There are moments in life when something clicks into place, revealing a hidden connection we never noticed before. That happened to me recently when I realized that my daughter and I often refer to Grandma’s Grimoire as “GG”—the very same nickname my paternal grandmother was given by my cousins’ children, her great-grandchildren. It stopped me in my tracks. Could it be a coincidence, or was something deeper at play?
Growing up, my brothers, my cousins, and I simply called her “Grandmom,” but to the younger generation, she became GG. She was a powerful presence in our family, a woman of many talents and deep warmth. She had a gift for entertaining, filling the kitchen with aromas that still linger in my memories and infusing love into every meal she prepared. But beyond her culinary mastery, she was an artist. She was an award-winning artist, and she passed the gift of creating art down to me, even if I didn’t fully realize it at the time since I did not begin painting until years after she passed away.
Hanging in my home is a watercolor portrait she painted of me, a snapshot of my younger self captured by her steady hand. Nearby, an oil painting of my father as a baby—a nude with a blue bonnet—reminds me of the ties that connect us through generations. Her still-life paintings, which once adorned her own home, now have a place in mine. These pieces are more than just artwork; they are a legacy, a tangible expression of her love and talent, her way of seeing the world.
It feels fitting that Grandma’s Grimoire carries the same initials as the woman who shaped so much of who I am. In many ways, my grimoire is a continuation of what she embodied: creativity, tradition, and the sacred act of nurturing—whether through food, art, or wisdom. Just as she poured herself into her paintings and meals, I pour myself into my words and spiritual journey, sharing knowledge, experiences, and reflections.
At her funeral, everyone had such wonderful memories to share about her. One thing that stood out was how she somehow managed to make each grandchild feel like they were her favorite. She never said it outright, but each of us believed it. I think it was because she made an effort to spend one-on-one time with us, cooking our favorite meals, keeping our favorite snacks in her home, and giving us her undivided attention. I try to do the same with my own grandchildren now.
I’ll never forget the day after my 21st birthday. I was in rough shape, battling a pounding headache and unable to keep food down, but I still had to go to work. Without hesitation, I picked up the phone and called Grandmom, knowing she wouldn’t judge me—only help. Her remedy was simple yet effective: ice cream and ginger ale. Sure enough, it worked like magic, just like so many things she did for us.
Grandmom’s presence lingers in my life in quiet, profound ways. When I pick up a paintbrush, when I set the table for a family gathering, when I craft a piece of writing meant to inspire, I feel her influence. And now, knowing that Grandma’s Grimoire unknowingly carried a part of her all along, I feel as though she has been watching over it—and me—all this time.
Perhaps the name GG was never a coincidence after all. Perhaps it was always meant to be a tribute, a whisper from the past reminding me of where I come from and the legacy I continue to build.
GG’s Hangover Float (Inspired by Grandmom’s Remedy)
A refreshing, stomach-soothing ice cream float designed to ease nausea, hydrate, and gently boost blood sugar after a long night.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda for a slightly different twist)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup coconut water (for extra hydration and electrolytes)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (for a natural potassium boost)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or a dash of ginger syrup (optional, but helps with nausea)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for an additional natural sugar boost)
- A pinch of sea salt (helps replenish lost electrolytes)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice (optional, for extra hydration and vitamin C)
Instructions:
- Pour the coconut water into a glass, followed by the ginger ale.
- Add the mashed banana and stir well to incorporate.
- Add the scoop of ice cream gently on top.
- Sprinkle in fresh ginger, a bit of honey or maple syrup, a pinch of sea salt, and the fresh lemon or lime juice.
- Let the ice cream melt slightly, then stir to create a creamy, fizzy drink.
- Sip slowly and let the magic work!
Why It Works:
- Ginger Ale & Fresh Ginger – Soothes nausea and settles the stomach.
- Coconut Water – Hydrates and replenishes electrolytes.
- Banana – A natural source of potassium to restore balance.
- Ice Cream – Provides gentle energy and soothes the throat.
- Honey/Maple Syrup – Helps stabilize blood sugar.
- Lemon/Lime Juice – Adds vitamin C and supports detoxification.
This simple yet effective remedy not only soothes a queasy stomach but also carries on a cherished family tradition. A blend of comfort and practicality, this float is a nostalgic nod to the tried-and-true wisdom passed down to me from my grandmother.
For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a Grandma. I was fortunate to have two wonderful grandmothers while I was growing up and I have many happy memories of each of them. Today, I live in a “Grandmother’s House” where my husband and I enjoy lots of time with our family. In addition to my role as Grandma to nine grandchildren, I am a daughter, a wife, a mother of three grown children, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a writer, an artist … and a witch.
✨Grandma’s Grimoire✨ is a collection of family wisdom interwoven with a touch of magick. Our goal is to create a living and lasting legacy that we hope will inspire our future generations as well as anyone who is drawn to it.