Your writing so beautiful 😍 I enjoyed reading this a lot. I had tears who knew words can be so powerful, we don't need video because you took us there with your words.
A great story. Although I'm a subscriber to Mark's brilliant Substack, I'm on the other side of the world so the time difference is a thing. I will, however, be following along.
This is such a wonderful story, Mark. My grandma always had homemade cookies in her home. I can't remember a visit to grandma's house when there weren't cookies. I was also with her when she died, and I remember looking at her hands for a long time and thinking about how many cookies they made for all of us.
Thank you, Sue - and I’m so sorry to hear about your farther. Sending you warm hugs,
It would be great for our crew to get together again - hopefully in the new year we can make that happen. I plan to come and visit at some point when work is quiet, too 😊
I am SO glad you posted this Mark! It was incredibly moving to hear you read this and I am sure your readers will love it too. I can’t wait to participate in more of these wonderful sessions.
What a lovely read, Mark. I had a lot of unread posts building up in my inbox and the temptation was to delete most of them and assuage the guilt of not keeping up with the creatives whose words I most want to read. I'm so glad that I made it to this most recent post of yours.
This is the kind of food writing I love, Mark. Food is tied to so many moments of our lives… Your piece reminded me of a short story I wrote about my grandma. Unfortunately, when I got back to Italy, she had already passed. P.S. I couldn’t help but smile at the “can I have two”, my kids do that all the time. Ahah.
She was an amazing maker and also made the best potato gnocchi ever. The story I’m referring to is the one about “the scent of grape must” (it’s in the title). I’ll DM you the link 🤍
Powerful. Grandma loved you all, and you all showed up, and loved her back. I couldn’t help but feel like that last Jamaica cake was left specifically for you, by her. Thank you for sharing such an incredible memory about unconditional love, Mark
You wrote a beautiful story and it was moving to hear you read it. I am glad you've posted it.
Thank you Amela, I’m glad you enjoyed it :) It’s amazing what memories surface from a simple prompt, isn’t it!
More to come.
You made me cry - that was beautifully written and truly lovely Mark.
Thank you Sheryl 🥹 Sorry to of made you cry!
Not at all - a beautifully written piece.
Me too
Your writing so beautiful 😍 I enjoyed reading this a lot. I had tears who knew words can be so powerful, we don't need video because you took us there with your words.
Ahh thank you, lovely one 🥹 I’m glad it resonated with you so much.
A great story. Although I'm a subscriber to Mark's brilliant Substack, I'm on the other side of the world so the time difference is a thing. I will, however, be following along.
Thank you, Joanne 😊 I’m glad you think so.
Ahh that is a shame - perhaps Mark might do one at a different time in the future so you can attend 🤔
I've set my alarm for the next one. It starts at 4 am my time... so not that early really... I'm usually walking on the beach by 5 lol.
🤣 that’s dedication to the cause! Well in that case, I look forward to seeing you there 😊
You found it Mark, your voice that is, not the cake. But this certainly gives some insight into your passion for baking.
Your line about bracing for the weight that didn’t come, was the one that broke me.
Thank you for sharing your story, I’ll see you at the next one, I’ve been down with the flu this week.
Oh no Lisa - I hope you start feeling better soon. Flu season this year is no joke. Some nasty strains going around.
And thank you - I’m glad the love came through. She was the best 😊
The love certainly flowed in your words Mark, that’s the place to write from in my humble opinion.
This is such a wonderful story, Mark. My grandma always had homemade cookies in her home. I can't remember a visit to grandma's house when there weren't cookies. I was also with her when she died, and I remember looking at her hands for a long time and thinking about how many cookies they made for all of us.
Thank you, Rebecca 😊 I think memories of grandparents are so oftentimes woven in with stories about food, aren’t they. They just feel like ‘home’.
Did she have a ‘special’ cookie that she used to make?
Ah Mark, so moving. I loved hearing it and it was lovely to read again. That last slice of Jamaica cake, what a heart rending moment. ❤️
The session was so good, I am looking forward to more.
Thank you lovely - I’m glad you enjoyed it.
And very much looking forward to hearing you read next session 😋
Mark, your writing is so joyous, even when there are elements of profound sadness. I am so pleased that you are finding and broadcasting your voice.
yesterday was my father's funeral, and I didn't get home in time for a last cup of Yorkshire tea with him.
I would love a collected anthology of all our pieces at Cadhay House
Thank you, Sue - and I’m so sorry to hear about your farther. Sending you warm hugs,
It would be great for our crew to get together again - hopefully in the new year we can make that happen. I plan to come and visit at some point when work is quiet, too 😊
I am SO glad you posted this Mark! It was incredibly moving to hear you read this and I am sure your readers will love it too. I can’t wait to participate in more of these wonderful sessions.
Oh thank you Elizabeth, that's really kind. Was such a great meetup, wasn't it. I'm looking forward to hearing you read!
The pressure is on! 🤓
I loved hearing you read this, Mark. Truly beautiful.
Thank you Claire :) It was a great session, wasn't it!
It sure was. Looking forward to the next one!
What a lovely read, Mark. I had a lot of unread posts building up in my inbox and the temptation was to delete most of them and assuage the guilt of not keeping up with the creatives whose words I most want to read. I'm so glad that I made it to this most recent post of yours.
Ahh thank you, Matt - I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊
And I’m completely with you on finding the time to catch up on posts - planning to make more time for it in the new year.
Hope you’re ok and enjoying the festive period x
Beautiful story, Mark! <3 It's so fascinating how foods from our childhood are tied to memories.
Thank you Kerry 😊 Isn’t it! I didn’t realise just how much food was woven in to most memories… or perhaps that’s just me 😅
What a special moment and memory you’ve shared with us all, Mark. So lovely and so heartfelt! You did your grandma proud.
Garwsh - thank you Betty. I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊 She was the best x
Wow that last line, so powerful! Beautifully written
Thank you so much, Sarah - I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊
This is the kind of food writing I love, Mark. Food is tied to so many moments of our lives… Your piece reminded me of a short story I wrote about my grandma. Unfortunately, when I got back to Italy, she had already passed. P.S. I couldn’t help but smile at the “can I have two”, my kids do that all the time. Ahah.
Thank you, lovely 😊 And it’s so true, isn’t it. Whether you realise it at the time or not - food is usually there!
Sorry to hear you didn’t make it home in time. What was she like? 🙂 Do you have a link to that story?
Haha - I mean, one is never enough, right?
She was an amazing maker and also made the best potato gnocchi ever. The story I’m referring to is the one about “the scent of grape must” (it’s in the title). I’ll DM you the link 🤍
Powerful. Grandma loved you all, and you all showed up, and loved her back. I couldn’t help but feel like that last Jamaica cake was left specifically for you, by her. Thank you for sharing such an incredible memory about unconditional love, Mark
Gosh, thank you for such a lovely comment, Aki.
I’m glad that the love came through, as it’s the core thread of every memory I have of her. X