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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Dinner With a Godess



I'm back in Santa Barbara with family and friends.  The old familiar places, smells, and friendships exhilarate me.  I find myself rushing to my best friend's house with my in laws and another seasoned couple.  We are late for a dinner appointment invited by my best friends parents.  Unfortunately Sophie couldn't make it in town for the weekend.  It wasn't the same being in the kitchen and sitting by the fire without her.  I even pet her dog who has gotten chunky and old over the years out of old time sentiments.  We arrived to find a mad french woman in the kitchen pivoting back and forth between one project to the other.  This is Sophie's mom.  She is one of my favorite people in the world.  She is class.  She is the epitome of grace and talent.  Right now she is in her element.  Food is french and we are in the kitchen.  She is determined and looks like she has been put on fast forward; chopping mixing tasting.  She's telling Claire what to do and when to do it.  Claire silently fulfills the tasks.  She's not more than 13.  She's a Kitchen Goddess in the making.
  The immaculate meal is being prepared and as we file into the kitchen we are put to work obeying each direction.  Instantly we feel as if we are completely useless in the kitchen when we see what Katrina is doing.  Working in the gorgeous kitchen with each ingredient  at our fingertips we almost feel as if we have died and gone to chef heaven.  Each ingredient is organic, and perfect.  Newlywed budget never could live up to such a meal.  The appetizer was hardened crispy bread, garlic rubbed, goat cheese, and a spicy kalamata olive spread.  Barbecued chicken with garlic and parsley sauce.  Mashed crispy potatoes.  Ratatouille.  Dessert; creme and figs with fig red wine sauce.
     The host rang a bell to bring everyone to the table.  Dinner was served by candle light.  Politics and recent books were discussed.  Tales of great adventures and deep faith.
     The party resumed as the guests all moved to the next room.  The fire burned, the couches were comfortable.  Plans for the future and stories of old were told.  It felt good to be back in the residence I spent so many fond memories in.  Their home was a place of acceptance and love for me at a time in my adolescence when my parents and I couldn't seem to accept each others points of views.  They adopted me into their home and probably were doing my parents a favor.  I looked up to them then and now I do more than ever before.  They have charted out their lives already.  From what I can tell from tonight, they are so successful.  They have kept friends and family close.  Leisure activities and the pleasures of life continue in abundance.  I see Katrina in the kitchen.  She is enjoying herself.  She is such a godess.  Everything is perfect.  Each taste, and gesture overflowing with hospitality.  She is interesting and funny.  She is insightful and serious.  She is passionate and animated.
     Sophie's parents are fascinating beautiful people who live the dream.  They work hard and play hard.  They are people who understand how to enjoy life and live in good company.  Their hearts are set upon things and people beyond themselves.  They have great faith and love. Robbie, you were very much missed.