Memories of Easter Past

As one grows older, some of the more simple aspects of life take on greater meaning. I'm particularly grateful to have an appreciation of family traditions and rituals surrounding holidays, seasons and passages of time. Like most families, traditions are passed down through the generations, becoming familiar--almost second nature for each event. Holiday traditions and routines seem to particularly imprinted on my memory. Religious based holidays of course have the spiritual meaning, which are central to my memories. I don't dismiss or deliberately intend to overlook those here. It is interesting to me that my memories of Easter are far stronger than Christmas. Our family traditions around Easter were substantial. Observing Lent for 40 days, leading up to Holy Week liturgical ceremonies, Easter Vigil and of course Easter Sunday service were all heavy emotionally, but highly celebratory for the family. These were occasions that united the extended family, and always involved food--massive amounts of food in fact. 

Easter was an important holiday season. We would always get dressed up and everything just felt special. Throughout my adult life I always maintained these traditions in my own circle. Regardless of whether I was with family or friends, home or abroad, Easter traditions were always maintained. My memories of Easter are in fact, imprinted deeply. I can still see my Great Grandma's rice pies, Aunt Anita's bowl of jelly beans in the living room. Aunt Antonetta's bowl of chocolate covered marshmallow eggs, Aunt Eleanor's apricot cookies, my mom's sweet bread, and grandma Julia's bowl of gum-drop bunnies. Fanny Farmer chocolate rabbits and cream eggs were the very best. Later in life when I worked for Fanny Farmer and Fannie May Candy companies, it was a dream come true.

Even today, my own celebration of Easter continues these traditions, both real and imagined. I believe in the importance of maintaining cultural and family traditions--these are part of society. These are what help give character to us. I am grateful to my ancestors who made the effort to pass down the family traditions, giving me cherished memories. These are the among the greatest gifts I've ever received. Happy Easter. 

Happiness is a State of Mind...

Sometimes life is like a fancy chocolate dessert: a rich experience, delicious and creamy and makes you smile broadly. (ok that sounded way too corny). You see, I'm counting my blessings here on the old blog. I'm at a great time in my life and I've never been so happy. Let me see...work is wonderful, I love where I live, my pets are just so much fun and bring me lots of joy. I'm also lucky to have a terrific relationship too. On top of all that, I'm especially thankful for my health, being able-bodied and of sound mind. I've entered into a period with extraordinarily good luck; and since we never know what life has in store for us, I'll just live in the moment. So today I count my blessings and continue to think positively. For some reason I have a feeling that someone will stop by who needs to read the following message: "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world" Happiness is a state of mind. So whoever needed those words, I hope it helps. Take a moment to be thankful for something. Oh, and have a nice slice of something chocolate too, that always helps.
-Rick Rockhill

Mmmmmm Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake. It's what's for breakfast. And Lunch. And Dinner. Well, that's what it would be if I were King of the World. I must be cut from the same cloth as Empress Bee, of the High Sea, who also loves cake. I've been tempted a few times to fly out to see Bee and go on a bakery crawl...you know, visit a bunch of bakeries, cafes and pastry shops sampling cake all day. I know Bee will understand what I mean. I was so desperate for cake this week that I baked one for myself, and have been enjoying it daily. It's not the prettiest cake, and it is nothing fancy, but it it delicious, rich dark chocolate cake. Mmmmmmm Chocolate Cake, anyone up for a slice?
-Rick Rockhill

Las Vegas: The Massive Chocolate Fountain

Tpday is the second post on my quick trip to Las Vegas.

While in Las Vegas, I found a wonderful chocolate shop inside The Bellagio Hotel. The shop has a massive chocolate fountain, flowing non-stop dark, milk and white chocolate from glass trays. It was quite beautiful actually. I stared at it in awe for awhile, fantasizing about breaking in and drinking the warm, flowing chocolate straight from the fountain. The entire shop had the most wonderful chocolate aroma...it permeated the vicinity as well. I was drawn into the shop, mesmerized by the visual feast for my eyes. I gallently resisted the urge to buy any chocolate, but once I saw the crepe station, my mind was made up. I ordered chocolate crepes with fresh strawberries, and also Bananas Foster crepes.

Above left: A close up of the lower pools of the chocolate fountain. Above right: I watched as my crepes were made fresh before my eyes.

Above left: The chocolate crepe with fresh strawberries & above right: Bananas Foster crepe. Mmmmmmm, they were so delicious!
-Rick Rockhill