A little bit of a late post from mid-summer, but as Summer comes to an end and Autumn peeks just around the corner, I was brought back to this memory. Not too long ago. But one that I treasure and serves as yet another reminder for why Salt and Cinnamon is still a going.

Roots.

Let's go back to the beginning. Back to where it all started. A group of friends last minute joining together in at golden hour, setting up together, laughing and being present in the moment of a summer evening as we shared ideas and celebrations. We shared genuine moments. Nowhere to rush off to (except this time because of the parking curfew - boo), a want to sit back and relax. Laugh. Drink (or not). Eat and be merry. A reminder that it is okay to slow down and enjoy each other's company. Strangers and friends. Random conversations - surface and deep. Mostly humorous-, but even silence was welcomed (but not for very long).

These gatherings do more for me than they do to my guests most of the time. They are reminders that time is precious and when people give you their time, they give you their heart. I love feeding people - especially for my loved ones. When I take time to prepare a dish for these events - from recipe and menu development to presentation, it is my way of saying thank you. And when friends and family join me in the kitchen, there is so much love. I smile just thinking about these moments. The kitchen has become such a personal space for me - I have had so many fond memories there growing up and now - both disappointing and uplifting.

At the end of the day, I feel we lose connections with people living out the day-to-day work life. So many distractions, things to do to get ahead, meetings to attend to, deadlines to meet. But for what reason sometimes? And at what cost?

I guess this is my way of reminding the world to remember why we do things...where does our time go? These moments are precious. The time we have, give and share is beautiful. Especially when it is people who also share their time with you.

These times...these gatherings are just some of the moments we live for.