Monday, October 24, 2005

Banana Bread

I just finishing baking banana bread while scanning the web for data on the most power corporate women in America. The two projects blended nicely together.

It's raining out and finely getting that dank chill in the air that reminds us that November is just around the corner. Why do so many people die in November? That's a pattern I've noticed throughout my life. Maybe it's just this part of the country.

I had a college housemate whose beloved mom died of cancer at a relatively y0ung age. She died on November 7th. Every year since her death, my roommate would automatically lose her voice on that day. I witnessed it twice. It happened like clockwork. Her voice would get raspey the day before and then disappear with the dawn.

My housemate was a very powerful, smart, beautiful woman. I suppose I saw this annual illness as a tribute to her mom. I suppose that her love and grief were so strong it silenced her.

16 comments:

Dr. Deb said...

Love the word "dank" that you used...it is so fitting for today's weather. So funny, I made banana bread yesterday, and added chocolate chips to it. Had some for a snack with tea last night, and am itching to have another slice later.

I have a number of deaths that occurred in November. Maybe there's something scientific about that month?

Your college housemate is experiencing an "Anniversary Effect"...fallout that occurs in a timely way after loss. Amazing how the psyche works.

Stay safe and dry...especially on your Barnard commute.
~Deb

Kranki said...

That is very interesting. The body remembers as well.

ellesu said...

Yum! I can smell the banana bread, and with chocolate chips, why haven't I thought of that? ..got to make some soon.

"I suppose that her love and grief were so strong it silenced her."

What a beautiful sentiment. It brings tears to my eyes. It feels good to speak it.

I can't say that I've known more people to die in or around November, but the saying that death comes in threes seems to have some truth to it. Hope the sun shines soon.

Julie Marsh said...

I have to admit that's one aspect of New York that I don't miss - the weather. I have gotten so spoiled in the short time I've been away.

How intriguing (the laryngitis), and so sad as well.

Milliner's Dream, a woman of many "hats"... said...

Amazing how the mind and body work--or don't work--together.

I just made some banana bread the other and it was awful--think my baking powder is flat. I need to go get some and make more--and I will add the chips! YUM! ;)
Hh

east village idiot said...

dr. serani: maybe everyone in the metro area was baking banana bread at the same time. funny -I too nearly cracked and added chocolate chips! I remember reading about the anniversary effect on your web page - what a great post and how true.

kranki- the body does remember. it's just weird where we store our memories outside of our minds.

ellesu- I've also seen the three pattern in death as well. thanks for your kind words - I think we've all know a little about deep grief of a loved one or of just loss of love itself. It hurst likes hell.

mogo- trust me. NYC puddles are not the stuff of dreams!

leelee - when possible I definitely think people leave their bodies when it is best to. I do believe they hold on and live for their loved ones...as your powerhouse mom lived for you. the love you shared was the most factual case of love keeping a person alive.

hannah - You've got studying to do!! Just buy banana bread at the grocery. You need your sleep.

Anonymous said...

just wanted to say hi; i've recently landed on your blog while searching for east village things - i just moved into the area. i love it here; i don't see why anyone will want to be anywhere else. i enjoy reading your entries.

the anniversary effect is really odd. i've never actually heard this before, but i guess if the trauma was deep enough our bodies can react in many surprising ways.

Milliner's Dream, a woman of many "hats"... said...

hehe...but I can mix it up and bake it while I study, EVI. :) It's just getting to the store for the darned baking powder first that I must do!

Hh

Anonymous said...

MMMMM...Elleni's Banana Bread...YUM...Makes me want to sneak into someone's luggage and attack her in the kitchen. I still have fond memories of her although she won't even call me. Devil Woman.

Dr. Deb said...

EVI,

I am about to make pumpkin bread and wanted to know if you were too.

;)
Deb

Dr. Deb said...

Halloween Eve Update...

Just made another pumpkin bread.




;)
Deb

east village idiot said...

Dr. S - here I am, patting myself on the back for one loaf of banana bread while you are baking up a storm!!

Dr. Deb said...

It is obvious that I am a CARBOHOLIC, and you are more healthy than I in that respect!

LOL and Happy Halloween,
Deb

Anonymous said...

yeah..the body has a mind of its own...And guess in which organ my body stores all of its great memories! I made black currant scones yesterday and thought about Elleni.

Milliner's Dream, a woman of many "hats"... said...

I bought new baking powder and made the banana bread with chocolate chips and half the nuts the recipe called for...perfection!

Hh

east village idiot said...

Dr. Serani - have no fear. I hail from a long line of alchoholics and over the counter drug abusers. carbs are just kid stuff!

Count Z - everytime I see currants I think of you. I think of you every day my good, sweet friend on the left coast.

Hannah - that sounds delicous!!