Sunday Soul | 12.20.20

So, this year has been a lot for all of us. But I wanted to share some things that have been going on. I don’t talk much about my personal life, but I will say this. At the beginning of the year I lost my grandmother. She was the reason I even went into culinary school and event planning. She taught me how to be adventurous with food and expanding your skills. She knew so much about food, gardening, birds, nature, etc. I learned so much from her and since she’s been gone, I still have moments where I wish I could call her and tell her something I’ve seen or discovered. She was my landing pad.

My grandmother was very chic and resourceful. She made sure the house was taken care of, dinner was cooked, and the family was in sync. This year, I lost my grandmother in February this year, and it was a pretty hard to lose someone who was so influential in your life. During this holiday I have thought of her so much because she would give me advice on what to cook and her recipes.

My grandmother was one of the reasons I started cooking, and she helped me think about food creatively. She supported me through culinary school and made sure I stayed focus and dedicated. She always called me to tell me to make sure I was taking life seriously. But she also made sure that I knew how to enjoy life. She made me strive to love and embrace life, and believe in myself that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to as long as I tried my hardest while seeking out my path. She is the reason I named this page Ke Event Designs…she called me Ms. Ke all the time. It was her endearing name for me. That’s how I honored her as my inspiration.

This time of year is my favorite time, but this year is a little different. I truly appreciate my mom and grandfather a bit more. My grandmother went all out for the holidays. I mean four to five meat choices, a myriad of sides, and sweets. Even when she was sick she still tried to cook or get something for everyone. She would try to satisfy all her own cravings and they were extravagant sometimes. In all this, I got her cookbooks and I treasure them because she and I talked about doing a cookbook of her recipes a few years back. So in 2021, I think I’m going to honor her and move forward with making that happen.

I hope we all learn from 2020 that we need to appreciate those close to us. Everyone is struggling this year. Love on those close to you regardless because they probably need it.

Merry Christmas and here’s to a Happy 2021!