I was going to comment about foods going in and out of style but then read about your brother's funeral. How absolutely terrible that you and your family were treated that way. The insensitivity and cruelty on top of this tragic event makes me angry in solidarity with you, even though it happened a decade ago (And I can't believe it's been that long already)
Feels like so long ago and also not. I mean, so much has happened in the world since then?? Feels like the world was a little bit saner, if that makes sense. I haven't actually thought about my trip to California right after in years, but came across a photo that I took of the meal with my cousins in L.A., hence the inspiration for this post.
Cultural foods really do end up playing a subtle yet significant role in our memories and experiences. As I was reading this, I was reminded of the times I felt relief, comforted, or soothed after taking the first sip of scalding hot jjigae still boiling in its ttukbaegi. This is a beautiful reflection and memorialization of family, culture, and grief. Thank you for taking the time to craft and share this piece.
I didn’t know you could buy coconut milk in a can until I was a teenager. Every Sunday until I was 12 and my grandmother passed away, she sat me in a chair in the kitchen before I left for church and taught me to grater coconut that either she or my grandfather broke while I was getting up. There are so many food rituals that tether us to home.
I’m sorry that comfort foods are leaving you with discomfort. I’m sorry you weren’t allowed to grieve your brother in the company of the entire family. I’ve witnessed my fair share of family beef at funerals. Sending you love.
Also, I’ve used Trashie’s Take Back bags (mentioned in the clothing article) multiple times. Makes me feel better about recycling clothes. I quit Amazon this year (98% anyway) and that has decreased my spending and consumption so much!
Thank you so much, Kris. We have a fabric recycling collection at our local farmer's market. Has made my life so much easier! I was doing SO WELL with my no to low consumption this year...and then May hit and let's just say...it kind of all fell apart 😬. Trying to get back on the train in June.
What’s that saying? “strive for progress not perfection.” I live there now as often as I can. I did some shopping in May, as well. And I bought entirely too much stuff for the gardens, but honestly, can you ever really buy too many plants?!?!?! 🪴
Thank you for this gift of an essay, Jenna.
❤️ Tanya ❤️
So beautifully poignant. Nothing worse than that kind of an experience at a funeral of a close person. Been there, too. Hang in there, my friend.
Sorry you experienced that too. Feels bad 💔
This is such a beautifully poignant piece.
Thank you 🙏
I was going to comment about foods going in and out of style but then read about your brother's funeral. How absolutely terrible that you and your family were treated that way. The insensitivity and cruelty on top of this tragic event makes me angry in solidarity with you, even though it happened a decade ago (And I can't believe it's been that long already)
Feels like so long ago and also not. I mean, so much has happened in the world since then?? Feels like the world was a little bit saner, if that makes sense. I haven't actually thought about my trip to California right after in years, but came across a photo that I took of the meal with my cousins in L.A., hence the inspiration for this post.
Cultural foods really do end up playing a subtle yet significant role in our memories and experiences. As I was reading this, I was reminded of the times I felt relief, comforted, or soothed after taking the first sip of scalding hot jjigae still boiling in its ttukbaegi. This is a beautiful reflection and memorialization of family, culture, and grief. Thank you for taking the time to craft and share this piece.
Thank you, June. This is why I can't/won't eliminate it from my diet! There is no way ha! I'll just suffer (but hopefully not).
I didn’t know you could buy coconut milk in a can until I was a teenager. Every Sunday until I was 12 and my grandmother passed away, she sat me in a chair in the kitchen before I left for church and taught me to grater coconut that either she or my grandfather broke while I was getting up. There are so many food rituals that tether us to home.
I’m sorry that comfort foods are leaving you with discomfort. I’m sorry you weren’t allowed to grieve your brother in the company of the entire family. I’ve witnessed my fair share of family beef at funerals. Sending you love.
I cherish those memories of food chores with my grandmother, and it sounds like you do too. Thank you for your kind message, Sherisa.
Something about the way seasons shift and we’re asked to shift too...even if we’re not ready.
True. That's why grief is so lonely. Seasons, the world, people, all keep moving even if you're not ready to.
This was such a beautiful piece. Thank you.
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Also, I’ve used Trashie’s Take Back bags (mentioned in the clothing article) multiple times. Makes me feel better about recycling clothes. I quit Amazon this year (98% anyway) and that has decreased my spending and consumption so much!
Thank you so much, Kris. We have a fabric recycling collection at our local farmer's market. Has made my life so much easier! I was doing SO WELL with my no to low consumption this year...and then May hit and let's just say...it kind of all fell apart 😬. Trying to get back on the train in June.
What’s that saying? “strive for progress not perfection.” I live there now as often as I can. I did some shopping in May, as well. And I bought entirely too much stuff for the gardens, but honestly, can you ever really buy too many plants?!?!?! 🪴
Oh yeah, I’m not even counting garden starters in my “spent too much” claim!
I've been looking for something like Trashie's Take Back Bags. Thank you for bringing them to my attention!
Beautiful piece Jenna, and gorgeous photo of the board walk. Wishing you a good and peaceful Summer.
Thank you so much, Nora. Happy summer to you too!