Light & Fluffy

On By Michele LeeIn Arizona Adventures, Prose, Verse
I make popcorn the old-fashioned way.
My dad’s way.
I heat the oil. The perfect hot.
Then I sprinkle kernels across.
Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack Smack
Scatter but don’t double-stack.
Then the dance begins.
Watching. Right hand – lifting and shaking the pan.
Return to the heat.
Repeat.
Shaking Shaking Shaking
Metal and glass clinking.
Then the magic begins.
Pop… Pop
Hard yellow transformed to fluffy white.
Pop Pop
Pop Pop Pop
Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop!
Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop
Pop Pop
Pop
Sprinkle some sea salt
on that yummy hot.
Perfectly popped.
🍿
Making popcorn connects me to my dad.
The sounds. The smells. The memories.
I see him in the kitchen, shaking the pot.
The bowl is for me, but I enjoy every bite with him.

A poem I penned while enjoying my popcorn, with no intentions of sharing it (it being my poem; my popcorn I’d be happy to share). I changed my mind about sharing when it occurred to me that I am not the only one feeling the loss of a loved one this holiday season. If that’s you, I hope this popcorn post makes you smile. May you take comfort in fond memories and find ways to enjoy the holidays while honoring those you miss. 💞

Photography is another way I connect with my dad memories; he became passionate about capturing delicate flowers and the Salt River wild horses during his retirement. I picked up a camera after he passed in 2019. He and I did not enjoy the creative hobby together, but I think of him often when I am clicking, especially when a bee buzzes in front of me. This made him quite happy! 🐝

Thank you for visiting. Be well. 💗 Michele

Photos: My images, Mill Avenue (near Tempe Town Lake and Arizona State University). My extended Happy Hour… where I ventured after the golden and pink disappeared.

© 2022 MyInspiredLife

94 thoughts on “Light & Fluffy”

    1. Sweet memories you are creating. Or should I say, salty? 😁 Jiffy Pop would be fun (and safer) for kids. Magic! A light-hearted poem – thank you for enjoying and mentioning the joy of simple things. Lasting joy found there. 💖

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  7. Oh gosh, you really did it the old-fashioned way Michele. We just did Jiffy Pop Popcorn growing up! LOL 🍿😂🍿 Love the memories, love the poem, and I love your photos of the Christmas spirit in lights! 🌟🎄✨Oh what fun it is to ride….

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    1. It’s the most delicious way that I still enjoy. Butter not necessary when cooked just right! 😋Thanks for all the love, Kymbelina. 💗 You do know how to butter me up! 😁 Over the fields we go, laughing all the way… 😊🤗

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      1. 🎅🏼🎄🤶🏼 “Ho, Ho, Ho Michele my Belle! There you go girlfriend! You know that you reminded me of the song by The Foundations right? BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP! Always thinking about what we can dance to! LOL 💃🏼🤣🧈🥰💖🤗💃🏽 Merry Christmas sweetie pie!!! 🥧

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  9. A Beautiful Tribute to your Dad this poem popcorn and Christmas celebration beautiful memories 😃❤️ Christmas tree and popcorn fry so awesome !! I’ll make popcorn in pressure cooker for my grandchildren 😃👌 The poem smack smack, pop pop mind blowing 👌😃
    Good night for you and grace wishes :)🙏🌹

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  11. Beautiful poem and beautiful memories of your dad. Sending you a very big hug and wishing you a wonderful Christmas.

    I love pop corm and I only know how to make it the old fashioned way. I am quite terrible i can make it daily – every evening.

    Lots of love Michele – hugs and happy holiday.

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    1. I gladly accept your very big hug and love and send it back to you. 🤗 Thanks so much, you are super sweet! Have a wonderful and Merry weekend. 😊 Sweet is fine but I’d choose (homemade) salty popcorn anytime! We have excellent tastes. 😁

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      1. Well that took me back to the early 1970’s 😁 when they were both still here helping my brother and I string popcorn to hang on the tree.

        Those were the days (best Edith Bunker rendition)

        Lost Mom in Feb 2002
        Lost Dad in Aug 2018

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      2. Stringing popcorn takes self-control. We could never refrain from eating it. 😆 Thank you for sharing your special story and the nod to All in the Family. 👏🏻 Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, enjoying popcorn and memories. 😊

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    1. Yes, it is! I’ve enjoyed plenty of popcorn with a movie but never while penning a poem. Delish and heartwarming. 💗 I am glad you enjoyed my photos. Thanks so much for sharing your kind thoughts. 😊

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      1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

        Absolutely! Those are the best things! My dad made a yummy skillet potato recipe that I make, and now the kids call them Grandma’s potatoes! Those are the best things to pass on!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Thank you for sharing! I lost my dad about ten years ago and the grief loves to resurface around the holidays. It can be strange because it’s “supposed to be” a happy time of year. It’s nice to be able to discuss memories and reflect in a relaxed way. Cheers! xx

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  23. My father used to pop popcorn for our family in just the way you describe, Michele. It was served with tall aluminum glasses of ice water. He grew popcorn in a huge garden along with vegetables and flowers. Thank you for reminding me how he made us a special treat. Happy holidays Michele! ❤

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    1. You have warmed my heart with this precious family scene. 💗 It’s the simple things, that become the very special things. Thank you for sharing, Cheryl. That ice water would be perfect right now! 😁 Happy Holidays to you!

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  26. Danielle

    I love this I have been trying to figure out how to make popcorn the old fashioned way lately, and I continually end up with a burned batch, before a not so burned batch. What sort of pan do you use? Also what a special memory of your Dad, may your season be blessed with fond memories of your Dad!

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    1. The key is in the heat. 🔥 If the oil is too hot, the kernels burn, not hot enough and the kernels are duds. Enough oil too so the kernels are adequately covered but not drenched or they will be soggy instead of light. A few times and you’ll get it. Then the shaking and lifting. The pan – if you email me (contact page) I’ll send you a picture of my pan. 😊 I appreciate your sweet comments about my dad. Thank you, Danielle. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 💗

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