Thanks for the family stories, photos, memories, and recipe. Somehow, I think we should all share more family stories that bring our loved ones to life. More than just a name, date of birth, and death in a family bible.
Ruth, you have such a gift for writing. I fall hook, line, and sinker for the small details which show without telling, so much about your family members and your Oma's home. As for the blueberry muffins, "muffin therapy" indeed! Regarding the current situation, I find it hard to believe that there are somewhere people rejoicing in the increasingly heightening marginalization of everyone who is not a white cis-male. I appreciate you sharing this and I hope you continue to do so!
Thanks so very much for your thoughtful comments, Lolly! It is hard to believe that there is so much hate in the world ready to be reactivated, though from my personal experience, I've found there is equal or more love and empathy if only we allow ourselves to view others as human beings not much different from ourselves. Idealist that I am, I will always hope that love will triumph in the end and that Anne Frank's words, "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart," will prove true.
Ah Ruth -- Today your post was simply a wonderful balm. Besides I love a good muffin and today's look wonderful. I am a transplant to Minnesota but my longest enduring friend here and I remain close after nearly 30 years. I write today of him with some mystery because his story will not be related without permission. X and I still get together at least weekly (and today happened to be our day). We share a love of history, the raising of now three young men each, an occasional gathering over distilled beverages and now, in our 7th decades or so walks regardless of weather where we solve the world's problems.
You memories of Oma and her husband remind me of X's past. A family of German expats who served their country honorably but only to be reduced to sub-human by their countrymen only 20 years later. It is simply UNFATHOMABLE to me that the Jewish Americans who made it to America sometimes welcomed, sometimes not so much can embrace the message of our current leadership. It is so transparently monstrous and the consequences for the future so uncertain. When a monster tells you what they intend to do, you should believe them.
One day, perhaps on a private thread or even a call I would love to relate his family's story. I am sure you would be amazed by the commonality and how close so many came to somehow avoid extinction.
I am GRATEFUL you can weave these stories through food and family connection. I often revert to humor to dull the edge. Both work and I enjoy your style. While it is past time to be eating, I think I am going to have some fresh berries mixed in a bit of Greek yoghurt.
Hey, Mark, thanks so much for your wonderful comment. I would really love to hear more about your friend X in a private call sometime. I am forever marked by being the daughter of a family that survived the Holocaust and always like to hear about the experiences of others. I've found that they're both familiar and different, as every person and family had its own particular journey.
I too can't understand how any Jew could embrace this current leadership that at its core seems intent on promoting ethnic and religious hatred. Of course I also feel that way about other minorities supporting this government that has no use for them. My only explanation is that people choose to see only what they like and dismiss the rest. Some people will like Trump's policy on immigrants or think he's doing a good job keeping Israel safe or expect that he'll bring prices down (they should be pretty disillusioned at this point about that!). They don't see how he's making the world and our country a much more dangerous and democratic place for all of us and hurting America's image, perhaps irreparably.
Of course we must leaven this very serious subject with food and eating (as my Oma would definitely insist). Without it, we would hardly have the will to get up in the morning, but there is always hope and something we can do. I depend on that.
Thanks again for weighing in. Unfortunatley, I couldn't open the link that you included. Best always, Mark.
Ruth, I agree about food giving care and comfort with a table of friends and family. What a great story and history you have. One of my husband's favorite quotes to quote is ..." 'I feel like some comfort food' this weekend."
I’m so glad you enjoy the stories and photos of my family, Julia! I can’t wait for blueberry season here—I’ve been using berries that are out of season, and, while the muffins are still good, I know they’ll be even better made from fruit picked at its peak!🫐
You've put a smile on my face over breakfast as I face the day as your Oma's drawer of M&M's has reminded me of my Ma-ma's hidden stash of marshmallows. As a small child it never occurred to me why my bag of treat marshmallows at her home in the South of France was hidden at the back of the top corner of the pantry behind the sliding door. As an adult I realised it was from my grandfather who was stricter about these things: such a small thing as the presence of pork gelatine was not going to get in the way of my grandmother having her (then) only grandaughter's favourite treat to hand - it was just better no one else knew about it!!
What a great story, Rachel! Those little stashes of forbidden sweets are really the best! Unfortunately I don’t have grandkids, but it might be worthwhile adopting a few just for the pleasure of hiding stashes of candy for them to discover.🍬🍬🍬
Ruth- I just love reading about your family history. I just read “We Were the Lucky Ones” (written by an American woman about her family’s history during Ww2. You should write a book! ❤️
Thanks so much, Susan! I just checked out an audio version of the book you mentioned. You’re not alone in suggesting I write a book about my family. It’s definitely something I’m considering. Hope all is well with you, Mark and the kids.❤️
Your posts are always so thought provoking. I remember filled candy dishes at every home I went to as a child. And, as an adult I can attest that your blueberry muffins are the best ever!
It's bits of art like this piece that will keep us going, Ruth! And photos, and muffins, and that wonderful penguin friend of yours!
Thanks so much, Pat! It's comments like yours that keep me going. That penguin was really a kick. She seemed as curious about us as we were about her!
Loved this whole piece and the themes around what brings people comfort and joy. Wonderful writing and sentiments.
That means a lot to me, Marg! Thanks so very much.
Thanks for the family stories, photos, memories, and recipe. Somehow, I think we should all share more family stories that bring our loved ones to life. More than just a name, date of birth, and death in a family bible.
Thanks for the comment, Trina. I think you’re right. The stories are what we remember and pass on, along with the recipes.
“Escaping into a memory”—that’s poetic, Ruth, and so evocative. I find myself using many escape hatches lately: reading fiction, Netflix, baking.
Oh thanks so much, Amie! I'm definitely doing it a lot too--anything to preserve my sanity at this insane moment!
Ruth, you have such a gift for writing. I fall hook, line, and sinker for the small details which show without telling, so much about your family members and your Oma's home. As for the blueberry muffins, "muffin therapy" indeed! Regarding the current situation, I find it hard to believe that there are somewhere people rejoicing in the increasingly heightening marginalization of everyone who is not a white cis-male. I appreciate you sharing this and I hope you continue to do so!
Thanks so very much for your thoughtful comments, Lolly! It is hard to believe that there is so much hate in the world ready to be reactivated, though from my personal experience, I've found there is equal or more love and empathy if only we allow ourselves to view others as human beings not much different from ourselves. Idealist that I am, I will always hope that love will triumph in the end and that Anne Frank's words, "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart," will prove true.
Ah Ruth -- Today your post was simply a wonderful balm. Besides I love a good muffin and today's look wonderful. I am a transplant to Minnesota but my longest enduring friend here and I remain close after nearly 30 years. I write today of him with some mystery because his story will not be related without permission. X and I still get together at least weekly (and today happened to be our day). We share a love of history, the raising of now three young men each, an occasional gathering over distilled beverages and now, in our 7th decades or so walks regardless of weather where we solve the world's problems.
You memories of Oma and her husband remind me of X's past. A family of German expats who served their country honorably but only to be reduced to sub-human by their countrymen only 20 years later. It is simply UNFATHOMABLE to me that the Jewish Americans who made it to America sometimes welcomed, sometimes not so much can embrace the message of our current leadership. It is so transparently monstrous and the consequences for the future so uncertain. When a monster tells you what they intend to do, you should believe them.
One day, perhaps on a private thread or even a call I would love to relate his family's story. I am sure you would be amazed by the commonality and how close so many came to somehow avoid extinction.
I am GRATEFUL you can weave these stories through food and family connection. I often revert to humor to dull the edge. Both work and I enjoy your style. While it is past time to be eating, I think I am going to have some fresh berries mixed in a bit of Greek yoghurt.
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOCwJuC1cEx09zQNnA2THvf8I5bwsCZ4YGvHLp7
Well we should talk sometime, Mark!
Hey, Mark, thanks so much for your wonderful comment. I would really love to hear more about your friend X in a private call sometime. I am forever marked by being the daughter of a family that survived the Holocaust and always like to hear about the experiences of others. I've found that they're both familiar and different, as every person and family had its own particular journey.
I too can't understand how any Jew could embrace this current leadership that at its core seems intent on promoting ethnic and religious hatred. Of course I also feel that way about other minorities supporting this government that has no use for them. My only explanation is that people choose to see only what they like and dismiss the rest. Some people will like Trump's policy on immigrants or think he's doing a good job keeping Israel safe or expect that he'll bring prices down (they should be pretty disillusioned at this point about that!). They don't see how he's making the world and our country a much more dangerous and democratic place for all of us and hurting America's image, perhaps irreparably.
Of course we must leaven this very serious subject with food and eating (as my Oma would definitely insist). Without it, we would hardly have the will to get up in the morning, but there is always hope and something we can do. I depend on that.
Thanks again for weighing in. Unfortunatley, I couldn't open the link that you included. Best always, Mark.
I would love to hear the story of your family also. My friend’s family’s story is quite compelling. I would love to share it sometime.
Ruth, I agree about food giving care and comfort with a table of friends and family. What a great story and history you have. One of my husband's favorite quotes to quote is ..." 'I feel like some comfort food' this weekend."
Totally true! I wouldn’t have it any other way!🤗
'Muffin therapy'. Love that, Ruth- surely the cure for most ills
I love reading about your family, Ruth and the photos. And blueberries are in the peak of their season here so these muffins will be perfect.
I’m so glad you enjoy the stories and photos of my family, Julia! I can’t wait for blueberry season here—I’ve been using berries that are out of season, and, while the muffins are still good, I know they’ll be even better made from fruit picked at its peak!🫐
You've put a smile on my face over breakfast as I face the day as your Oma's drawer of M&M's has reminded me of my Ma-ma's hidden stash of marshmallows. As a small child it never occurred to me why my bag of treat marshmallows at her home in the South of France was hidden at the back of the top corner of the pantry behind the sliding door. As an adult I realised it was from my grandfather who was stricter about these things: such a small thing as the presence of pork gelatine was not going to get in the way of my grandmother having her (then) only grandaughter's favourite treat to hand - it was just better no one else knew about it!!
What a great story, Rachel! Those little stashes of forbidden sweets are really the best! Unfortunately I don’t have grandkids, but it might be worthwhile adopting a few just for the pleasure of hiding stashes of candy for them to discover.🍬🍬🍬
Thank you, Ruth! This is a beautiful bookend to my Sunday.
@Robin Stewart, a must-read!
Thanks so much, Shauna!🤗
Ruth- I just love reading about your family history. I just read “We Were the Lucky Ones” (written by an American woman about her family’s history during Ww2. You should write a book! ❤️
Thanks so much, Susan! I just checked out an audio version of the book you mentioned. You’re not alone in suggesting I write a book about my family. It’s definitely something I’m considering. Hope all is well with you, Mark and the kids.❤️
It’s also a TV series on Disney.
Thanks, Marg! I’ll have to check out both the book and the movie.
Your family memories and photos always move me, Ruth. And I wish I had one of those blueberry muffins right now! xx
I wish we were near enough for me to deliver some muffins to your doorstep, Jolene! Thanks so much for the comment and the share!❤️
Your posts are always so thought provoking. I remember filled candy dishes at every home I went to as a child. And, as an adult I can attest that your blueberry muffins are the best ever!
Awww, thanks, Judy! More muffins to come any time you like!❤️
Lovely post! I will try making some blueberry muffins! Thanks! ❤️
Thanks, Linda! Let me know how they come out! I look forward to reading you first Substack post too!💕