That cloud
Hi, all.
This note is to say that I’ve had to postpone my reading this Sunday, April 18, at the Ballard Library in Seattle, and that I’m going to be away from this space a few days longer than I expected. My grandmother is not doing well, and I’m making an emergency trip to Oklahoma to be with my family.

You would have liked my grandmother. She was a devotee of rare roast beef sandwiches and red shoes, and she had a penchant for using the word yummy to describe non-food items, like a pretty scarf or a soft sweater. You can imagine it: we’d be in a store together, and she would pick up a shirt and say, “Moll, this color would be yummy on you.” The last time I saw her, about ten days ago, she was eating lunch, and she was disoriented, and she looked up at my mother and said, “What happened to the cloud with cold cuts in it?” None of us knew what to say, but I thought it was perfect. I hope she finds that cloud again soon.
If you were planning to attend the event this Sunday, please note that the date and time have changed. Mark your calendar:
Seattle, WA
May 10, 6:30 pm
Talk + Booksigning
Ballard Branch, Seattle Public Library
Free event, open to the public
I’ll be back soon.
This note is to say that I’ve had to postpone my reading this Sunday, April 18, at the Ballard Library in Seattle, and that I’m going to be away from this space a few days longer than I expected. My grandmother is not doing well, and I’m making an emergency trip to Oklahoma to be with my family.

You would have liked my grandmother. She was a devotee of rare roast beef sandwiches and red shoes, and she had a penchant for using the word yummy to describe non-food items, like a pretty scarf or a soft sweater. You can imagine it: we’d be in a store together, and she would pick up a shirt and say, “Moll, this color would be yummy on you.” The last time I saw her, about ten days ago, she was eating lunch, and she was disoriented, and she looked up at my mother and said, “What happened to the cloud with cold cuts in it?” None of us knew what to say, but I thought it was perfect. I hope she finds that cloud again soon.
If you were planning to attend the event this Sunday, please note that the date and time have changed. Mark your calendar:
Seattle, WA
May 10, 6:30 pm
Talk + Booksigning
Ballard Branch, Seattle Public Library
Free event, open to the public
I’ll be back soon.







150 Comments:
alysiscMolly, I hope that you have a meaningful and peaceful visit with your grandmother. She sounds like a wonderful lady and I'm sure that your warm and expressive presence will be one of healing.
Thinking of you and your family. *hug*
I hope she finds that cloud soon as well.
I'm so sorry to hear it, Molly. Sending much love to you and yours. xo.
Best wishes for you and your grandmother.
Best wishes and thoughts for your family Molly!
I am sorry to hear about your Grandmother. My thoughts are with you at this time.
I remember her well, Molly. She is yummy. Our hearts go with you.
I will hope for the best for your grandmother. You will know what "best" is when you are with her.
Whilst some are busy growing up and moving on, others are busy growing old and moving on. Your grandmother was fortunate to have done so in the midst of a loving family, from what you say.
Remember, you (and your family) are allowed to feel whatever it is that you are feeling.
Hi Molly. I have just recently subscribed to your blog, so you certainly don't know me. I just wanted to let you know that I have you and your family in my prayers.
We lost my great-grandmother and my grandmother to alzheimers some years back, and I always used to find beauty in the whimsical statements they would make. At least they didn't seem to be suffering.
Be well ;-)
I do hope your grandma feels better soon. I can see where your love for food came from. :)
Sorry to hear about your Grandma. She sounds as spirited as my own who passed many years ago. And somehow that strong spirit stays with us. I often forget she's gone, like she's just on some great vacation somewhere, kicking up her heels.
My thoughts are with you and your family...
btw - where in Oklahoma are you going? I'm an Okie turned Cali:)
sending you a big cloud-like hug, one which makes things much softer and peaceful. xx
Molly, your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman. Your family is in our thoughts.
Oh, Molly -- I'm sorry. Sending you and your family our best thoughts.
big hugs to you molly.
Molly-
I hope your time with your grandmother is blessed.
Your devoted readers send you and your family thoughts of love and support.
Keeping you, your grandmother, and your whole family close in my heart.
Thinking of you and your family tonight. Just made your Doron turkey meatballs, so had you on the brain already.
I'm so sorry to hear that your grandmother isn't well. Best wishes to you and your family.
Sending good thoughts to you and your family!
Those are fabulous comments and memories of your grandma. Take care.
Molly -- sending my best wishes to you & your grandmother & your family. She sounds like a wonderful woman.
Molly, I may burst into tears right now, so I'll just say that I send my warmest, most heartfelt wishes to you and your family. My grandmother, too, is sick right now (Alzheimer's) and it is the pits.
Remember the good times and remember the love she had for you.
Much love and good wishes to you, Molly. You and your grandmother are lucky to have each other in your lives.
I'm really sorry Molly. I hope you find comfort and peace being with your family.
Hope I can make it down to Seattle for your book reading on the 10th (I live in Vancouver) - I wouldn't have made it this weekend but maybe now I can.
so sorry to read about your grandma. i'm glad you are going to be with her.
she sounds yummy !
Hope that your grandmum is okay. Take care.
Travel blessings, peace, and comfort for the path ahead, Molly. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Cathy
So sorry to hear about it, Molly. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry, too, that I'll be unavailable to attend the rescheduled reading--I was looking forward to coming.
But your trip is important. May you find precious moments and create special memories to cherish, even in this hard time.
Really sorry to hear that - keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
Oh Molly, I hope your visit is good and that you will be comforted by your Grandmother's love.
Your grandmother sounds wonderful, I hope she finds that cloud soon too. Sending you wishes for safe travels and peace laced with understanding.
Such a moving description of her Molly - she sounds like a truly wonderful person. Both you and her are in my thoughts. Take care.
I think I would have liked her too! Blessings on you and your family...
Molly, I'm sorry to hear about your grandma, have a very sweet family visit :) I hope the flowers are blooming there too.
Take care Molly and I hope it is some comfort to you that we on the internetz are all thinking of you and your family and wishing you the best.
Thinking of you and your family Molly.
I'm going through the same thing with my Great-Aunt Doris, who will be 100 in May. I saw her last night and she was very disorientated. We did manage to reminisce about our favourite meal together, macaroni cheese, that she used to make me when I was little. Sometimes food is the only thing you can talk about.
Take care.
x
Hopefully, when she finds that cloud again, it will be filled with not only cold cuts but cookies and a nice cup of tea.
Thinking of you and your family.
Hi, Molly,
I'm sorry you are going through this difficult time.
I'm sure you are in the hearts of this big network of friends you have.
I know you are in mine.
Oh! So sorry to hear about your grandma. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I'm sending positive energy to you and your grandmother. (What an interesting coincidence that you are in OKC now, and there's a full-page article about you in the OKC Gazette this week.) Take care.
Molly,
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother, and hope you're able to share some moments with her on this trip. All my thoughts and love are being sent your way.
So sorry to hear about your grandmother. She sounds like a wonderful woman.
Sending you, your gran, and family tender thoughts. What a sweet story to share with us. Yes, I'm sure we would all love her.
Molly - Your grandmother must be awesome because you're pretty awesome yourself. I'm sure you've accumulated a lot of good karma from your family.
Lots of love, Dana
I'm sorry about your grandmother- I bet she was a truly yummy person.
So sorry to hear about your grandmother, she sounds like such a great character and a truly special woman.
Blessings to your grandmother and your family during this difficult time. I would have loved your grandmother - we could have compared red shoes. I think I'll wear a pair today in her honor.
thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful lady. My heart and prayers go out to all of you.
xoxo
Jane
Sorry to hear that your family is having a rough time. Hopefully coming together can give all of you a sense of peace during this difficult time. Best Wishes.
Blessings to you and yours!
Molly, You made me miss my grandmother so much that I started to cry. She would have completely understood the cloud remark. Please love every minute with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hi Molly
Just read your posting, grandmothers are very special and sound like you were close to yours. Thinking of you and your family....Orcas Kathy
oh molly. thinking of you and yours. xo
My thoughts are with you, Molly. So sorry to hear but what a beautiful description of her. Lots of love. xoxo
I am sorry to hear about your grandma, but I think it's really neat that you were with her 10 days ago and her heard her say what she said. That is beautiful and what life is all about.
I also think it is wonderful that you are going to be with her now.
She sounds adorable. Love your description of her.
Molly, Sorry to read about your lovely grandmother. Sending much comfort and peace to you and yours.
She sounds like she's a pip. What a blessing to have her in your life. Peace and prayers coming your way.
Oh, Molly. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Sending warm thoughts of healing and peace to you and yours.
It was just lovely to meet you in New York last week. I hope you can come back again soon.
I would have liked her, definitely. I just lost my grandfather a couple weeks ago. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
your grandmother sounds adorable! my thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear about your grandmother.
oh goodness, tough times. you and your grandmother will be in my thoughts.
Praying for you and your family, Molly!
Molly,
I've been following your blog for so long, I feel like I know you. So sorry to hear about your grandmother.
I know I would have liked your grandmother, too!
best wishes.
So sorry, Molly. Your grandmother sounds lovely. Warmest wishes on your journey.
Molly, I am wishing you and your family well. I missed the chance to come to your event in Corte Madera a few weeks back, but it did prompt me to go and buy your book. Thank you so much for sharing your love of food and family!
Best wishes for you and your family in getting through this. Being with family is so much more important.
You may not be in the place you want or expect when you get through it, but it will be the place you need to be.
I'm sorry Molly - my grandmother is in a similar state and I lost my grandfather to Alzheimer's and related complications a few years ago. At least no pain is involved, for the most part, and she's lucky to be surrounded by family. xoxo.
We haven't met, but I have just received your book in the post and have read up to the yummy bit about banana bread with chocolate & ginger.... and it's a pleasure getting to know a little bit of you.
Your family ties are sweet and precious, and your family is in my thoughts! May all go well.
Your grandma sounds lovely! My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Blessings x
She seems like a lot of fun. Her cloud comment was perfect. Take care.
Hope your grandmother is doing okay. Beautiful photograph.
hi molly - as someone who is going through the same thing with my grandmother, i'm sending a lot of love and warm thoughts your way. take care. xox.
I just returned home from visiting my 94-year-old grandmother who had a stroke. I was reading your book on the plane and weeping at the sad parts because they were so very real to me at that moment. The guy in the seat next to me graciously looked away. Anyway, you kept me company during that difficult visit and I wish you and your grandmother all the very best in return.
I'm so so sorry about your grandmother. Mine were both so special to me, and yours sounds like a peach.
Best wishes to you and your family. (and thanks so much for your comment)
Prayers to you and your family, Molly.
she and you have my prayers. xo
I didn't know about this until now, or I would have sent you a message in my email earlier.
My thoughts are with you and your family right now.
Sounds like you and grandma are kindred-spirits. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Molly, I'm thinking of you during this tough time. Best to you and your family.
You and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of me and mine.
We live here in OKC...sorry about the rain, but sometimes it adds just the right touch to events & happenings. Peace & love to you & yours
Ahh man, so sorry to hear Molly. Seeing a love one ill is never easy no matter their age.
Sending you love and good wishes. May all the clouds in life be yummy.
I will be praying for you and your family--I'm glad you can be with her...
Your grandmother sounds very likeable indeed. I wish you and her all the best, Molly.
hey Molly..
hope ur granny is feeling btr now..best wishes for u & ur family..hav a safe journey
I hope your trip is as lovely as it can be under the circumstances. Your grandmother sounds wonderful, and she's lucky to have you for a granddaughter...
Your grandmother sounds like a special person, Molly.
Good thoughts to you and your family. Safe journey to all.
I am so sorry, Molly. My grandmother (my only surviving grandparent) is also very ill right now, so I can imagine what you and you family are going through. I'll be thinking about you.
Molly, I'm in the same situation as you. My grandmother is heavily medicated and does not have long to live. She is the last of her generation in our family. She is 99 years old, and was looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday this fall. Alas, she will not make it. Cherish every last moment with your grandmother, even if it is painful. Keep strong, and know that she will always stay with you in your heart and in your memories.
from Boston, sending big love to you and your family.
Grandmas are so important... all my best to you & yours.
Hope your grandma feels better.
xo
Dear Molly,
Blessings to you and your family.
Your grandma sounds wonderful. Mine used to use "smart" in the same way yours uses "yummy". I'll be thinking of your family in Oklahoma..
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You have brought such joy and laughter to me and my family through your book and blog, I'm hoping to provide you with at least a little solace.
Molly, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers..
Sandy
Best wishes, Molly, for you and your Gram. Safe travels.
molly, you and your family are in my thoughts.
thinking of you, molly.
I'm glad for you that you will be able to "say goodbye" to your grandmother. All those special memories will hold you fast more times than you know. I'm sorry for your pain.
dear molly, such a sweet yet sad time... i remember my grams so well and all of her lovely ways... please know you have lots of love and prayers coming your way... xoxo
I will be praying for you and your family.
So sorry to hear. My thoughts are with you and your family.
You are so right to cancel everything and go to your grandmother immediately. I will be thinking good thoughts for you and your family. Your grandmother sounds like a fabulous and creative woman. It's so difficult to lose someone, no matter how ready they may be to go.
Best wishes.
I hope you have a peaceful visit with your grandmother. My grandparents suffered from dementia; I understand how comforting those strange, surreal comments can be. XOXO.
So sorry to hear about this. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
Love & thoughts for you.
Hey Molly.
I'll be sending good vibes all the way from Mexico.
I'm in the middle of your book, just wanted to say it's turning into one of my favorites.
You're a heck of a writer.
xoxo,
Angie
Sending good wishes your way, Molly.
What a wonderful gift your Grandmother gave you. She'll be with you every time you see a cloud. Bless your hearts.
I'm so sorry about your grandmother. {{hugs}}
Molly - I do hope you get to spend every last minute with her talking about clouds and cold cuts and red shoes and all the things that might pop up in yummy ways in between. My grandmother experienced the same, and I took heart to see that even in her dimmest of moments the lights were bright when she could sit down to supper with her family. I cook with my grandmother every time I measure something out with her spoons, or measure shortening using the water-in-the-measuring-cup trick. Every time I bake a pie in her dish and slice it with her knife she is next to me. Enjoy her. Honor her. Embrace her. She has had a yummy life!
- Ali
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Molly,
So sorry to hear....
Please know I am with you....wishing your grandmother peace....and to you and your family....just so much love, warmth, healing and comfort....
Thank you for sharing those meaningful vignettes about your beloved grandmother. Yes, i know, indeed, I would have liked her...
My precious grandmother is in her twilight now too, and i'ts hard....
Cherish those beautiful memories of her life...of your moments with her....they sound incredible.
I hope she finds her cloud soon...
God Bless, sweetie
{Rebbeca}
I'm sorry to hear about it-- so much. In the meantime, I've been trying to share the love you've shared with us by flogging your book at the B & N where I head cashier and telling everyone how much warmth and affection shines through each memory and recipe, because your Bouchons au Thon have become mine and they will becomes theirs too.
My thoughts are with you and yours.
My prayers are with you and your grandmother! I've lost both grandmothers and look back at their last comments and requests with a smile. My grandmother's last request was for ice cream, even though she was on a feeding tube the doctors let me feed her some rich vanilla ice cream.
God bless you and your family during this time.
Dear Molly,
I wish for speedy recovery of yours grandma.
Hope your grandma will be better soon.
I miss my grandma her smell and everything. Best wishes
As you already know grandmothers (actually grandparents) are such special people. The unconditional love they give to you and the feeling they give that you can do and be anything is unmatched. I am sending good thoughts to you and your family during this sad time.
I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, your grandmother, and the rest of your family. Take care of yourself!
Thinking of you Molly, wishing you the best.
Thinking of you and your family...
After reading your book, I feel like I have met and loved your family. My thoughts are with you and your grandma!
Your blog ..... it's amazing and soooo inspiring. Nice to find you!
A small footprint from Agneta & Sweden
Hi Molly -- It's Claire's friend, Jamie... I came across your site once again, while looking for easy lima bean recipes (?!)... Your grandma sounds awesome - I have one in my life who also loves red shoes while being slightly delirious and has had a magical life that i am always more than exited to hear stories about... i hope your time together is wonderful and spent well. hope all else is going great for you guys - i can't wait to get down to the new restaurant very soon! all the best -- jamie
Hello!! My name is SIMAUMA. I write blog about the food.Please look.And I am glad if I link to your blog. (URL)http://food-collection-simauma.blogspot.com/
Thinking of you. My own grandma is in end-stage kidney disease, which always makes me a bit sad, though she's trooping through the dialysis. I think about the blessing it is to have such grandmothers to look to, to admire, to keep with us in our hearts and pass on to others in happy bits and pieces. xo
I hope your grandmother is doing ok. Courage.
Brought tears to my eyes. Grandmothers are special, wonderful, beautiful people. "Yummy" indeed.
Heart goes out to you and yours.
I live in Oklahoma City, so if there is anything you or your family need here in town, I am at your service.
I've been away for awhile and just read your "That cloud" blog. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Thinking of you and your family.
Take care,
Janet
Beautiful site...you're an exceptional writer!
Chef Chuck
pittsburghhotplate.com
Thinking of you and your family. . .
Molly--
I only found your blog because of your wonderful book--so much of it resonated stronly with me and sounded so familiar. Hearing that you and your loved ones are suffering hits very close to home. It brought a smile to my face to hear about your grandma--mine was yummy too...her whole life she had been told that only a "certain sort" of woman would be seen in red shoes, but in the last year of her life, she screwed up all her courage and bought the red shoes she had dreamed of (could bring herself to take them out of the closet, though!)
As with everyone else who loves your work, I'm thinking of you!
Molly,
I tried your recipe for the Papaya Salad from this coming months Bon Appetit and it was awesome!
Take care and I hope all goes well. Im thinking of you.
Molly,
I posted on April 16th, that my grandmother was also gravely ill. Alas, she succumbed in her sleep on April 26th. She was 99 years old, and hoping to reach her 100
by celebrating with a huge party this coming fall. I was fortunate to live nearby and visited as often as I could. At the end, we all prayed she would go soon, so she would not have to suffer so much.
I hope everything goes well for your grandmother, and if not, I sincerely hope she does not suffer. Blessing to you and yours in this difficult time.
I'm sorry about the loss of your grandmother. I lost mine 7 years ago and I still miss her dearly, but I have so many wonderful memories and treasures. She's still in my heart and sometimes I think she's hovering overhead watching closely.
I've never commented here before. I just bought your book yesterday and I am so super excited. It looks yummy!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - xo
Molly,
Take comfort in the love and support all of the friends and family around you during this difficult time. And, know that you remain in the thoughts and prayers of many of us that you have never met.
I wish you and your family comfort and peace.
Sorry about your Grandma. Hang in there.
Suzanne
Molly - tons of comments i see - so who knows if you will read this - i met you in LA last month at skyline books and I just finished the chapters in your book about your father and the way you described him and his last days - really wonderful and so I think of how beautifully you went through that and pray it would be the same for you with your grandmother during this time. I love her coldcuts in the cloud comment - how perfect!
Hi Molly,
I hope your grandmother, you and your family find great peace during this time.
Enjoy the time with family. We had the funeral for my grandpa on Wednesday.
Molly - as a LONG time reader, my thoughts are with you. Peace and grace and all that is "yummy" for your grandmother. See you on the 10th in Ballard. Lots of love, KP
I am really sorry and hope she gets better! wish you the best!
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