In My Mother's Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence, Enhanced Second Edition - Softcover

Edgar, Robin A

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0972377077 ISBN 13: 9780972377072

Publisher: Treehouse Enterprises, 2022

Synopsis

An introduction to the healing power of reminiscence, In My Mother's Kitchen focuses on the steps to recalling, recording, and celebrating the significant memories that help the reader recognize and value the individuals and incidents that shaped their lives. Utilizing sense memory prompts, it is useful for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, it is also a helpful tool for those who with to journal their family histories.

About this title

About the Author

Robin A. Edgar conducts reminiscence-writing workshops in a variety of venues, including schools and art centers such as the prestigious John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina. She also facilitates workshops for organizations such as Hospice and The Alzheimer s Association as well as for various scrapbook and genealogy groups. Ms. Edgar helped to develop and run the pilot program of the Touissaint L Ouverture High School Reminiscence Project in Delray Beach, Florida. She also taught The Healing Power of Reminiscence Workshop for the Hospice of Palm Beach County volunteer training program and as part of the bereavement program of Hospice of North Central Ohio.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

In My Mother s Kitchen

My mother s kitchen, in our five-room New York City garden apartment, may have been tiny but, as far as she was concerned, it was just the right size. She used to say, "I can clean the floor with two swipes of the mop." Everyday, at 4:00 o clock, she would set aside her dressmaking chores, and whip up the most delicious family meals with barely enough room to turn around in that cozy space.

As a child, I would position myself in a chair by the doorway with my feet propped up on the white enamel gas stove to watch. As she chopped, measured and stirred, we passed the time, talking about everything from Grandma s bootleg wine that she made in the bathtub to what I wanted to be when I grew up. Whenever she lifted the lid from one of the pots, the aroma of homemade chicken soup or pot roast swirled to the ceiling, and the casement windows, wound tightly shut against the winter gray, would fog. It felt so warm and safe in my special place by the kitchen door. Sometimes, as an adult with children of my own, I wish I could still wedge myself between the kitchen chair and the stove and prop up my feet so we could talk --- just once more.

My Ritual: When I miss my mother, I cook her favorite recipes for my family and friends. As we sit around the table, enjoying the meal, I feel warm and safe again.

Edition details

• Publisher: Treehouse Enterprises
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0972377077
• ISBN 13: 9780972377072
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Adelman David, Adelman Jessi E
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 130