***Finally...Just Introducing Myself***

Pull up a chair and join me for a nice cup of tea! Let's get to know each other a bit.

Hi, I'm BenitaG @AtMemesTable and I've been puttering around Steemit for about 2 months. I'm finally getting around to introducing myself. Better late than never.

Who am I?

Well, I'm a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, child of God and lover of life!

I live in in Southeastern United States of America, in beautiful North Carolina, with my husband of 31 years and our son Brandon (at least when he's home from college). Until about 1 1/2 months ago, my precious dog, who we affectionately called, “Princess Joshua”, shared every waking moment of my life. Joshua was almost 18 years old when we lost him. I'll always miss him but I'm so glad that he is no longer in pain. I especially cherish my memories of the time spent with Joshua every morning as I read, rocked and reflected on the day to come. I could always count of Joshua to be on his pillow, right there with me. I miss you...my faithful, loving friend and companion! See you at The Rainbow Bridge.

I love spending time with my family and working in my community and my church.

I'm a passionate cook and am totally committed to providing my family nourishing, plant-based meals. I'm a Certified Plant-Based Culinary Professional and spent almost two years refining my craft by working a a Vegan Baker and Chef in a Vegan Production Kitchen.

In fact, I'm in the planning stages of starting a Vegan Dessert business. I'll keep you posted on it as it develops.

Here are just a few pictures of plant-based dishes that I've developed and featured on my blog, www.AtMemesTable.com.

https://www.atmemestable.com/roasted-heirloom-tomatoes-herbed-grits-toast-pesto-drizzle-vegan/

https://www.atmemestable.com/southwestern-stuffed-sweet-potato/

https://www.atmemestable.com/twisted-fig-cashew-ice-cream-parfait-fig-black-walnut-granola-dairy-free-egg-free/

https://www.atmemestable.com/vegan-chorizo-tamale-four-pepper-chile-sauce-tailgating-101-part-3/

I'm also an avid backyard gardener. It's a wonderful way to spend time with my sweet hubby and get a little exercise. And, as an added benefit, I get to cook some awesome deliciousness from the veggies and herbs gathered from my little garden.

I believe that we should enjoy life….

always giving thanks for all that God has provided us.

My husband and I were blessed with three wonderful children, Morgan, Brandon and Jordan. We lost Jordan to a drowning accident a little over seven years ago. And this mother's heart will always ache with the loss of him. But, I'm so thankful for each and every second that I had with him and with Morgan and Brandon (and of course, “Princess Joshua”).

This was a picture taken of my children during a quick trip to the beach. It was a great day, with great memories!

Our family has weathered some storms in the past few years (maybe we’ll talk more about that later), but we are still standing!

Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash

I spent many years in the rat race as an attorney.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

I practiced law both in private practice and, for a while, as an Assistant District Attorney, for over 18 years before I crashed and burned!

But,life's not simple and there certainly have been some curves in the road that is my life.

For over 18 years, I was a busy, and some would say, successful practicing attorney. Then, I made some poor choices and decisions which would change my life and the life of my family forever.

Photo by Gili Benita on Unsplash

You see, as a consequence of my poor choices and decisions, I went to prison for a white-collar crime. I lost my license to practice law and spent almost 5 years living away from my family.

I would not wish this on my worst enemy.

But, this experience helped shape me into the person that I am today. Don't all of life's experiences?

Life is what you make of it. You can choose to be bitter. Or, you can choose to be better. There is something to be learned from every person you encounter and from every lesson you experience.

So, again, who am I?

I'm a

• wife,
• mother,
• daughter,
• sister,
• friend,
• child of God
• and lover of life!

Everynow and again, I'd like to share with my fellow Steemians a little bit about my life. What I'm cooking. What I'm growing. What I'm making.

What's important to me. What I'm doing. And, what I think needs to be done. Sometimes I might be silly. Sometimes I might be serious. Sometimes we might not agree. But, I can promise you one thing, it'll be real.

It! Will! Be! Me! Warts and all!

Anyway, that's a little about who I am. Thanks for stopping by.

For now, this is BenitaG
@AtMemesTable

Hope you loved this post. Now, make me a happy girl and upvote my post and follow me.I would love to have the opportunity to talk to you and to get to know you and you me. Check me out later! 'Cause you'd best believe that I'm going to be checking you out!