Where in the world have I been?
Part Two – Where in the world has Robin been?
Part One: Recharge and Restart after Cancer diagnosis.
There is a popular saying, “Fake it until you make it,” and it takes on all kinds of meanings; from the superficial sycophant cloying their way into position, to the truly diligent who continually work towards their dreams, making the change they want to be. For me, I knew I needed to maintain a creative outlet these last months; I chose my camera and I continued to participate in a few foodie related activities to keep me feeling normal. Sometimes it was like an out of body experience, as if I was watching myself; play-acting. There were precious lapses when I forgot the background noise and was in the moment, carefree. These helped to sustain me, and kept me connected with my tribe.
My tribe, my foodie friends, and my friends of the heart; the few I told my story to, who buoyed me with just the right touch of humor, love, and support. Never fawning, but there. There, for me. A humbling lesson on how friends can really surprise you in unexpected ways and teaching me how to be a better friend in return.
As a thank you and acknowledgment I want to share some of my escapades, I hope to write about many now that the fog is lifting, we will see how it goes.
Recent Adventures
IFBC 2015 Seattle, Sur la Table Event
Barn to Door Dinner, Seattle
Dinner at FareStart in Seattle with an amazing group. Thanks Dr. Jean Layton!
Halloween in Los Gatos and a Greek Picnic with Arianna Trading Co.’s George Menzelos @ariannatrading
Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival Volunteering and Photo Shoot
Tasting and Wine dinner with Gérard Bertrand at Schooners Coastal Kitchen and Wine Bar, with Ann Berry Kline
Cooking Greek Halva in my kitchen with Arianna Trading Co.’s George Menzelos @ariannatrading
IACP 2016 Hollywood (http://conference.iacp.com/)
Special Viewing IACP City of Gold
Emily Paster, Jane Bonacci, Sandra Gutierrez, Robin Asbell, Kate McDermott, Mary Valentin, Nancy McDermott, Nandita Godbole, and Cheryl Lace
Te´kila Hollywood– Jane Bonacci, @theheritagecook
Big Ideas Dinner at Wilde Wine Bar & Restaurant with Casey Benedict (@thecaseybenedict)
A visit to the Getty Villa, Malibu and tour of the Roman Culinary Garden hosted by with Arianna Trading Co.’s George Menzelos @ariannatrading
Katsuya Dinner – IACP’s Food Photography and Stylist Section leaders Serena Lissy @serenalissy and Cheryl Lace @cheryllacefood
IACP Photography Awards Presentation 2016, Serena Lissy and Mary Valentin presenting.
Breakfast with IACP’s Food Photography and Stylist Section Chair Mary Valentin (@maryvalentinfoodart)
Cabo Wabo Dinner with Sandra Gutierrez @sandralatinista and Robin Asbell @robinasbell
Slanted Door Luncheon in San Francisco with David Ove, Kate McNally and Daniel Flynn
BBQ at New Brighton with Julie and Fernando
Kianti Brunch with fellow Desmoid Tumor Warriors Leah and Angela
Mobo Sushi with Angie Rossi-Steele
Tacos and Pedicures with Patt Takeuchi
Oh, then there was that trip to France …
18 Epic Days in France: Where I met up with Paola Thomas, Ilva Beretta, Nazila Merati, Leigh Olson, Stacey Wickman, Helen Wolgers, Nanna Hamilton at a Creative Retreat then on to stay with Jamie Schler at Hotel Diderot in Chinon before traveling to Bordeaux to stay with Lynn Gowdy.
IFBC 2016
Tour of Clarksburg Wine Country and American Lamb Culinary Tour
Prop Shopping in Sacramento with Jane Bonacchi (@theheritagecook), Shannon Kinsella (@chefsrk) and Sabrina Modelle (@thetomatotart)
Al Postal Dinner with Mary Valentin and Steve
Premium Olive Oil Tasting – Taking Over Cremer House with Arianna Trading Co. and George Menzelos
September 11, 2016 – San Francisco Professional Food Society Annual BBQ – Photo Shoot and Luncheon
And, I have to say, it is working. I am beginning to feel like me again. Watch out!
More images to be found on my Instagram feed @robinehove or on my What about the Food? Facebook page.
It is always a delight to share experiences with you – you add a beautiful perspective … maybe because you are taller than me, LOL! 🙂
That makes us a good team, we see the high and low of things!
You’re taller than me too!
I am? LOL!
You’re coming back and I am so glad!
Working on it, day by day. <3