"Make a Plate"

          So far, today, I have put up two more poems, one I wrote for my parent's anniversary and another I put together from notes in Zuni as well as my own experiences with love as my religion as well as in constant pursuit of it.  I also thought I would write more stories of meals I have shared with family and friends.

         One from this summer comes to mind with another poet, Brittany O and family, The Othole's.

            Here is a 2:00 pm meal after graduation with proud parents and artists, Leander and Lisa.  On my return visit, I made famous "Bama" Stew which in Birmingham would be called Santa Fe Chili.  We also had pancakes, eggs, fry bread, coffee and Zuni salt all in moderation.  More exciting news, let's welcome to the world, Kylen Iyah Othole, born yesterday September 20, 2011 as I was thinking about writing this story!

            

            Another tradition that I learned from the Zuni's, after eating, they always tell guests to, "Make a plate" to take with you as you leave.  What I think this means is that cooking is an event to be shared and also to provide plenty for family.  Regardless of whether we're amateurs or not the people and company are what make slow food.  From this experience, I remembered not only to make a plate, but don't let anyone steal your soul (or let you turn into a stella :)  Thank you Othole's, from a guest who believes that you are the angels.

"When entertaining strangers you entertain angels unaware."