Last night, I had the great pleasure of curling up with
Stephen and our cat Mouse after putting Lucas to bed to watch Julie and
Julia. When the film was first
released, I received so many emails from readers, friends and family telling me that I had to see this
movie. Now I understand why.
The parallel stories of these two amazing women mirrored my life in so many ways as it probably
does for millions of writers out there in the world holding on dearly to a
dream of one day being published. As I watched the journeys of Julie Powell and
Julia Child, of course I couldn't
help reflecting on my own over the
last two years. I was reminded
that all writers walk up and down
reality lane every single day,
wondering, "Am I crazy to be doing this?" It was comforting to know that not only was I not alone but
this has been the journey forever for
so many female writers.
What I also loved about the film is the accurate depiction
of the grand level of pleasure that comes from writing. Writing is delicious. I mean it. If I
could chew and taste some of the
words that I love, I'd do it. And although life as a writer is challenging,
sometimes lonely and always confusing, I would not change a thing about it. I
started this blog two years ago and it’s brought me more satisfaction than
I ever imagined. Really expensive dark chocolate kind of
satisfaction.
As Julia demonstrated with her food, you have to love it,
and when you reach that level of yumminess with any passion you know its worth
it.
In the spirit of sharing recipes , here
are three lessons I just learned which
I think are worth sharing :
Lesson #1. Everything that is good takes time. Whether it’s
making Boeuf Bourguignon, writing
a book or mastering your marriage,
getting it right takes time It also gets better with time.
Lesson #2. There is a whole lot of fear that goes along with
writing anything -- a blog, a book , even a report or a piece of
correspondence. Every time, the fear requires that you take that big giant leap
and start writing, one word at a time. That’s all it takes. So all you “closeted” writers reading this post ,
this take a moment and write something. Do it. I mean it. I’m watching.
Last but least, Lesson #3. There’s no such thing as not
being able to cook. We all can cook and like everything creative it just takes
a big cup of passion with a pitch of courage and a dash of patience and we all
can create amazingly tasty dishes
in our lives as long as we follow the recipe. Recipes are key.
Tomorrow I will make
the Boeuf Bourguignon ...what will you try?
And if you are still looking for a unique inspiring
Christmas gift for a friend in search of herself, pick up Julie and Julia. I
give it two thumbs up.
Bon appétit
everyone !
