After the seasonal doors of Chedr closed, a blissful period of downtime unfolded, allowing for creative pursuits like painting, sewing, and crafting. The kitchen became a festive workshop for holiday cooking, culminating in handmade Christmas presents, lovingly wrapped before the journey to Florida commenced. This annual pilgrimage to the Sunshine State is more than just a vacation; it’s a return to a second hometown. From adolescence through my twenties, Jacksonville was home, fostering deep roots and enduring connections with friends and family who still reside there, or nearby. This trip was about reconnecting with those cherished bonds, and in a way, indulging in the ultimate comfort – the metaphorical Mama Food of familiar faces and heartwarming moments.
December 16th marked the start of the road trip, with Atlanta as the first stop to see my brother Ryan and his wife Taryn. Despite heavy traffic delaying my arrival until late evening, the warmth of family awaited. We shared delicious Thai takeout, a comforting and easy meal reminiscent of mama food simplicity, and spent hours catching up, the conversation flowing until after midnight. The next day was a flurry of errands, picking up fresh Nacho Mama’s merchandise and a much-needed detour to IKEA, fueled by a Christmas gift card and a craving for Scandinavian design. A quick goodbye to my brother at his studio, and then the journey continued, carrying the comforting feeling of family connection, a form of mama food for the soul.
December 17th led me to Blufton, South Carolina, to visit Lewie Lee, a dear friend from Jacksonville. Lewie, with his harmonica melodies, whiskey appreciation, and infectious laughter, embodies the spirit of good times. Our reunions are always filled with joy and easy camaraderie. This visit, though brief, was a necessary detour, having been too long since our last meeting. The laughter and shared stories served as a quick dose of mama food for the spirit, nourishing the bonds of long-lasting friendship.
December 18th, a Friday, brought a stop in Fernandina to visit Mama Brenda. Brenda, the mother of my late best friend Groovy, holds a special place in my heart. Visiting her new house and catching up felt deeply comforting, a poignant yet uplifting moment. Groovy’s family is my family, and these visits keep her memory vibrant. Time has softened the edges of grief, allowing us to reminisce with more smiles than tears. Sharing stories and memories felt like a gentle form of mama food, nurturing our shared history and love for Groovy. Although a larger family gathering wasn’t possible that Friday, a return visit was planned for Sunday.
Next, Jacksonville beckoned, promising a weekend with my old school BFF, Audra. Years had passed since our last meeting, making this reunion essential. Friday night kicked off with a cookout at Christopher’s house, Audra’s nephew, whom I hadn’t seen since his pre-teen years. It was surreal to see him, now 25, grilling tuna steaks with expertise. This fresh tuna steak, cooked with care and shared in good company, was a delicious form of mama food, unexpectedly prepared by a “nephew” grown into adulthood. Christopher, once babysat by me, now shared my passions for jam bands and music festivals – a delightful full-circle moment.
Friday night continued at Audra’s Fleming Island home, a haven with an incredible outdoor space featuring a fireplace and waterfall overlooking the woods. The chilly weather made the outdoor retreat perfect. Saturday night brought a feast of fresh steamed Florida shrimp, another taste of local mama food – simple, delicious, and shared with loved ones. Saturday also included quality time with Audra’s eldest daughter, braiding hair and shopping, fostering connections with a new generation, a different kind of mama food for the heart.
December 20th, Sunday, started early with a scenic drive back to Fernandina via A1A and Heckscher Drive. A stop at Big Talbot State Park, a personal favorite, offered a secluded beach experience. The unique landscape of sun-bleached trees and eroded coastline is breathtaking, a visual feast. Reaching Fernandina, the day with Brenda began with lunch with Shanna, Michelle’s sister, followed by a visit to Fort Clinch beach, the poignant site where Michelle’s ashes were scattered. Later, we connected with Trey, Michelle’s brother, before his return to Costa Rica. The day concluded with vegan marshmallows roasted around Brenda’s backyard fire pit – simple pleasures and shared moments, the essence of mama food in its comforting simplicity.
December 21st, Monday, was departure day from Fernandina, heading to Orlando to see another BFF, Joyce. A late evening visit due to Joyce’s work schedule still proved invaluable. Seeing her grown-up children was a reminder of time’s passage. This brief but meaningful visit, a precious few hours of connection, was a vital dose of mama food for friendship, nourishing the bond despite distance and time. Plans for a post-Christmas reunion unfortunately fell through, making this short visit even more cherished.
The remainder of the trip unfolded in Clermont and St. Pete, immersed in family time. Words can hardly capture the preciousness of seeing my Florida family – dad, stepmom, siblings, nieces, and nephews. Holiday meals, cherished traditions, and now, holiday karaoke, painted each Christmas moment with joy. The final day was spent with BFF Sharon and brother Jason, exploring the Dali Museum, followed by an afternoon of banjo music and games with friends, and concluding with a live Uncle John’s Band performance in downtown St. Pete. These shared experiences, the laughter and connection, were the ultimate mama food, feeding the soul with love and belonging.
This Florida journey was a tapestry of reunions, laughter, and shared moments, each connection a form of mama food, nourishing the heart and soul. Hoping everyone had the chance to savor quality time with loved ones during the holidays, experiencing their own version of heartwarming, soul-satisfying mama food.
