thank you for sharing ways to help others and celebrate your ordination.
Hello Jeff, I must have missed a few of your newsletters because I didn't realize that you are going to be ordained on April 6 - Congratulations and may the Lord bless your call! I'd like to know more.
Chris, March 27