Thomas & Tina’s Jam [Cherry & Pear] — part of the Friendship Series

**FRIENDSHIP SERIES!**

Introducing Tina & Thomas; the inspirations for the October Edition, the tenth in the Friendship Series Jam lineup: [Catch the YouTube video introducing this jam HERE]

Thomas & Tina Hampe…

It all started with their son, Jasper, someone I care about very deeply… I was working on costumes for a show at the High Street Theater in Moorpark, and there were two kids that would hang out at the theater every day after school helping out – Jasper, and his friend Matt.  Jasper, like his Mom Tina, would help out with building and painting sets… Jasper would always find time to come by, say hi, see if I needed help with anything, and grew to truly adore this amazing kid.  I knew his Mother Tina by association, but not very well at that point, but I knew her to be a fun, outgoing, and vibrant individual who I enjoyed being around when I did see her.

One day, around lunchtime, Tina popped her head into the costume shop to let me know that she was taking a break and heading out for lunch – she was going to a new place that has just opened up, and she invited me to join her… it was a place I was dying to try, I figured it was a great way to get to know her better, so I joined her, and I’m so glad that I did!  What was supposed to be a quick lunch turned into a nearly 4 hour event that was truly one of the best times I’ve ever had at lunch with anyone!  Not only did we get to know each other better, but as we shared stories about theater and school experiences and ourselves, I knew that I had an amazing friend in the making!

Tina and I quickly evolved into Tina and Thomas and Paul and I; they are, without a doubt, our favorite ‘couple’ friends… they were one of the couples that witnessed and attended our wedding; the four of us have gone on vacation together multiple times – we BBQ and pig roast together… we’ve celebrated New Year’s Eve together on multiple occasions; dinners together never happen frequently enough for us; and their entire family is family to us – truer friends couldn’t be possible.  They say that theater builds community – for us; that is most definitely the case.  Thomas and Tina bring joy to, and enrich our lives, and we are so very thankful for them.

When I asked them about their favorite fruits and flavors, they each provided me with a fruit – Cherries, and Pears… I just chuckled, cause in my mind – those two fruits are a perfect coupling.  I’d already been making a pie FOR YEARS that uses those two ingredients!  I knew the flavor combo would work; It was just finding the right proportions to make this jam – and I’m pretty sure I nailed it!  The perfect fruit combo from the perfect couple – give it a try!

And that’s Thomas & Tina!