Hi Friends,
Wow, it’s been a minute since I’ve sent out an update!
Sooo… What have I been up to?
The last 3 months of 2019 were jam-packed with events I helped bring to life as the Food History Curatorial Intern at the American History Smithsonian (*FOOD HISTORY WEEKEND 2019*), getting PRK surgery (like LASIK; so long glasses!), the holidays in Texas (which seems like a decade ago), watching my PoPo struggle with dementia and my family trying to care for her as best they can, buying a townhouse, planning a kitchen remodel, and selling our condo. It’s been A LOT, especially with the chaos of COVID-19 ramping up here in D.C.
While I plan to share what I’m cooking/reading/watching while I’m home or #socialdistancing for necessities, there will be a specified section for all COVID-19 stuff because it’s also important to me to have breaks from the media onslaught about it. Moving forward COVID-19 content will be clearly marked [COVID-19] so if YOU also need a break from virus news you’ll know where to scroll on by.
(Source) Yeah, exactly.
I plan to send more frequent newsletters (about 3-4 a month) since my internship wrapped and I am prioritizing my writing this year. I’ve got updates on a new piece I recently had published, recipe translations for my cookbook, my dream kitchen remodel process (so far), and more.
How are you doing? Hit reply to send me an email. I want to know what’s new with you and how you’re holding up.
In the meantime, remember to take the time to rest, nourish, hydrate, and breathe. You deserve it! And please, for the love of all that is delicious and holy, stay home, social distance when you need to leave the house, and wash your hands (with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds).
Let’s flatten the curve, ya’ll!
Marsha
P.S - If you’re home and looking for something to watch, check out the incredibleamazingawesome panels we had at Food History Weekend 2019. Recordings linked below.
Empowering Communities Through Food
A Conversation with Women Migrants, Refugees, and Entrepreneurs
How can culinary knowledge and skills provide a path toward economic well-being and cultural expression for migrant and refugee women? What obstacles, challenges, and opportunities do they face? Join this session for a conversation among women food entrepreneurs and activists working in different types of organizations and enterprises as they share their experiences and explore how to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their communities in the United States.
Participants: Manal Kahi (Eat Offbeat, New York City), Daniela Hurtado (La Cocina VA, Arlington), Lourdez Gonzales (Misky Bakery, Lincoln, Nebraska), Emily Lerman (Mera Kitchen Collective, Baltimore); Moderator: Johanna Mendelson-Forman, PhD
Saving Communities Through Food
A Conversation on Women and Food Activism in American History
This panel will explore how African American women have protected and sustained individuals and communities through the creative production and distribution of food. Join historians Jessica B. Harris, PhD, and Psyche Williams-Forson, PhD, and Tambra Raye Stevenson of Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture (WANDA), in an exploration of African American activism through food. Case studies will provide a lens for understanding the long history of women using their culinary skills to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Participants: Jessica B. Harris, PhD; Tambra Raye Stevenson; Psyche Williams-Forson, PhD; Moderator: Crystal Moten, PhD
Culinary Game Changers and the Julia Child Award
A Conversation with Julia Child Awardees, 2015–2019
Since 2015, The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts has presented the annual Julia Child Award to individuals who have made a significant contribution to American culinary history and contemporary life. Join us for a dynamic conversation among the award winners as they reflect on Julia’s legacy and discuss how their work in food extends and amplifies the critical importance of culinary education, innovation, mentoring, and bridge-building for a new generation.
Participants: Jacques Pépin, Rick Bayless, Danny Meyer, Mary Sue Milliken, José Andrés; Moderator: Carla Hall
And just in case you need a bit of levity this Monday, I give you this: