“You have to not be scared to go away… A lot of people are frightened that if they go away, if they disappear for a while, everything will crumble; they’ll come back and there’s no place for them. I think the break, actually being away was good for us all… cuz it gives you a chance to realize why you’re doing what you do, and actually, want to do what you do, not just do it because you’re already there and you’re on a roll.”
-Helen Folasade Adu, Love Deluxe Interview 1992
Friends, it has been over ten years since we opened our home to you —the tiny deck, the studio apartment with our tree trunk bed in the kitchen, and the farm whose fertile soil helped us create magic. We have shared space and time, we have traded stories and heartaches, and we have fed you —tummies, hearts and souls. We have brought words like “locavore” into your world and tried to fill your cup with artisanal Jamaican surprise and delight. We have built a brand that is ‘Likkle but it Tallawah,’ standing firm in love, support and the courage to create something different. We have been sustained by your posts, your comments, and the countless return visits bringing friends and family from across the globe to “fall in love with your food” again, and again, and again
We have grown together— from under the canopy of nasberry and eucalyptus trees fyah grilling pizza, to dining al fresco on Fig Tree Deck, to having batched cocktails in the Bar in the Bush. Each time our sincere efforts designed to exceed expectations, leaving you feeling full; full to the brim with an intentional experience. As we mark this milestone, it has come to us that a pause is required. A “going away” if you will, a whisper on the wind to turn to the inside— to quiet, to replenish and to renew the dream.
While the universe can know what is on your heart, it will test you to see if you are really wanting; if you are really ready. For the last two months, we failed that test; saying no just did not seem to be in the cards. But little signs kept appearing, pushing us toward a questioning of our decisions, messages in the stratosphere circling us back to our goal of taking some time. And now, with requests at an all time high, we simply have to step back and leap with faith into a quiet space, hoping to come out on the other side hungry for more while marveling at the endless possibilities that the universe has specially curated for us.
Real talk… it takes time to write, it takes space to dream, it takes courage to build and curate an even more powerful dream than the one you had before. And we are very powerful dreamers.
“You have to be wise enough to know when you’re living in your dream, and you have to be humble enough to accept when you’re in someone else’s.”
-Dave Chappelle, The Dreamer 2023
And how does one facilitate powerful dreaming?
Securing time to play and to make mistakes; to dive deeply into inspiration, creating rituals that help visualize potently what you desire; allowing yourself the grace to relax your mind and body so you can sow your dreams like precious heirloom seeds in a beautiful garden. Write, write, and write some more.
What does that mean for you?
We remain a part of your dream as much as you are an integral part of ours. For our fellow dreamers, there are a few dates remaining in the spring calendar as we wind down. There may be some special offerings, like the one in celebration of women or the virtual workshop that centers the alchemy of food, gathering and intention, or communing over the gift of the earth that we call home. You can meet us in Milan in November for the next iteration of “Italy meets Jamaica.” Stush at Home is here to support your at home curations, just place an order or visit CPJ Market Montego Bay, Jamaica Food & Drink Kitchen and The Butcher Shoppe in Kingston. And on the return, we can’t wait to see you, to fill your cup from all of our dreams that flow ever on. Peace Out ✌🏾
Christopher & Lisa
