What do you do to escape; when you really need to blow up the roost and retire from the blow job? Do you get into your cryogenic decompression chamber, drink a lot of Boone’s Farm wine, and breathe in and out of a paper bag? Maybe you mow the lawn in your underwear. To each his own! To me? I visit friends or family and share a bevvie or a meal for comfort. If I have a personal struggle, I could trust them to listen to my pearls of wisdom. Other times we just share a few laughs.
When I was a little boy, I did almost the same thing. Things got a little hairy at my house. When I say hairy, I mean there was a lot of screaming. This was not the place you would go to mediate a conflict, you know what I mean? I escaped the chaos by hopping on my Schwinn banana seat bike and visiting the many families in our neighborhood.
While on these “freedom walks”, I felt the proverbial wind in my hair and jumped to my feet. Each family had a different nickname for me. The McCrees called me Loretta, at the Tweedles I was Mary Lou, at the Flanagans I heard Maryola, and at the Pittmans they called me Roberta. I had so much fun in other people’s houses! I found a lot of peace in their sanctuaries with no yelling (at least that’s what I felt in my young mind). It was time for dinner and they invited me to stay. This was exceptional! I was able to see how other families “do life”. I was lucky enough to enjoy what they ate and it was always great! Isn’t the food that other people prepare just extraordinary? I was the beneficiary of some of the best food in Port Arthur, Texas! There was other people’s gumbo, other people’s meatloaf, roast beef, pork chops, chicken fricassee, and many kinds of meat prepared Cajun-style; smoked with onions and peppers. My taste buds are now on a slow trip back in time!
Now I’m back.
This pattern of feeding and eating continues to this day. I have been inspired by each family’s fabulous culinary prowess and now, as an adult, I love to cook! One of my great joys in life is preparing an extravagant meal for friends and family or having my son’s friends over for dinner. I am happy to repay the kindness that was gifted to me! I have the privilege of being invited to so many tables. Adults not only taught me what volumes of cookbooks couldn’t, but they gave me the extra nurturing and attention I so desperately wanted.
Whether it’s entertaining friends with a couple of unforgettable dishes, whipping up a quick appetizer, or taking my plate for a potluck, cooking and sharing meals with others remains my escape. I just have a nicer ride.
