Nell’s Jam [Cranberry, Strawberry, Pineapple & Clementine] — part of the Homage Series

**HOMAGE SERIES!**

Introducing Nell, the inspiration for our final tribute in my Homage Series… a,k.a. My Christmas Jam!!

Nell Carter…..

We all have people in our lives that inspire us; that enrich our lives… people who help us along on our personal journey — for me, Nell Carter served that role generously, and selflessly.

While I was in College, i worked as a Studio Page for NBC… during my very first week, at our Studio Page orientation, we were introduced to various Performers that were currently working on the NBC lot; one of those people was Nell Carter.  During the mixer, she came over to me, introduced herself, and then hit me with a barrage of questions… she was warm, and light, and engaging, and she immediately put me at ease.  Before I went home that night, my Supervisor pulled me aside, and informed me that Nell had personally requested that I be assigned to the new pilot that she was about to tape, ‘Morton’s By The Bay’; in one day, I went from Studio Page to Production Assistant on a series pilot, thanks to that wonderful woman.

We were always in each other’s lives from that point forward — and when I found myself serving as a Producer on an independent film [“Swing”] I was able to ‘return the favor’ so to speak, by bringing her onboard our production – she and I had come full circle.  She spent that Christmas… her last Christmas, in San Francisco with Paul and I at our home.  She passed, less than a month later.  When she passed she was in rehearsals for the new musical Raisin, which we had tickets to see Opening Night.  I think about her constantly, and will always miss her.  Man, I loved that woman!!

One of our favorite things to do together – one of our shared passions, was to cook together… cooking a holiday meal with her was truly magical; she embraced different faiths and religions during the course of her life, and that amalgam manifested beautifully in the way she approached life, and her love of cuisine… so it’s only fitting that her Homage Jam embraces the holiday season… This holiday jam combines some of her favorite things — Cranberries, Strawberries, Pineapple & Clementines, in a beautiful blend that reminds me of an Amish Christmas Jam.  Welcome to my Christmas/Holiday Jam.. flavorful, unexpected, joyous, vibrant & sassy — just like my dear friend… Give it a try; I KNOW you’ll love it!!

I miss you Nell.  Love ya lots!!