well that got your attention. sixteen calls since last week's email blast went out and the holiday parties are rolling in. i guess it's here:

GAME. ON.

i'm not sure how it happened. it seems so sudden, but i think autumn is here to stay. the air has turned crisp and chilly, fall sports are in full swing and while i've had enough rain to last me the next six months, i could have used a little more indian summer. i need some more sunshine in my life to keep my flagging spirits from tanking with the approaching holidays. as much as i love kicking thought the colorful leaves while i walk this hyperactive, neurotic puppy every morning, i can't say i'm ready for the change. it's been rough year. lots of changes happening that i'm not quite managing too smoothly and the constancy of the seasons that used to keep me grounded seem to be getting away from me. the late summer/early fall sunshine always managed to get me through that crazy transition from unfocused summer days to highly charged back to school routine but this season seems to bring with it more clouds and gloom then i can remember. is it me or does it seem like gray is the new black? i can't seem to get my droopy mindset on the right track with all this dank, drizzly weather. come on weather gods, bring on some sunshine for me!

so for now i will try and find my sunshine at work. food has always provided me with a framework for managing difficulty. i can't count the number of times people have asked "how (i think they mean why??) do you do it with four kids and a restaurant?" why?? truth be told, food is my way to connect to life. nothing brings me more joy than creating a satisfying, comforting meal for someone i love. it just always has. and with the upheaval i think so many people feel lately (myself included), it's nice to have a medium to show people you care. there are days i just can't manage to get anything right, but at the end of the day, heating up a home cooked meal for my kids after they've navigated their day seems to be the language that connects us. my food tells them i love them. i don't need words. i don't need grand actions. it's that simple. i love you, so i cooked for you - my meals say you matter to me.

so if you are feeling like you've been through the mill lately (pull up a chair while you wait for your sandwich to be made and we can trade stories on how life just seems to SUCK *SS right now), let us show you that wecare. bringing our home cooked, fresh & delicious food to you matters to us.