It’s been a while since I’ve shared Soul Snacks with you guys and it’s feeling high time I resurrect this favorite little corner of my blog.
You weren’t around when Soul Snacks began? In a nutshell, a little over a year ago, I shared some posts that showcased small collections of articles, short videos, and recipes from bloggers that made me happy, made me think, made me hungry and raised me up.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about the trajectory of Ciao Chow Bambina and it dawned on me that writing, for the beautiful sake of writing, is something I desire to do more of. I feel a pull to reflect not only on the likes of fried spaghetti and meatball pie (though these are some of my happiest days), but on pieces of life that don’t require a plate and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmigiano.
Most of what I’ll pass along in Soul Snacks (Part Deux), will be life and/or literary related. Big or little things that leave their mark on me. Some days I’ll share photos from my daily living that bring me joy or provide opportunities for reflection, while other days I’ll share my favorite reads, a stunning poem, or a provocative essay. When you visit CCB on Soul Snack days, you’ll find thoughtful offerings in one shape or another; while all the other days will be CCB-business-as-usual with posts focused on delicious recipes and food photography.
So, where to begin? How does ‘the beginning’ sound?
Commencement.
When I think back to just a few weeks ago, to Nick, our youngest, draped in his academic regalia, crossing the stage to receive a hug and a handshake from the President of his college, I am overcome with joy. With sunshine as bright as the students beneath it, families beaming like the rays above them, and raucous cheers that could have measured on the Richter scale – each doing their job to etch deeply in my memory the beauty of that morning – I am filled with light. It holds true for each of our kids, where in that pinnacle moment that they cross the stage – therefore crossing that invisible line – they are transformed from ‘kid’ to ‘adult’. That magic invisible line that represents both Past and Future. Goodbye and Hello. Known and Unknown. Ending and Beginning.
And although it takes only seconds, a world of shifts occur in those first few footsteps that move them forward in life.
Commence – to begin. For students, certainly, but for their families, as well. Everyone shifting toward a future that brings to light shiny new experiences and elevated understandings of life.
Although the activities that filled our days for over twenty years have slowly faded like the roar of a charging train moving further on down the tracks, I look forward to that which is just around the bend for our grown family.
Such a luminous time.
CIAO!
I’ve missed this little corner of your blog, Annie! Congratulations to Nick and his promising future. Where in the world does the time go? Weren’t they just babies yesterday?
They were just babies! Thank you so much for your sweetness, my friend! I’ve missed it, too. 🙂
Sounds like such an interesting segment for the blog Annie! It’s always nice to hear what’s going in addition to all the delicious things in your kitchen! Congrats to Nick. So many exciting times ahead!
Thank you, Mary Ann! I couldn’t agree more! 🙂
Oh I’m so glad to see soul snacks back I was wondering what happened to that little corner of your blog. You’re such a good writer and I believe that what you have in store for us in the future will be some wonderful content and great reads indeed!! This post was a great re-introduction, congrats on Nick’s graduation and all of the future holds for him !! Take care.
I know…it took a ~not so little~ siesta, but now it’s back! I’m sure I’ll be sharing the status of things (for the kids) as time moves along. Thank you, my friend!
Congratulations to you and your family. For Nick’s graduation and for Soul Snacks. What an exciting time. Can’t wait to see how this all turns out.
Thank you, my friend! One day at a time… 🙂
I just love the way you write, Annie! Congratulations to your son. Graduation is such an exciting time, both for him and for your family :). Have a great week!
Thank you, my dear! I hope your week is wonderful! 🙂
When I saw the title ‘soul snacks’, my first thought was YESSS!!!! I’m so glad you are bringing this back, my dear! I enjoy reading little tid bits of things you are loving lately, or what is currently happening in your life! Many congrats to Nick and also your daughters! I know it’s one of their birthdays today, so I hope you all get a chance to celebrate together!! Sending all the love and hugs to you, my dear friend! XOXO
You are so cute! Yep, it was Chelsea’s 25th on the 12th! We were together in Boston and it was a very special weekend! Hugs and kisses to you, my friend! XOXO
Such a great idea Annie! You know I love your writing 😉 Congrats once again to Nick! Such an accomplishment and I know there’s lots of wonderful things ahead for him! Looking forward to your next soul snacks, my friend. Bring it on! XOXO
I will bring it! Thank you, as always, for your sweet words, my friend! I’m excited to share some soul snacks with you guys! XOXO
So lovely and I’m right there with you 🙂 There’s so many emotions when lives move through a shift like this – pride, excitement, satisfaction … and a little wee touch of sadness for a bit, for things that were that won’t be again (I still miss my morning coffee chats with my daughter :). Thanks heavens for text chatting!
It is absolutely those little things that we remember most! This is a shift that carries many wonderful (and nostalgic) emotions!
Congratulations to your son and your family, Annie! What a great accomplishment that you can all be proud of! Love the idea of soul snacks and getting back to your roots of writing!
Thank you, Gayle! I appreciate your kindness, my friend!
Congratulations to your family. It takes an entire family to raise a wonderful student. I think it’s great that you’ll follow your passion. I’ll be anxious to ride along. Abbracci!!
Thank you so much, Marisa! So hard to believe our youngest is finished! xo