My First Apron

I finally got my first apron. I don't know why I've never had one before, probably because of the whole 50's perfect "housewife on high heels at home" idea behind it...But, guess what? Aprons were first worn by men. Blacksmiths, carpenters, fishmongers, sailors...So I now like to think about it as a symbol of hard work, of a task that still needs to get full recognition. Cooking. And I don't mean professional cooks. I mean all those women (and every time more men, thank goddess) who planned and cooked the meals that helped us grow and that never said a thing when we ate them fast and didn't say thank you, it was delicious. I mean, I love to cook, but I also love to hear that what I cooked was good. So, even though my mom has never worn an apron, this apron is for her, a perfect cook who's taught me how to cook the Spanish way, "a ojo", with a little bit of this and some of that, and to always prepare all the ingredients before turning on the stove. I promise I will one day wear rubber gloves when I do the dishes...

...and my apron is special. Made by Dora and Molly of Global Mamas, a nonprofit organization that assists women-owned businesses in Ghana. I got it at Global Gifts, on the square, a nonprofit all fair-trade store, in which I volunteer. That makes me love it even more. Now off to cook.