Love is all around us…
As some of you might know, I had to go to Lebanon as my sister Therese, who lives on her own, had a health scare. Her life was saved by a friend who visits her every day. Her improvement is not short of a miracle. But then miracles happen when there is love. Two of my sister’s closest friends and my cousins rallied around her until one of us could get to Lebanon. I am one of 7 siblings and at the time my sister fell we were all abroad.
This experience got me thinking about love. It is all around us if we look for it and it can take many shapes and forms. It is a conscious decision to give and receive. Love is kindness and presence and certainly not just for Valentine’s day.
(The line between being self-centred and selfish, respecting our space and others and being independent and self-sufficient is very fine. Love only grows when we are open to connect and accept others in our life. Love is about being available to listen, to visit, to walk, to initiate a contact by phone, email or text. And no, it is not always about me, my space and what’s in it for me. So please open your hearts and homes to family and friends. We all need each other for our survival and wellbeing.
Khalil Gibran, A Lebanese philosopher and artist said in his famous book The Prophet :Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.’ Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love’.
At the beginning of my cookery book, there is a dedication for my mother who showed her love through cooking. And trust me her food, as simple and earthy as it was, tasted amazing. A simple way to show love but very effective.
After the last traumatic 2 years, we need to ignite our love for cooking from scratch because it is healthier, therapeutic and healing.
.Join me to experience the pleasure and healing power of food, on your own, with your partner, a friend or family to make Backlava on the 14th February at 6pm online. Or give your loved one a gift voucher and join me in person on the 26th February in Bath 11am till 1.30pm to prepare and enjoy a Lebanese banquet. Find out more and book your place here.