It has been difficult coming back into the studio, but I now feel ready to start preparing to get back to work. It is most strange, knowing that Luke will not pop in, sit next to me and fiddle with anything that may be on the table whilst we chat. It doesn’t feel as if he has truly gone, just popped out for a moment. He was always one to keep moving forward, facing any new challenges that came his way and finding a solution to any problems. My first thank you of this post is to thank him for always being so positive, he will always inspire me to keep moving forward.
We have been blessed with our family and friends, who continue to support us in these early weeks. I can’t thank each and everyone enough.
One of Lukes friends, Matt Nalton, wrote a beautiful piece of music for him. He called it Gentle (after our gentle giant) and it is available to listen to on Apple Music and Spotify. This piece was used for the time of reflection and it is so beautiful. It has meant so much to us that Matt took the time to write this piece for him. Thank you Matt.
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/gb/album/gentle/1577399495…
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/track/5kJdwotrMrFs66HjTLE4fD…
The daughter of one of my close friends is a florist who makes the most beautiful natural arrangements. We asked Jess to use edible flowers and herbs in the spray in tribute to Lukes career as a chef and chocolatier. She suggested a cottage garden theme and created a stunning arrangement which was perfect. The scent from the spray was amazing too.
You can see more of her wonderful creations on her Instagram account Fern & Forest
Rosemary split the arrangement into smaller pieces after the funeral. This was such a thoughtful gesture. We had beautiful arrangements around the house for the following week. I also was able give my friends small bouquets to enjoy.
Thank you Jess and Rosemary.
Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Burnt Chef project in Lukes name, via the donation page Luke Mayo. We think Luke would have been very supportive of this project. From his experience as a chef he understood the pressures they are under to produce great food and to make sure that customers have a lovely experience. He was all about the hospitality of the industry. Again thank you for your generosity to this project.
I would also like to thank all my students who have been so kind and patient with me over the last few weeks. I will be back in the classroom from next week and am looking forward to seeing you all again.
Finally thank you all for taking the time to read my blog and visiting my website.
Now, as Rosemary reminded me this morning, Luke would probably say
“Come on Mum – get on with it”
It is time to get back into the studio
Take Care
Bev