I am about halfway through Sweet Francais, and thought I would comment on The Sharper Your Knife now that I am finished with it. It was a fast read, and although I thought it was good, there was nothing great about it. I wasn't compelled to pick it up. In my opinion, it read more like a journal, and I would have liked to have seen more on her interpersonal relationships...something to keep the story interesting. I did like hearing her account of what went on at the school, it brought me back to my many years working in restaurants, and I could really relate to some of the interactions with dishwashers, chefs, assistants, etc., so that gave me a chuckle :) I would love to someday see the dogs with their owners in restaurants also! Too bad we have too many health regulations in the US :) As I appreciate her career change, I was baffled at her real reason on wanting to attend LCB as she never did become a chef; I would have liked to have seen more development in that area. Maybe it was simply her love her cooking, or maybe it was a badge to wear. I do, however, understand now how she was able to financially achieve her lifetime goal, after visiting her website I found out she was not selling puppets :), but was, in fact, the head of editorial for Microsoft in London. Now I get it. I enjoyed reading her description of Rungis, the giant food market, even if it was a little heartwrenching to picture the animals hanging upside down with heads still attached (poor guys). My favorite part was when her sister Sandy is visiting her and gets to the steps of Sarbonne.
"This was the life that could have been Sandy's. But if it had been, would be she be a different person? Would she have her daughter, or her happy twenty-five-year marriage? Where would she be now? 'Mama, what are you thinking?' asks Sarah. Sandy thinks for a moment. 'Maybe you can go here one day' is all she says. With that, we turn and leave the university behind."
It was as if she was facing her dream, but was living it at the same time. She had all she wanted and her life was full. Even if she didn't have the degree from Sarbonne.
Which leads me to my final thoughts: For 2009 it is my endeavor to do things that are critical to my happiness. So many of us 'search' for 'things' that make us happy....they are most often right in front of us; smiles, laughter, family, fellowship...love. I recently read an article that I have heard of in the past about filling your jar. A professor filled a jar of mayonnaise with rocks and asked his students if it was full. They answered yes. Then he filled it with sand, and it sifted down between the rocks, again the students saying the jar was full. Then he filled it with water. Everyday we get the choice of what to put in our jar; if we at first fill it with the small things (laundry, dishes, cleaning for me) there is no room for the big things (family time, creativity, etc. for me). We only get so many days, so what do they matter if we are not filling them with the big stuff?? Maybe you are thinking 'Great, I already do that,' but for me I have to put forth effort to make time for myself and things that are important to me. I guess it's just a neat way to think about things. Hope everyone had a most wonderful New Year and many blessing for 2009!
Above is Alivia helping make cookies. We love to bake! Now cooking, on the other hand, that is something that may be added to my New Year resolutions :) I need to venture out beyond my comfort (or maybe it's creativity?) zone. I am getting better though!
3 comments:
You're a Gem, Lennie!!
What great ideas you have for yourself for the coming year! It takes a lifetime or longer to get good at prioritizing the important things we do in life. I think there is a new awareness among lots of people about doing more of the more important things and letting some of the "maintenance" drop away.
And, "Hah!" pretty good sleuthing on the Microsoft connection.... that's why the Seattle connection as well. I hear that some of those Microsoft folks who used to have corner, view offices are now in basement lodgings. Doesn't sound too good.
Enjoyed your review and LOVED the photo of Alivia. Linda
Thanks for clearing up some of the stuff that I know I questioned from the book (her fundage)! Its nice to know! Also, I think your goals for yourself are very inspiring! We all need to take a look at our priorities from time to time! You have definitely forced me to re-think mine!
Allyson's of Ashland usually has some really cool cooking classes. They are usually sponsored by Saveaur magazine, so what they cook is a little upscale, but still really approachable from a novice's standpoint. The classes are small (5-10 people), they use quality ingredients, usually as organic as they can get, and some of the recipes I still make today. They're fun to boot! My point being, if ever you should feel like going to a cooking class, you can always hit me up to go with. Obviously cooking is my thing since I posted a review on a cookbook. :)
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