Thursday, January 6, 2011

The Berry Bowl

This is one of my favorite Christmas gifts! Peter and Sarah, family who live in New Hampshire, sent it to me. It arrived in a plain brown paper package delivered via Parcel Post a week or so before Christmas. I waited until Christmas morning to open it and was so pleased. After having breast cancer in 2009, I have been making an effort to eat plenty of antioxidants, berries especially. This sweet bowl has holes so I can rinse and drain the berries, then a little dish to rest upon at the table. Pete shared that it was made by a friend of his, Diane Coveny of Forest Pond Studio in New Hampton, NH, a retired educator. I treasure hand crafted items and this one is both useful and beautiful.

Blackberries

My mother always said that presentation matters. Beautifully presented food adds a visual element that enhances taste. I make an effort to give myself antioxidants in the most pleasing way possible. As you can see, I have already served blackberries, blueberries, and Riviera Pears. Riviera Pears are an extra special treat, the juiciest, tastiest pears imaginable. I only have them at Christmas time. The table cloth under the berry dish is the one that usually graces my table. It is hand made Irish lace my mother bought for me on her first of many trips to Ireland. I don't reserve it for "special occasions," just being alive is special enough!


Blueberries with Riviera Pear
I hope you serve yourself healthy, nutritious food in a beautiful way. And one gentle suggestion, take the time to stop and savor every bite, enjoy the pleasure and the blessing.

14 comments:

  1. I love blueberries - I eat them frozen during the winter; grapes, too. What a sweet serving idea - that bowl is inspired!

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  2. I love that bowl! I am so proud of you for taking a proactive approach to after cancer care. My annual exam is scheduled for next month. keep up the great work on this blog - it, and you - are very vital!

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  3. I am beginning to share your practice of using the nice things that I own (& getting rid of what no longer pleases me).

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  4. My first visit to your blog, Judy, and I love it! I love that bowl, too. Like you, I appreciate handmade things, especially ceramics, and those pieces are lovely. Good stuff, all around. Sam

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  5. Jude,

    Food is an important part of our sensate and sensual life. Thanks for the lovely presentation of words and image.

    Janet Riehl

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  6. Judy, great blog! And the bowl is really special. What good friends you have! Keep writing!
    Jinni

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  7. Beautiful words from a beautiful lady! Love the blog. I'd eat berries every day if I could--this bowl is fabulous both in form and function. I've never seen anything like it. Good advice on using our "nice" things everyday--we're worth it, right?!

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  8. Dani, Janet and Susan,

    I'm beginning a new healthy relationship with food. I've struggled with it for years, a love/hate relationship at best. Now I make an effort to eat the best quality food I can. Dani, I never thought about freezing some grapes. I'll definitely try that. Janet your use of senate and sensual really hit home. Susan, I think these berry bowls are beautiful and add a little something to my mealtime. Thank you ladies for connecting with me here!

    Jude

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  9. Rhonda,
    I'm glad you're practicing good self care. The cancer I had, Paget's Disease, is usually not diagnosed until it is well advanced. I had a very observant gynecologist and a very cautious dermatologist. And I didn't hesitate to follow through. Vital... I love that! Thank you Rhonda.

    Jude

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  10. Joyce,

    To get rid of what no longer pleases me is very good advice. I'm trying to do just that but it is a slow process!

    Jude

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  11. Sam and Jinni,
    Thanks so much for the encouragement. I am new to the blogging world and learning as I go. Friends, writing, beauty... bliss!

    Jude

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  12. Judy, good blog! I'll put your link on my blog. Bettyann - http://journey2f.blogspot.com

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  13. Nice blog, Judy! I love the design. I'll put your link on my blog. Bettyann - http://journey2f.blogspot.com

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  14. Thanks Bettyann! I'm glad to be part of the blogging world.

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