Christenings, Weddings, Funerals and Pasta!
March 3, 2010 in Uncategorized
Good evening my dear friends, how i have missed you all and your generous words of encouragement. This year began with the most beautiful fireworks display on 31st December at the Wild Coast Sun - and let me tell you – them crackers are still going off in my world. January 13th saw my poor husband under the knife in a 7 hours operation to fix his broken heart – I cannot actually describe the depths of my fear as I could do absolutely nothing to alter the outcome of the operation he had – this rather frightening challenge was followed by the passing of my dear mother in law a.k.a Nonna Lilly from this world to the next. We lay her gently to rest with her beloved Toto last week.
I have been up to my eye balls in Italians – food – hospitals - food and a funeral which, of course, means - LOTS MORE FOOD .. and a wounded group of wonderful Italians, who – to cope with the loss of their dear mother – grandmother – great grandmother and great great grandmother - (sounds like a movie doesn’t it) needed to cling to each other for comfort whilst eating lots and lots of pasta.
Pasta – for my group of Italians – and I would venture to say, ALL groups of Italians - is the glue that keeps them together. When babies are born – and christened in their beautiful pristine white gowns - italians eat pasta – when the babies grow and receive Holy Communion for the first momentous time, all decked out in their pretty white veils and in the case of my boys – their handsome white outfits – they eat pasta – 16, 18 and 21st birthdays follow soon afterwards - all blessed with loads more pasta – and weddings are positively drowning in huge trays of canneloni or lasagne and white wedding dresses. Quite literally, pasta can neither be separated nor excluded from “The Bread of Life” and its’ symbolism so deeply deeply ingrained into the very fabric of any Italians soul.
Nonna Lilly - our queen of the kitchen and indeed “queen of life” in general, gently slipped away from us in her sleep in Entabeni hospital on the 18th February 2010. This is the amazing and inspiring cook, that I have spoken of in so many of my posts, who made Vitello Tonnato in the Form of a clock – the hands of which were crafted in black truffle! When I met my husband – every Thursday evening I would catch the bus from central Durban – where I worked – to their home on the shady cool palmed Berea, upon my arrival i would be ushered into the kitchen to learn how to cook. I absolutely loved and cherished every single moment that i spent with her in that tiny little lovely kitchen.
Nonna did not just teach me how to cook countless italian dishes – each one better than the last – she taught me about food – pairing food - loving food – and gave me the knowledge of how and why we cook in the ways that we do – the understanding of using food to express love – loyalty and healing - how to get home from a long day at work, cook a three course meal fit for kings and queens, lay a formal dinner table, present and serve that wonderful food without even breaking a sweat – and she taught me the joy of sharing your food with love. Until I met my husband and his amazing mum – food, really only represented something perfunctory that happened 2 or 3 times a day. My dear English mum’s version of pasta sauce contained mixed vegetables- those little coloured square cubes that we are led to believe grew out of the ground at some point.
The whole Tripepi family and many other mourners gathered to celebrate the life of our dear Mamma at my home. There were many people – family and friends who came together to pay their respects to Signora Tripepi - a lady of elegance and standing in the Durban Italian community. She, together with her dear husband Salvatore Tripepi, created a dynasty. At the time of her passing – Lilliana Tripepi was a living 5th generation – octegnarian. At 89 years of age – she was still beautiful and elegant and adoring of her great great grand daughter, Sophia.
And the food – well, I ordered mountains of hot snacks from Steven @ The G-Spot, which were delicious and received many complements – Thank You Steven darling …………. I chose to serve only two sandwiches. Coronation Chicken Sandwiches (good enough for Queen Elizabeths Coronation! good enough for our queen nonna Lilly) and Prawn mayonnaise sandwiches – a favourite of Nonna’s. Puckety’s in Underberg provided us with the best Carrot Cake that South Africa has to offer and ……. as evening fell, when only her children and grandchildren remained – we ate pasta. Lots and lots and lots of wonderful healing, comforting pasta. And we were all happy again.
Buon Appetito!
It’s good to be back.
xx
jan
sardinesontoast said on March 3, 2010
I honestly have dreams about pots of spaghetti just like the one on your photos. YUM! Sorry to hear about your loss. Glad to have you back
janicetripepi said on March 3, 2010
Koo – so it’s about time you ventured north of the limpopo to the Colony aka. KZN – kom boetie, come and eata da pasta! I am coming to your neck of the woods – maybe i shall make pasta for all you lot at my sons flat in gardens …. pasta al la ???? you choose xxx jan
Collywolly said on March 3, 2010
What an absolutely stunning tribute to Nonna Lilly. What an amazing soul! Lei non è andato, lei è passato nella stanza accanto. Ricordi di preziosi Nonna Lilli sono ovunque, in ogni cuore, in ogni mente, in ogni piatto di pasta che si prepara. La sua eleganza e la grazia, il suo amore per la vita continuerà a vivere, in quelle che hanno rilasciato dal suo lombi. Possa la sua anima riposare in pace amata. La mia profonda solidarietà a tutti voi! I am sorry for your loss sweetie. You obviously loved her deeply. Huge Hugs xxx See you soon. I sent you banking details email….xxx
Ally_R said on March 3, 2010
Wow , that almost had me in tears. What a beautiful Tribute!
My dad has worked with Italians his whole life (and believes he is one too now lol) and I’ll never forget when I was 5/6 when “Aunty Leita” would invite us for lunch on a Friday in the Boardroom of the company and there would be huge pots of Pasta, fresh bread and Cheese that she would import because she couldn’t get it here. Memories of Italians that a non-Italian will always Cherish.
Ps. I always said I would marry an Italian, now I have an Englishman and I am forced to cook Italian.
ninatimm said on March 4, 2010
Jan darling, I am so glad you are back……only a few weeks now before we will see each other!!! I think you pretty much are like the pasta….the glue that keeps the family together!!!
Zabwan said on March 4, 2010
Dear Jan, thank for sharing such personal moments of your family’s life with us, the bonds of love that hold your all together are beautiful. So sorry for your loss. *hugs*
kattiemajinks said on March 4, 2010
What a beautiful post to celebrate the life of a beautiful lady! So sorry to hear about your loss dear Jan – she sounded like a wonderful woman. Isn’t it just amazing how food – especially PASTA – bring people together!
Big hugs
xxx
LessOfMe said on March 4, 2010
Welcome back. What a beautiful post to celebrate a life
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Oh Colleen, thank you so much for these beautiful words. xxxx jan
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Thank you – and tell me, HOW are you doing darling!!! xxxx jan
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Thanks darling – we are still celebrating her life ….. she truly was such an amazing lady ccc jan
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Thank you so much Z – love and pasta, what more does a family need? Have an awesome day xxx jan
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Niiiiiiinaaaaa, thank you darling for your lovely compliment. I can’t wait to come to the conference, it’s going to be great to meet everyone in person and chat about food food food – compare notes etc. i am really excited. I was wondering if you will have hard copies of your “lecture” – it would be great to be able to refer to them afterwards. Heaven knows, i need lots of help with my photography!!! Lots of love and hugs Jan xxxxx
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Aw Ally angel – i can smell that pasta on the boardroom table. Pasta is one of those foods that is not stuffy and pretentious – it strips people down to their vests quite literally – check out my b-i-law in the photo! Lots of love – and hugs jan xxxx
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Koo – so it’s about time you ventured north of the limpopo to the Colony aka. KZN – kom boetie, come and eata da pasta! I am coming to your neck of the woods – maybe i shall make pasta for all you lot at my sons flat in gardens …. pasta al la ???? you choose xxx jan
Ally_R said on March 4, 2010
He reminds me so much of Aunty Leita’s one son, Franco. I was always amazed how when their Mama was around, the boys (actually men) would take off their suit jackets and ties and talk to her with such utter love and adoration. I can only hope that my son will one day look at me with that same love!
Ally_R said on March 4, 2010
Can you please stop talking about the conference ? lol Everytime I read about it I have to bite my lip to stop it from quivering. I WILL come to next year’s conference. I WILL I WILL I WILL!!!
kimbauer said on March 4, 2010
Well come back my favourite favourite!
kimbauer said on March 4, 2010
I mean…WELCOME BACK… (where is my head today?)
sharonsmit said on March 4, 2010
Ai Jan…Im so sorry to hear about your Nonna! Im sure she left with a smile on her face, knowing you will keep the fort (food and family wise). I hope your husband is also doing lots better after the op!! Glad you are back..missed your blog terribly!! xxx
LessOfMe said on March 4, 2010
I am doing good. Discombobulated today but over all – great!
canda1 said on March 4, 2010
Welcome back Jan, what a few weeks you have had!!! What a wonderful tribute, certainly sounds like you have an amazing family! xxxx
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
ROFL – Thanks Cath!!!! xxx jan
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Thanks Shaz – she did go with a smile actually – Like an angel! Hubby is hundreds, in fact better than ever. He had a defect which is now perfect … hahahahaa ….. No my angel Thanks – the is absolutely fine. Lotsa love Jan xxx
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Thanks T&T – i also decided to quit smoking during this whole shebang. But – i am happy to report – I AM FIGHTING FIT and full of the joys of autumn-ishnessness …. how goes life up there in Morocco? Any chance of u coming to visit us during the blog conference??? xxx jan
Collywolly said on March 4, 2010
Theres still time to book for THIS one Ally_R ;o) xxx
Collywolly said on March 4, 2010
I remembered when I was about to fall asleep that I had omitted to ask how hubby is doing now after the heart surgery Jan. Silly me. So how is he doing? I hope well. Huggles xxx
Collywolly said on March 4, 2010
Oooi Aunty Cath where are you hiding out??? ;o) xx
Collywolly said on March 4, 2010
Some of it might have got lost in translation but you got the general gist of it I’m sure….xxx
tandy.sinclair said on March 4, 2010
may her memory live on forever in each bowl of comforting pasta you cook. I hope your husband has recovered well from his ordeal. Have a super day xxx
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
Oh shame my angel – he is absolutely fine thanks … full of beans! I paid my fees today so i am OFFICIALLY coming to die Kaaaap!!! xxx jan
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
She will indeed, in fact, I have promised all her surviving children that I will cook a very special dinner in her honour. I shall have to plan that very carefully and of course i shall blog it. You have an awesome evening angel xxxx jan
janicetripepi said on March 4, 2010
I am totally impressed with your Italian, Scrivi veramente bene la lingua Italiana! Sei bravissima. Tanti cari baci xxxx
Collywolly said on March 5, 2010
La ringrazio per il complimento. Ho un po ‘di assistenza da un ottimo amico traduttore che trascorre la maggior parte del suo tempo con me. Egli parla molte lingue la signora gennaio ringrazio molto per pagare i vostri soldi in conferenza. Hai chiesto loro di me o sms puoi email ricevuta di deposito / prova del pagamento in modo da posso marchio che nella lista come pagato? Così possibile mettere le mie braccia Moo intorno a voi e vi darò un abbraccio
janicetripepi said on March 5, 2010
Si, sens’altro, per piacere cara, da mi il tuo numero di fax, e te lo mando subito sta matina xxx bacioni signora moo xxx
Collywolly said on March 5, 2010
I dont have a fax. Just email a copy if you can. Otherwise it’s OK. xxx