How a trip to the butchers left me with more than just a leg of lamb and a very Merry Christmas.
It has become a fun tradition in my family to jump in the car around three days before Christmas and do all of our festive food shopping as a family. Yes, we are that last-minute family right here!
By 11 am we had almost completed our list with just one item left to Purchase…the meat! With no surprise our usual, much loved butchers in Tufnell Park had formed a queue spanning what looked like half a mile down the street.
Figuring it would probably be the same everywhere, and kicking ourselves for not pre-ordering, we decided to head closer to home in hopes of finding our main course.
After driving to at least four different butchers on our way back to Camden, and meeting mile-long lines of people everywhere, we headed to our last destination, a quaint little butcher in NW3.
Yes, there was an inevitable queue but luckily this one seemed like there was hope. I jumped out of the car and took my place with the rest of the shoppers.
We all know how boring it can be waiting in line for what seems like forever just to pick up one thing, but being the people person I am, I found myself sparking up a conversation with the two ladies in front and behind me.
As our conversation progressed, we spoke about the usual topics, weather, coronavirus and then moved on to our respective careers.
I explained to them I’d been working for the Natural History Museum for four years now, a job that has brought me several unexpected blessings, although my passion lies within performing arts. I’d studied for many years previously at Bath Spa University and achieved my degree in theatre/film and television.
One of the ladies was Jessica Angel. As we continued chatting, Jessica spoke about her work as an artist and the exciting exhibitions she had curated in New York and Havana. She spoke with passion and enthusiasm about her work which excited me to hear about it.
In what felt like five minutes I had reached the front of the queue! I gave the butcher my order and patiently waited for him to prepare it. Just as I was saying my goodbyes, Jessica asked, “can I have your number? I’d like to discuss an upcoming project I’m working on!” She thought I’d be a great fit in her team she told me.
I’m not in the habit of giving my number to strangers but my intuition was on fire, so I passed it onto her, wished her a Merry Christmas and went on my way with my finally purchased leg of lamb.
A few days after Christmas I received a call from Jessica. She explained the Life On The Edge project, its aims and objectives then asked if I’d be interested in jumping on board. Of course, I said yes. This seemed like fate!
Joining the Life On The Edge project has allowed me to expand and learn new skills as well as the opportunity to hopefully impact young people’s lives positively.
I am born and raised in Camden, it’s my home and my community and I love to see its residents thrive. Life On The Edge will give young people an opportunity to make life choices that will change their lives in a positive and informative way.
