Mary Yana’s Marvelous Monday Mystery Manja…
It’s a Great Day To…Shake it up on the Marvelous Monday Page here on itsagreatdayto.com For five and one half years, every Monday, there has been a recipe to try or to inspire readers in the kitchen. Each week, it has been fun to either try something new to share with readers or to post a recipe that has been part of my kitchen repertoire. As I have said from the very beginning of itsagreatdayto that the food is always secondary to those around a table. Well, seeing that there is a phenomenal library of recipes between the website and the book, It’s a Great Day To…Gather Around a Table so-drum roll please…… Maybe it’s time to focus on the ‘Gathering Around a Table’, which came to me this weekend following a sad week of tragedies and remembrances for September 11, 2001.
In It’s a Great Day To…Gather Around a Table and other essays here on itsagreatdayto, there has been reference to a quote from the fireplace mantel of the Martha Cook Building, the all women’s residence where I lived while studying at the University of Michigan, HOME, the Nation’s Safety. All those years ago, as a college student, that quote registered with me and it still does; if home is a safe and nurturing place, the chances are greater that those who live there will go out into the world feeling secure and well adjusted. It’s not a guarantee, but if one feels loved and part of a family, they will be productive and contented members of society. As a teacher, spouse and parent this was observed, in my own life. Of course the parents have to nurture this environment, it just doesn’t happen. Not to make this too complicated but there is some effort that goes in to it; the grocery shopping, instilling mealtimes no phone zone times, a routine and planning, yet once you get things going, it just becomes part of what you do. Yes, a couple, family or individual can have a busy life and I’m not talking about eating every meal together, especially as kids get older and life gets busier. Just start with one meal a week. Single, or solo, NOT a problem. Make plans to get together with a friend or friends for a gathering. Of course, it could be at a restaurant, but home just has a good feeling.
There’s just something about gathering together for a meal. Whether it is with your family, a friend or a few friends. I know anytime I have have a tough day, either growing up, as a teacher or raising kids, when it’s time for dinner, after a prayer and good fellowship, I feel nourished physically and emotionally. There is healing in being with others. The same can be said for an outstanding day; to have others to share it with can elevate even the goodness.
If this is something out of your wheelhouse, start small and simple. If you are new to preparing meals, start with something like a rotisserie chicken, Bob Evans mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetable. Casseroles are a good option too. With the ability to search for meals and recipes online, is easier than ever. If you are getting a few people together, ask people to bring something. Organize a menu and go from there. Anytime I have had people over, they offer to help with the clean up. If using paper plates eliminate some of the stress, do it.
Here was out very simple Sunday Evening dinner. I didn’t feel like going to the grocery store, so I looked for what we had on hand and got creative. We had Bolognese with Orecchiette that was in the freezer. I had a sweet potato, we had a peck of apples on hand from the orchard this weekend and I had the hankering to make some bread, so that’s what we had. Dinner was just the two of us. It was nice and when we finished, the Hubby helped with clean up. It was a lovely way to close the weekend.
We are meant to be with others. If you have a neighbor or know a family who has family out of town, invite them, or call a friend or friends you haven’t seen in a while and have meant to get together with. Make the call. You’ll be glad you did…It could lead to…A Great Day 🍴
