― David T.W. McCord
We saw a movie yesterday that started me thinking. If I was suddenly given another life to live, and the ability to wiggle my nose, a la "Bewitched", and follow any career path I choose, where would I take my creativity? I think it might honestly be in the kitchen. Chefs, for the most part, don't become rich, but they can create delicious palates of taste and color hundreds of times each night. What other career in creativity can give you such immediate gratification. The chef "paints" and then watches people react. I have always loved cooking for family and friends, and I can only imagine having a free hand in a fully stocked kitchen. The movie we saw was, "The Hundred Step Journey", and it was good but terribly tempting. We all felt ourselves running to get to our dinner reservations, while regretting that there were no Indian restaurants in the area. Each scene was resplendent with authentic Indian and/or French meals. I could almost smell the spices. Today I will learn to make curry.
Today I will also download the book, The Hundred-Foot Journey, a novel by Richard C. Morais. I did not realize it was a novel and watched it thinking it was true. The actors did such a good job that I never thought it was merely a story.
Actually, the words "merely a story" shouldn't be put together. I have learned through my own attempts and my relationship with several authors that there is no "merely" in writing a work of fiction. There is often much research put into works of fiction, and hours of waiting for the block to dissipate and ideas to return. It is true that a good author makes it seem like an easy job, but an honest author will tell you that it is often a mind numbing labor of love. Whether a novel takes us into the world of romance, espionage, science fiction or mystery, a good story can transport us the way nothing else can.
This week, in The Secret Place, Tana French took me to the suburbs of Dublin, Ireland, a place I have always dreamed of seeing. The story took place at St. Kilda school for girls. There was a dead body and teenage girls and several interesting detectives. All in all it was a fun read. My second trip via a novel was to a world where fairies danced and people's wishes came true. The Water Lily Fairy is a children's book that made me smile. Nothing bad, scary or uncomfortable happened as the fairy showed the joy of helping others. Nice message!
My message to all of you today is a simple one. Be your own fairies! Smile and enjoy all of the great moments in your lives, big and small. Yesterday and tomorrow are not in our control...today is yours to do with as you choose. Hug your spouse, kids, family and friends...and then...read a book.
- Beverly