12/11/2024
The Universal "Love Language"
Do you recall the term "love languages" that was first coined sometime early in the 90s by Dr. Gary Chapman? A buzzphrase that was, at the time, at the tip of virtually every daytime talk show host's tongue and referred to the typical acts/gestures individuals defaulted to as their medium of affection. Dr. Chapman identified quality time, acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, and giving gifts as examples of 5 specific varieties of "love languages" people expressed or experienced. The idea was to enhance communication by recognizing and decoding your partner's chosen "language" and using your own to better express your emotions. A little simplistic & reductive, but readily absorbed into pop psych of the era.
I've noticed the recent resurgence of the term in social media. Maybe it's no coincidence that people feel obligated to make their intentions explicit at a time when intercommunications seem so impaired, splintered, and alienating (My love language is a kitchen free of dirty dishes; My love language is glass of wine offered to me at the end of a hard day; Where can I hire a love language interpreter for my husband)?
One "love language" Dr. Chapman failed to note, but that most of us speak fluently is that of food. The power of the food offering within platonic and romantic relationships really can't be underestimated. Sharing food with another/others can express emotions ranging from love and appreciation to offering solace, empathy, and hope. Think of the way a cup of tea offered by the right person at just the right moment can abate any manner of misery one might be experiencing. Or the way a hunk of bread ripped right off the loaf and shared with a friend embodies comradery in every crumb.
If amidst your holiday shopping you find yourself struggling to get just the right thing to express something meaningful to someone significant, maybe the degree of struggle suggests you're on the wrong path... instead of searching for the thing that might convey your regard for the giftee, why not just deliver the message in a form that communicates exactly what mean: appreciation; concern for the recipient's wellbeing; the desire to give the receiver a physically and emotionally bolstering experience; etc. While I'm not convinced that funneling communication through one's "love languages" improves compatibility and understanding, I am willing to go out on a limb and say that if we treated food as everyone's common "love language", human connection would certainly be easier, more satisfying and infinitely tastier!
The NY Times' Ginger Cheesecake Cookie
We normally try to provide you recipes that are less readily sourced than this one, published just weeks ago in the New York Times Food section, by Samantha Seneviratne. But, frankly, we'd be hard pressed to recommend an easier and more rewarding holiday treat than this one; the caveat: you must love ginger! If that condition is met, then run, don't walk, to your kitchen... you and whomever is lucky enough to be shared these treats with will be deliriously, holiday happy! Enjoy!!
Total Time: About 2 hours
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: About 2 hours
Yield: about 18 cookies
A Little High-Impact, Easy Gifting this Season...
Regardless of your read on the state of the economy, living conditions continue to be difficult for far too many in this country. It is painful to recognize that in a wealthy, developed country like the US, food insecurity is still a major problem and often children are its greatest victims. In addition to the pain of hunger, the challenge of affording basic essentials drives chronic stress, increases feelings of hopelessness, makes it more difficult to access healthcare, and lowers self esteem.
We can do better in the US by starting with our local community: a simple and easy-to-implement first step is to help ensure that all our neighbors have access to healthy, warm meals at the holidays and beyond. (https://www.stmarysardmore.org/Ardmore-Food-Pantry)
Please consider donating any of the much-needed food items on the list below to the Ardmore Food Pantry (https://www.stmarysardmore.org/Ardmore-Food-Pantry) . The 24/7 Drop Off Box makes it easy to donate whenever you can, and the most needed items are ones that are probably gathering dust in your pantry at this very moment.
Examples of great always needed products are:
Bring 2 or more of the above items to Pinwheel as donations to the Ardmore Food Pantry and we'll provide you a 10% discount on all purchases at the shop of $30 or more through December 24*. It's an easy gesture with a real impact...
* excludes the Pinwheel Sip & Shop Event on 12/15
Don't Miss Out on Cozy Sip & Shop Tented Event
This Sunday 12-3pm!
Parking is available 1/2 block from our shop; driving west on Lancaster Ave., turn right on the Summit Grove. The Summit Grove Municipal lot is the first turn on the left, just past our shop grounds.
Our Holiday Schedule
*the 'Wich Way Sandwich Bar will be closed from 12/24 until 1/5
Dec.24: Christmas Eve - Market open until 2pm
Dec.28-30: Market Hours 10am-5:30
Dec.31: New Year's Eve - Market open until 2pm
Jan.1-5: Pinwheel Closed for holiday break
Click here for an update from Pinwheel Provisions!
