Hey there! Our names are Melody, Sarah and Lyndsay and we put together this blog to share our soup making experience with the world. Our group is from the IL class Neighbor Gap Bridge at Otis College of Art and Design in LA. We created a neighborhood soup for the Westchester community, in which our school resides. Our recipe for "friendship soup mix" inspired us to involve as much of the Westchester neighborhood as possible. We took photos of seniors at the Westchester Senior Center and documented their shared personal stories of their life for the labels of the soup.
Friendship Soup Mix Ingredients
1/2 cup dry split peas
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried onion flakes
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup uncooked pasta of your choice
Here are some of their stories....
Eleanor's Story
Loves California, loves the weather here. Loves to dance. "Dance like nobody's looking, shake your booty". Has been here for 25 years, originally from New York raised 3 children has 8 grandchildren. Raised her kids now wants her own time. "I owe no one nothing. I've done my part". Lives in Playa del Ray. Loves the close nit community. Eldest daughter passed away from Breast Cancer believes in being cautious, don't take life for granted and don't waste time. You can't be invincible.
Earl's Story
43 years with the city. Has been in Westchester for 16 years. Worked with kids in the Valley was asked to transfer to Westchester . Was scared to come work with seniors at first. But now loves it, the community has become a family to him. "It's the most peaceful center I know of, there's no bickering, no fighting, it's really great. The Farmer's Market is great for the Center, always brings in a diverse group of people, new people who want to join. We're always looking for more seniors to come in." We have a drama clubs, yoga classes, movie nights, we love old time movies, they are the most popular here. Is trained in CPR and the defibulator. "Working here you have to prepared, always be safe in case of an emergency cause it does happen. For us seniors, the secrete is to be active" . Was a former athlete and professional boxer and club fighter since the age of 17. "You gotta let them boo. You need to be calm, boxing and life is like a matador, sometimes the bull wins."
June Rose's Story
Raised in Venice, California moved to Playa Del Ray lived there for 51 years. There were no houses when she moved to Playa del Ray remembered the string bean fields there was very little, only one theater and one department store. Has one son who still lives here. Loves it here at the center and loves the community, has been coming her for 10 years. Favorite past time: playing bridge and gold. Loves matza ball soup.
Frederick's Story
Lives in Marna, lived there for 7 years. Was a copper miner for 24 years, married to wife for 40 years. Has one daughter. U.S is his favorite country after visiting Denmark, Norway, Madrid and Germany. Part of the Camping club, enjoys camping. Volunteers at the Veterans Hospital, enjoys record collecting. Is a huge jokster, ask him a joke and he''ll give you one. "He bit that dog....hot dog!" What type of "b" gives milk?...a boobie".
