Scott makes wonderful food, and he has a way about him in the kitchen - relaxed and comfortable, in tune with what he's doing. I love to be around him when he cooks. Rhonda and Scott were very patient about me taking pictures of absolutely everything they did in Rhonda's lovely home. Dinner was great, with special mention to the oysters. I still owe Rhonda a fridge magnet Haiku. After bragging about my mad skilz, I totally ducked the challenge.
(Welcomed into warmth
We learn each others' faces
Framboise! P2 rocks.)
After dinner, we went to see an evening of
Playback Theatre. In playback, the audience members share stories from their lives. Actors portray these stories back to the teller and the audience. Tonight's theme was Ancestors.
A few of my friends also come out to see Playback's monthly performances, and I'm happy to see familiar faces when I'm there, including a friend's daughter and the daughter's 'totally crazy' friends. They were a fun group, and I got a kick out of taking pictures of them taking pictures of themselves.
The night became about families and generations. One story about love and the knowledge of death was so moving to me, and it made my night.
I took a cab home, and the driver shared stories of his ancestors from Ethiopia. He also told me about how he and his family here get together around the ritual of drinking coffee, and the customs involved. The coffee is roasted during the visit, and at the end, the beans become smoky. In Canada, this causes problems with fire alarms, but the smoke itself is important. The beans are carried to each person, so they can be bathed in the aroma and the smoke (like a smudging ceremony, I thought). Then the beans are ground and boiled, and the first round of coffee is thick and rich.
I had far too many pictures up last night, and I've removed a few.
