My Grandmother Beatrice Faust

If people were wondering why I wasn't posting anything, it is because last week the world lost an amazing woman. My gramma Beatrice Faust joined her husband's side, as well as my uncle Al in the heavenly oasis above with the angels.
Being halfway across the world and away from my family, this was not an easy parcel to receive. However being surrounded by my new friends here in Grassington was a godsend.
My grandmother lived a strong and healthy life, and was by far the strongest person I've ever known. If she was told not to do something, you better believe she did it right when you walked out of the room. She always put up one hell of a fight. There are so many beautiful and funny memories that I could go on and on for days telling you.
As many of you know, this is not my first time dealing with the loss of a family member. Doesn't change the fact that regardless if it is a sudden loss, or an expected one, it is never easy. And I thank God for giving me the foresight to act before I left. I remember before I came over here to Europe, I went and visited my Uncle Al, and I also went and saw Gramms. The last time I saw her was filled with conversations as usual, however at the end of the visit I gave her an extra long hug and a kiss. Having done this was truly my saving grace in her passing, knowing that is how we ended our time together here on Earth.
With only 15 days remaining here in England, I cannot wait to get back home to my family now. I never thought about packing up and leaving at the news of my grandmother, for she would never just want me to pick up and go. She would want me to finish what I had started. It also feels comforting, knowing that I am in the same country in which my great-grandfather was from, and the same country in which our heritage thrives from.
I love you Gramma!!
Thank you for everything you have done for me and my life!!
Hope you are proud of me!!
This is for you!!

This is a link to the obituary article courtesy of Claremont Courier.
Gramma's Article

This is a slideshow I put together in memory of her.

I LOVE YOU!!

ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!

...NICK P!!

Magic Loungeabout Festival!!

About a month back, Chef came up to me and asked me if I have ever heard of a BBQ company called Weber. Of course I responded with Ummm YEA! It's the biggest name back home! He said that he hadn't heard of the company and wasn't that all familiar with them. It turns out he was going to do an outdoor catering event at this festival and was going to be using one of them. Instantly I asked if I could tag along and help out and Chef quickly accepted the offer, and I'm so glad he did!
So let me just fill you in on the festival if you don't really know how it is. It is like a Coachella-style venue, big open field with a main stage, dj and beer tents, food, other booths selling stuff, etc. However it is a family-oriented music and arts festival { unlike Coachella!! ;) }. The venue is actually located on the grounds of Broughton Hall, a beautiful mansion which of course consists of acres and acres of green fields and rivers. Yes people actually live in this giant estate, so in a way the festival was held in their backyard; you'll know what I mean when you scroll down and see the pictures!
The festival was held throughout the weekend; friday until sunday. Friday morning consisted of us waking up early to head down to the site and continue the setup process. Our layout consisted of the actual food tent, a tent designated for seating, and a walk-in fridge trailer behind us. Yes we were the intimidating food booth! And then all of our tents behind the booth.
So day one was full of high energy! We put on a full pig to roast all the way from 10a.m. until the evening, started 8 pork shoulders in the slow roaster, and fired up the Weber! Our menu consisted of sausage sandwiches, pork n chili burger, pork n apple burger, pork pies, delicious cupcakes, and of course pulled pork sandwiches! With sweet tomato chili jam or apple jam to put on top! And then bacon sandwiches for breakfast! =D Lets just say I wasn't hungry over the weekend.
So all three days that is what we did, enjoyed great music and served delicious food. The first night was hard to sleep because the dj tent was so loud and went til 3 a.m. So Saturday night we decided to ride it out and the two Adams and I were dancing until 4a.m. It was a great time until we had to wakeup for breakfast 4 hours later!
Some of the highlights of the weekend...seeing CHIC perform, watching the light-projection show against the house, meeting great people and making new friends, hearing great music, listening to a totally new band that I fell in love with, and caught the drummers drumstick, then met her!, bbqing for hours on end-which I love doing, and just enjoying the whole experience! =)
Thank you again to Sue and John Rudden for allowing me to tag along on this awesome memory-filled experience that I will never forget! =)