Who Is Mama Bear?
My name is Lucinda L. Turley, people call me Nani. I'm a single mom, natural mother to (5) children, (3) grand-children, and I've adopted many children in my heart over the years. I currently hold the designation (CPM) Certified Property Manager with the Institute of Real Estate Management. I have not used this designation, since becoming a mother. I presently live in the country of Belize (on a small island off the mainland coast).
People ask me all the time, how I got the nickname Mama Bear. For as long as I can remember, I have loved bears. Think about it. One of the first toys we are given (as a child), is a teddy bear. When we need comfort (from crying), we are handed this same teddy bear. In time, we begin to equate teddy bears, with security and comfort (not to mention, they are big, soft, and cuddly).
One of my favorite movies growing up as a child was, “The Jungle Book”. I loved the story and I especially loved the bear (Ole’ Blu). He was a free spirit, he didn’t let life get him down, he was positive, he danced, he sang, he made the most out of any given situation, plus he was especially fond of his man-cub. That pretty much describes me.
I fondly remember the days, of living (in grandpa's & grandma's cabin), in the Wet Mountain Valley, at the base of Mt. Gibb. There we use to have many bears come in and around the house at night. From our windows, the kids and I would watch them sniffing, snorting, grunting and growling. We never fed them, as we knew from the experience of others, this was a mistake. They are majestic creatures to be admired and respected for their strength, beauty and power (not something to be messed with). I guess that's why my kids started calling me Mama Bear, (I'm not one to be messed with, when it comes to my cubs). A nickname that has stuck down to this day.
My children and I have enjoyed many wonderful memories and adventures together. Over the years, I have collected numerous recipes from my mother, grandmother, friends, relatives, neighbors and acquaintances. I have now compiled all these recipes in what is called the "Mama Bear Cookbook Series", to include favorite family photos of my man-cubs.
Back in the fall of 2017, I was diagnosed as having a lung disease, which will eventually take my life. In an attempt to preserve family recipes and memories, I started writing books - they were not only cookbooks but photo albums combined. Things I wanted my children to remember. As a gift (to my family), I am dedicating one cookbook to each family member. What started out as handwritten notes (stapled together), has now become a cookbook series. As everyone was pushing me to publish my collections.
I have received tremendous support from my family, local friends, and the community. Publishing these books for others to enjoy, has been like a dream come true. They have become so successful, that I was able to set up a small business for my children, who now run "Mama Bear Cookbook Series". Our goal is to get them into almost every store in the country of Belize, and in the hands of people who can use them.
People ask me all the time, how I got the nickname Mama Bear. For as long as I can remember, I have loved bears. Think about it. One of the first toys we are given (as a child), is a teddy bear. When we need comfort (from crying), we are handed this same teddy bear. In time, we begin to equate teddy bears, with security and comfort (not to mention, they are big, soft, and cuddly).
One of my favorite movies growing up as a child was, “The Jungle Book”. I loved the story and I especially loved the bear (Ole’ Blu). He was a free spirit, he didn’t let life get him down, he was positive, he danced, he sang, he made the most out of any given situation, plus he was especially fond of his man-cub. That pretty much describes me.
I fondly remember the days, of living (in grandpa's & grandma's cabin), in the Wet Mountain Valley, at the base of Mt. Gibb. There we use to have many bears come in and around the house at night. From our windows, the kids and I would watch them sniffing, snorting, grunting and growling. We never fed them, as we knew from the experience of others, this was a mistake. They are majestic creatures to be admired and respected for their strength, beauty and power (not something to be messed with). I guess that's why my kids started calling me Mama Bear, (I'm not one to be messed with, when it comes to my cubs). A nickname that has stuck down to this day.
My children and I have enjoyed many wonderful memories and adventures together. Over the years, I have collected numerous recipes from my mother, grandmother, friends, relatives, neighbors and acquaintances. I have now compiled all these recipes in what is called the "Mama Bear Cookbook Series", to include favorite family photos of my man-cubs.
Back in the fall of 2017, I was diagnosed as having a lung disease, which will eventually take my life. In an attempt to preserve family recipes and memories, I started writing books - they were not only cookbooks but photo albums combined. Things I wanted my children to remember. As a gift (to my family), I am dedicating one cookbook to each family member. What started out as handwritten notes (stapled together), has now become a cookbook series. As everyone was pushing me to publish my collections.
I have received tremendous support from my family, local friends, and the community. Publishing these books for others to enjoy, has been like a dream come true. They have become so successful, that I was able to set up a small business for my children, who now run "Mama Bear Cookbook Series". Our goal is to get them into almost every store in the country of Belize, and in the hands of people who can use them.
Cooking with Mama Bear
I’m not a professional chef, but I’ve always loved cooking when you have a good recipe. This book is a collection of our family’s favorites. I dedicate this cookbook series to my children, and hope in the years to come (perhaps when I have passed on), that you will remember all the good times.
There has always been laughter, music and dancing in our home. Though I have not been the perfect mom, I try my best. We’ve had our problems (just like any family), but as I’ve always told you, “Anything can be fixed, with the right attitude.“
I want to tell my children how proud I am of them. How they have been the bright spot in my life. They helped to give my life meaning, and though we have gone through a lot of sorrow, it has only brought us closer. Each one of us, webs a thread on the other one’s heart, though time may separate us for a little while, promised me you’ll try to make it (into Jehovah’s new system of things).
Never stop believing that you can accomplish anything (you set your mind to). Better to have failed trying, than to accomplish nothing and succeed. Jehovah’s way, is the best way of life, always remember that. My mother said it well (on her deathbed), “You know what makes me happy? Doing things together.” So let’s cook something together, and remember that each day is a gift.
All My Love, Mama Bear
There has always been laughter, music and dancing in our home. Though I have not been the perfect mom, I try my best. We’ve had our problems (just like any family), but as I’ve always told you, “Anything can be fixed, with the right attitude.“
I want to tell my children how proud I am of them. How they have been the bright spot in my life. They helped to give my life meaning, and though we have gone through a lot of sorrow, it has only brought us closer. Each one of us, webs a thread on the other one’s heart, though time may separate us for a little while, promised me you’ll try to make it (into Jehovah’s new system of things).
Never stop believing that you can accomplish anything (you set your mind to). Better to have failed trying, than to accomplish nothing and succeed. Jehovah’s way, is the best way of life, always remember that. My mother said it well (on her deathbed), “You know what makes me happy? Doing things together.” So let’s cook something together, and remember that each day is a gift.
All My Love, Mama Bear
Trent & His Family
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