There are so many things that I enjoy. From cooking to music, family and fellowship I want to celebrate the wonderful gift of life. So many of us fall victim to circumstance and this black hole society from which nothing escapes.
I am one of those people. Though I have more than I had ever dreamed I would have, there was still a part of me that was never satisfied. It was that part deep down that kept me from letting go and realizing that life was right in front of me the whole time. That the things I had and the people in my life were not being utilized not only for my well being but also for theirs. Once I looked up from my self-pity to realize what I was missing, I made a drastic change for the better.
That change was with my career. I had spent nearly 20 years in the automotive industry with a company that was at the top of their game. The need to work and play became the need to work and work. With success came sacrifice. Work began to replace hobbies. It also began to replace time with family as I found that 90% of my time was on the road with my head on a hotel pillow each night. Not that there is anything wrong with this. This “hobby” provided my family with a life in which my children wanted for nothing. I was able to financially provide all of the things that my wife and I believed made for a happy home. On a lot of levels that’s true. However, if you can’t find happiness in your life it’s impossible to truly provide that happiness in the lives of others.
So I quit. I left behind the one thing that had been an established pillar in my life and the life of our family. Everything we had done for years was done around the needs of my career. No more. Now it was time to fully find out who I was. It was time to take the leap. Time to find my passion. And I did.
Of all the things I enjoy that bring meaning and fulfillment to my life cooking takes the top spot. I love entertaining and sharing food with friends and loved ones in my life. It makes me whole. It provides me the satisfaction and completeness that one receives through the act of giving. My hope is that by continuing to give through this site that someone is inspired and motivated to give to others in a truly passionate manner. Maybe that someone is you. Either way, I am humbled you have visited to see what fun and exciting food we have in store. Thanks for the support and enjoy the ride!
Smoke & Swine 