New Partnership Comes Full Circle
When I first met Kellie William she was a precocious eight year old in my acting class at Howard University's Children's Theater. With that blinding smile and melodramatic manner, it’s safe to say she became one of my favorites. I always appreciated her confident, intelligent approach to her class work. She started her career doing several plays in the Washington area earning her Equity card before she was ten. One day her mother asked if I'd coach her on my own time for an audition for a show called "Family Matters." She came to my home for two nights going over her sides and I made sure she left ready to face the casting director armed with all that I knew. When she won the part of "Laura Winslow”, I was as proud of her as if she were my child. I had no idea that the series would go on to be a long running hit. We lost touch for seven years and a mutual friend helped us reunite. We've been together ever since and I think of her as my "surrogate" daughter. I'm so proud of the person she has become. Kellie recently moved back to the Washington area with the intent of opening a performing arts school. She has asked me to help with its creation. Just as I did when she was a child, I'm helping her see this dream come to fruition. In the mean time we are trying out a few other ventures such an s a children's clothing line and her hand made jewelry. Who would have ever thought that such a simple relationship would evolve into a life long friendship?
A Twist of Fate
We recently vended at two festivals, Viva! Vienna and Celebrate Fairfax. So far, its been a rough season for outdoor vending activities. Dreary weather has kept the attendance numbers low. Gloomy weather does effect a shopper's mood however, Eyleen's Emporium has been fortunate despite the weather. We've had good sales but more important, great moments with our customers. They tend to linger after their purchases and engage in stimulating conversation. At times it seemed like people were drawn to the positive energy we were giving off. I suggested to my partner that we add additional seats and make homemade goodies to accomadate those who want to stay. As it says throughtout this site, its not always about commerce. Listening to the life stories of a diverse crowd leaves you with the impression that your doing more than making money. You're sharing the best of yourself with others and that makes the hard work worthwhile.
Going Bananas
I can vouch for this recipe sent in by one of our resident artisans, Vera Nealis. I've eaten many slices of her banana bread and it’s delicious! Unfortunately, the recipe won't include her most important ingredient, her love. You'll have to add your own. BANANA BREAD Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2 cups of bananas (3 bananas per loaf), 1 cup of oil, 3 eggs, 3 cups of flour, 3 cups of sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of vanilla. Peel and dice bananas and put in blender with oil, egg until smooth. Pour into mixing bowl. Blend dry ingredients together and sift into banana mixture. Add vanilla. Combine all ingredients and pour into 2 medium loaf pans. Bake for one hour. (If you like, add chopped walnuts into mixture before baking.) YUM!!! Got a recipe you'd like to share? Click on the link and I'll add it to the site.
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