Julie and Julia...

It's quite amusing to see the different reactions when I tell people that "Julie and Julia" is one of my favourite movies... of course, some of the people I've said this to have never seen the movie, so of course their reactions are simple polite interest. Others have seen it and missed the point completely or hated it outright, so they cannot see why I would like it so much. The last group (for there tend generally to be 3 groups in all these kinds of stories) have seen the movie, have enjoyed the movie and almost all seem to think that my passion for the story stems from my desire to be the next "Julie" and have my blog conquer the world.... I'll admit, it would be an interesting ride and (in case the universe is listening) I wouldn't say no, but that's not why I love it so much. For the record, those who are close to me know that I love most movies, love cook and plan to conquer the world anyway :-)

The truth of the matter is that the movie so wonderfully illustrates that anyone with a little enthusiasm and a fearless approach to a challenge and an ability to read and follow a recipe CAN be a great cook. It's about the fact that food can be fun and a challenge and a conversation starter and a gap filler and a passion... did I mention that it can be fun? It also shows how a woman "back in the day" could find freedom and express herself doing something she loved and excelled at and how a "modern" woman could find the same passion for cooking despite a tight budget, small kitchen and little available time. It just proves that if you WANT to do something, anything is possible.

It may come as a shock to know that I'm not a chef... hee hee. Even Miss Twinset and the Other One are chuckling a little at that as it can hardly be a revelation to you all. The truth is that I cook what I like, the way I like to eat it. I do it because it is fun and I don't cook things that I don't eat. So you're unlikely to find me cooking fish or crustaceans and I will NEVER bone a duck! Excuse me while I wait for the dirty minds in the corner of the kitchen to stop sniggering into their glasses. Done? May I continue?


Miss Twinset would love to actually be Julia Childs.... she figures that she has the pearls already and the "look", but I have had to explain that she's too short :-) The Other One said she would rather hire Julia Childs, but I don't think Julia would've taken slurred direction very well... As for me, I am happy and content to be ME. I admire famous cooks and chefs and feed this admiration by reading and my not too subtle addiction to the Food Network and other cooking channels, but I like being me. And I'm often happiest when I'm busy in the kitchen, toiling over bubbling pots and pans like a demented suburban witch.


I said WITCH.... not bitch. Behave or no more vodka for either of you!


I figure that women fought hard for the right to make choices. The right to have a voice. Well, if that's right, then I choose to LOVE being domestic. I chose to love cooking, baking and making preserves. I choose to love gardening and being creative. I even choose to put up with the Tarts... 'cos Lord knows we all need a little light entertainment in our lives! I run a business and this is a great outlet for me :-)


Now, Miss Twinset has suggested that we challenge the Other One to get into the kitchen and get her hands dirty. I'm sure it'll be highly entertaining, but I need to check if my insurance covers me for that first. Oh... and trawl through my recipes to find something for her to try :-)

So... I guess I'll love and leave you for now!

Until next time....