Happy Holidays! For years, there was no other way to describe this time of year, other than heart-breaking. I desperately didn't want to succumb to the Western way of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years celebrations. I felt Thanksgiving was a celebration of genocide. Moving to Arizona rendered me furiously making complaints with all the major stores that displayed "Merry Christmas" signs in their windows. Didn't they realize that there are millions and millions of non-Christians all over the world? Overall the holidays were an expression of greed and commercialism. For me, this was evidenced by the innumerable distended bellies gorged with too much Thanksgiving Day food, beautiful, over-sized trees chopped down to serve as the lovely accoutrement for the main focus of unnecessary and often unappreciated gifts. And how many deadly crashes can we attribute to the overindulgence of New Years Day drunkenness? But, while I harbored all these feelings, I also had children growing up, for the most part, in Western culture and feeling isolated from the world. I wondered how to merge my beliefs in a way that would not keep my kids on the periphery. It's still a work in progress.

This year, I reached back to my African roots and recalled the tradition of eating black eyed peas and rice for the New Year's Day celebration. Growing up, this was a staple in my father's kitchen. Although his delicious recipe went with him to the grave, I decided to try an Ethiopian version. Living in the East Valley, it was a challenge to find all of the seasonings, but I think that added to the fun of it for my youngest son. Alas, Lee Lee's International market in Chandler saved the day.

Having my home consumed with the smell of assertive African flavors shifted the energy in my space. Perhaps it is Ethiopia's status as the cradle of humanity or just my love of food created on the Continent, but the spices always bring me such joy. Honestly, I was feeling a little melancholy about returning to work. Cooking, smelling and eating traditional food transformed my anxious feelings to feelings of hope for the new year. It is all still evolving, but a commitment to trying more recipes that incorporate the tastes and smells of Africa are certainly a step in the right direction. I always need to remember that we were given the tools to heal; it's important to continuously reconnect. Happy New Year! Wishing everyone joy, evolution and love in 2020!