Recipe
for a Textured Memorable Experience
I found this week’s Wordplay Wednesday a few weeks before the
passing of a dear friend, not knowing when I would use it. Now is the perfect
time … and timing is everything.
Best friend, mentor, and author, John F. Harnish was a sensory person long
before he became my “older brother from another mother.” We spoke daily for
probably half of the fifteen years I knew him, about everything under the sun.
His irreverent and sardonic wit and wisdom, coupled with loyalty and warmth,
made me a better person.
The past few years, however, he battled a
second round of cancer that he could not conquer and passed Earth’s threshold
on Monday, January 13, 2020. In recent months, he reminded me of the personal
pleasures in life we likely don’t think about every day.
Dedicated
to a friend who learned the hard way how to enjoy his food with …
MOUTHFEEL (mouthʹfēlʹ’) n. – the way a particular food or beverage feels in the
mouth as it is eaten or drunk (the velvety mouthfeel of ice cream). [WW #252*]
A side effect of John’s treatment was loss of taste and mouthfeel.
Yep, those tiny tasty buds on our tongues are not impervious to the ravages of
modern medicine. He lamented not being able to taste or feel the texture of chocolate
or food in general. Eating became a meaningless chore.
When he related the tales of his
less-than-tasty hospital food, I occasionally asked if he could taste it yet,
always hoping for a resounding yes. Eventually to his delight, the mouthfeel
of foods returned, however, “No, I still can’t taste it, but I can feel it and
remember the taste.” He always looked for a silver lining.
So, is
it your birthday today or this week? Don’t forget the cake and ice cream! Even if spending your
day alone, a cupcake (with candle, or course) and a pint of the cold creamy
stuff is a must. Rather than scarfing it down like prior years, take a few
extra moments and delight in the mouthfeel of every bite.
Envision tidbits of birthdays past, as you unwrap the gift of taste and
memories.
We all know
foods that give us a smile just thinking about our next indulgence. If your
birthday is another time of year, today, treat yourself anyway. You deserve it.
Make a favorite dish for your next meal, invite a special friend, and together,
savor the mouthfeel while making a new memory of tasteful joy.
Great chefs … and John … would agree,
it isn’t just the flavor of a certain food that tingles your senses; it’s
combined with the texture and sensory experience of its mouthfeel.
Happy Birthday or bon appétit!
Word Challenge: MOUTHFEEL. Truly think about your food as you take a bite, and
fit mouthfeel into your week of tasty writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s
your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*Note: Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s
New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of
“official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.”
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally
visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of
reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own
discretion.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
