Day 152: The Phoenix

Day 152: The Phoenix, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It was one of those days, when photography was not on my mind. Scan the house - what story is there to tell? This bird is on a small, wood, carved table from Indonesia. My father-in-law was in the Dutch civil service (a good colonialist) and served for many years in Indonesia - from 1929 until about 1951. He, his wife and their growing family moved to different parts of the archipelago as he achieved higher status, eventually becoming governor of a province. As they moved, they would sell a lot of their furniture and buy some more in the next town, often at auctions. My mother-in-law recalled that this table came from one such auction.

They did not bring a lot with them when they left Indonesia. After losing most of their belongings during the Second World War (they were interned in Japanese camps), they re-established themselves. When Indonesia became independent, they returned to the Netherlands and soon after moved to Canada.

Like the phoenix who rises from the ashes, they were forced by circumstances in the world to remake their lives several times.

Day 99: Eleven for Dinner

Day 99: Eleven for Dinner, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Holidays bring family together. Tonight we were eleven for dinner. Along with the immediate family there was my nephew who came in from Ottawa just for the evening. My wonderful 91 year old cousin was here. Our grandmother had been married twice. Her mother was the oldest from the first marriage; my mother was from the second marriage. She and my mother were only four years apart. Although our ages are quite different, our relationship is very close. She tells wonderful stories and brings a sense of history to the table. She is a connection to my mother long ago in Russia. Her son and friend joined us from Boston. Another cousin was here - we are distant in terms of the way we are related, but close in terms of our feelings. It is not blood or close family ties that makes a family. Both our mothers came over "on the boat" together. We share history, travels, and many life events.

The family shrinks and grows. While at this time and always, we miss those who are gone, our family is enriched by those who now share our holiday meals - those new relations and relationships that are now family. The warmth we share, the caring for each others' lives, the shared laughter and tears - that is what makes family!

Day 73: Sit down to dinner

Day 73: Sit down to dinner, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The end of a day and no photograph worthy of posting. Food always makes a good subject.

Sitting down to dinner is so much more than eating. Food is so essential to our lives. It gives sustenance and for those of us fortunate enough to live in places of plenty we revel in the variety of colours, tastes, aromas and textures. A meal shared is more than the food - it is the conversation, the sips of wine. Slow food. The stir fried chicken is in a pottery dish made by a potter whom I know. Each time I fill it with food, memories of shared times at CAMMAC, a music camp in the Laurentians escape. The items on the table add to the experience - their beauty, memories and even functionality create an ambiance which sets this time aside from the rest of the day.

So much more than the sum of the parts and so much better than fast food.