If I tell you I made your Ricotta and Chive Cakes? And that I thought they were, borrowing your description, so, so delicious?
Can you hear me, if I tell you I bought some semolina flour, something I’ve never used before, because I wanted to make your Saffron Semolina Cake?
That the cake captured my inner childhood obsession with everything yellow? Always my favorite color, my mom told me. Everything I owned was colored yellow to distinguish them from my siblings’.
Can you hear me, if I tell you I bought a bench scraper, so I can start making bread with the sourdough starter you so generously shared with me?
I bought it because I wanted to make sure I use precious Twinkle, the name you bestowed on your starter, properly, and that there should be no mistake.
Can you hear me, if I tell you I’ve decided to call my own starter, once I generate it, using yours, Twinkle 2.0?
Can you hear me, if I tell you I have bought seeds of and planted Romanesco broccoli? Because I wanted to make your Romanesco Fritters but couldn’t find Romanesco. And besides, you introduced me to a vegetable I never tried before and I felt the need to find out. Except the slugs and a bunny or possibly a groundhog loved the little plants and feasted on them. One survived. And it’s now being guarded to ensure further growth.
Can you hear me, if I tell you that I was on the verge of asking you to collaborate on a blogging project? And somehow I knew you would have said yes to it, not because of the merits of the project, but because you were the most gracious and generous blogger friend I have ever virtually met.
Can you hear me, if I tell you that I am now and always will be reading the stories you’ve written so expressively on your blog? That they become my source of comfort and inspiration?
Can you, Selma? Can you hear me?
P.S. Love and hugs to all my Fiesta Friday Friends, especially Elaine, Jhuls, and Sue XOXO, Angie
apuginthekitchen says
What a beautiful post and yes Angie I believe that Selma heard you and knows how much she was loved and appreciated.
Angie says
Thanks, Suzanne. That’s comforting to hear. XOXO
Butter, Basil and Breadcrumbs says
She hears you, love. And she is smiling down on you right now.. <3
Angie says
Aaw…Prudy, that’s so sweet. How is everything going?
simplyvegetarian777 says
Soooo heart touching! I bet she hears you.❤️
Angie says
Thanks, Sonal. I’d like to believe she does. <3
simplyvegetarian777 says
?
Sue says
omg this one killed me. something about the refrain you chose and the format . . . I am a puddle of tears. I feel for sure that Selma can hear you. What a sweet, sweet post and of course the darn cakes look delicious. So sunny and bright. xxsue
Angie says
Well now I’m in tears myself. At least someone is crying with me, lol. The ricotta cakes were really delicious, and so simple to make. It’s now in my most favoritest list. XOXO
Sue says
new acronym: col (crying out loud!)
Angie says
tsc (that’s so cool) <3
A.M.B. says
This is such a touching post. Selma’s influence clearly lives on.
Angie says
That’s comforting to hear that her influence continues, even if just with me. Though I think it does with many others as well.
A.M.B. says
And you’re passing that influence onto others–like me–through these posts.
Angie says
That’s so nice to hear, thank you!
Hilda says
Lovely post and tribute. I do hope your darling romanesco plant does well after all the care you are giving it.
Angie says
Thank you, Hilda. I, too, hope the plant will continue to grow. It’s pretty scrawny. I might give it more compost. But I read the leaves are edible, just like any brassica. I can at least eat the leaves. 🙂
Jess says
Beautiful post Angie. We’ll all miss our dear Selma so very much. R.I.P.
Angie says
Yes, we will, for a long time to come. She was just so special. Thank you so much, Jess. XOXO
Norma Chang says
I agree with all the commenters, this is a beautiful post that brought tears to my eyes. Yes, she heard you.
Angie says
Aaw…thanks, Norma. <3
Jhuls says
What a very beautiful post, Angie. This brought tears to my eyes, but smiling at the same time. Your cakes look so pretty and I love yellow, too. I always call it the color of happiness.
I am so excited to see your plant grow, the Semolina cake and the bread using Twinkle 2.0. Selma would have been so excited as well. She loved you so dearly, Angie. And yes, I bet Selma can hear you.
Hugs back,
Jhuls
Angie says
The semolina cake is doable, Jhuls. Even the sourdough bread can be achieved, I think. But the growing? That’s another animal altogether. I mean it, it really depends on the animals out there. Also Mother Nature. That’s what makes gardening such a struggle for me. Remember, I’m TheNoviceGardener 😀 Thanks for being here, darling XOXO
Angie says
I mean, Bubbles!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
This was a beautiful post Angie even though I can feel your grief from here. She meant so much to so many, and we are definitely grieving. I have some Twinkle as well and haven’t had the nerve to use it. I think she is adding her sparkle to the heavens, and love every bit of our Fiesta Friday tributes.
Angie says
Thank you, Julie. I’m feeling bold this week, I’m going to give Twinkle a try. Wish me luck! 🙂
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
Good luck Angie! I’ll follow in your footsteps!
indusinternationalkitchen says
Lovely post Angie. Brought tears to my eyes. I am sure Selma is watching and will always be around to guide and inspire us. Hugs
Angie says
Thanks for that, Indu. Very comforting for me to hear. XOXO
Shari says
Angie, This was so well written and such a sweet tribute to Selma. It really sums up the sadness everyone feels and the impact she had on others. Thank you for sharing it.
Angie says
Thank you so much, Shari. Her influence lives on and I’m thankful for it. XOXO
Gather and Graze says
A very touching post to read Angie! I can only imagine you were very teary writing it. Sending you hugs. M.xx
Angie says
Thanks, Margot. I find it heartening that I’m not alone. XOXO
lapetitepaniere says
This is a beautiful and poignant tribute to Selma. I’m sure she has a smile on her face and she can hear you, Angie. xx
Angie says
Thank you, Linda, for your sweet and comforting words. XOXO
Elaine @ foodbod says
I am lost for words 🙁
I’m crying with you Angie and feeling your loss xx
Angie says
Aaw…Elaine, you are so sweet. <3
eclecticoddsnsods says
Awe that made me tear up I love the way you wrote this Angie <3
Angie says
Thanks, Justine. Aren’t you sweet! <3
eclecticoddsnsods says
<3
nowathome says
Such a beautiful post!
Angie says
Thank you so much! XOXO
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
Perfect tribute Angie – I just sent you three pages of instructions on Twinkle sent to me from Selma. I’m glad I kept them! There’s a lot of info and not just on reviving Twinkle. Follow directions and you will create your own daughter of Twinkle!
Angie says
Thanks, Juju! I intend to read them closely so there’s no mishap. ?
skd says
That’s a heartfelt tribute Angie. My heart missed a beat and my eyes all welled up. I can understand how you feel. Selma would have been touched. After seeing so many tributes, I think we can conclude that Selmas blogging is a ‘success story’ in itself. Being loved and inspired by so many people is no ordinary achievement.
skd says
*an inspiration for so many
Angie says
Hear, hear, skd! She really was an exemplary person. Uber talented, yet so humble. And so generous! Thank you for your kind and comforting words. XOXO
chefceaser says
Reblogged this on Chef Ceaser.
Angie says
Thanks so much!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
Angie… I was tearing up reading this! It’s so beautiful!
I never was lucky enough to know Selma in person, or have had the chance to get to know her better… It makes you realize how short our lives are and how much of an impact we can leave ,even if we only “meet” briefly! I love this tribute to her… and I am already starting a sourdough starter (i’m sure it won’t be like Twinkle) in honour of her, and will think of her everytime I use it!
Angie says
Aaw…you have a tender heart, Dini. It’s the reason you’re such a compassionate person. I believe you don’t need to know another well to feel for him or her. We’re all connected in some ways, aren’t we? I’m hoping I can generate Twinkle 2.0 to share. No promises, ok, never worked with sourdough before 🙂
Loretta says
What a warm and heartfelt tribute to Selma – you’ve got everyone in tears again Angie, so beautifully sincere and eloquently written , you can’t help but reach out and hug each other all over again. Thanks for that, sometimes I wake up and feel it was a bad dream, but then reality hits….. God Bless,
Angie says
Thanks, Loretta. Your kind words are very comforting to hear. Sending love and hugs your way. <3
carolinescookingblog says
What a lovely tribute, Angie. If she will hear anything I think it will definitely be such beautiful words as these. I’ve also found myself prompted to think about doing various things as a result of the news, lets hope I can stick to them. It’s so nice to read all the tribute posts, but especially ones from people like yourself who knew her better. A sad loss, but so many ways to fondly remember her.
Angie says
Aaw…thank you so much, Caroline. I know what you mean about planning and sticking to it. I actually bought those things, semolina, bench scraper, Romanesco seeds, etc. a while ago but never got around to doing anything with them. Well, except the seeds which I planted. But I never told Selma. I wish I had. I’d like to think she can hear me. Thanks for your kind words. XOXO
tabithasglutenfreedishes.com says
What a beautiful post ?❤️❤️
Angie says
Thanks, Tabitha. XOXO
Patty Nguyen says
Oh Angie, your post title made me tear up and the rest of the post made me cry. <3 <3 <3
Angie says
Aaw…that tells how much you care, Patty. You are a very good person, sweetie! <3
chefjulianna says
Oh Angie, I am sure that Selma can hear you and that she is smiling down on her lovely blogging community. Your tribute is so very touching. I have never tried using sourdough before, but when I finally get moved into my new home, I may ask you for a bit of Twinkle 2.0 and launch myself into a new project. What a wonderful way to keep up a connection with Selma! 😀
Angie says
Oh hey, how is the move? It must be hectic but fun, too, no? I will definitely share Twinkle 2.0 with you, Julianna. And everybody else who wants some of it. I can’t think of any better way to spread our love of Selma! XOXO
spiceinthecity says
Lovely Angie <3 <3
Angie says
Thank you, Naina! XOXO
Lili says
Such a lovely moving tribute Angie. And a tribute that continues with Twinkle. x
Angie says
Thank you, Lili. Twinkle has spawned many offspring, so thankfully we’re able to keep a little bit of Selma with us. If I’m successful in making more dry starter off Twinkle, I’ll share. 🙂
Lili says
Hurray for Twinkle! 🙂
petra08 says
What a lovely, lovely blog! I am sure Selma can hear you and is smiling! I love how twinkle is being shared and keeps on giving 🙂
Angie says
Let me know if you’d like some Twinkle 2.0. I made some, just haven’t tried it yet. I’m pretty sure it’s viable; I followed the instructions to a t.
petra08 says
I might take you up on that! Am still workign up my courage to actually bake a bread. Last time I made a loaf I could have used it as a weapon as it was so heavy! 🙂