Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Julie and Julia

Ok, I'm going to jump on the Julie and Julia band wagon. Sweety and I went last weekend to see it and we had a wonderful time. This movie is great! Everyone in the audience was laughing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. I highly recommend it. I give it a Five Scotties rating!



This is my copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Actually, I had given it to my daughter, but I have borrowed it back. There is a chicken dish in the movie I would like to attempt to duplicate. It was a gift from a friend and she wrote such a nice inscription in the front. Problem was, once I opened the book, there were a number of pages out of sequence and missing. The publisher had me return it and they sent me a new one. Fine, but now the sentiment isn't there anymore.



Notice the copyright of my copy? Yes, I've had it for years. I used to watch Julia's cooking show religiously. Sadly, her cooking prowess didn't rub off on me, but to this day I love to watch cooking shows. Sorta like, "oh, that is what the kitchen is for!" Tee Hee!


Watching the movie, I had no idea there was such an intricate and complex story behind the book. The years of disappointment and perseverance that it took to get it published is amazing. It got me to thinking. Every book that you read, every movie that you watch, every quilt pattern that you buy has a story behind it. Someone has had a dream of creating something worthwhile and they have put the effort into seeing that dream to fruition. In fact, sometimes the story behind the story is more interesting than the finished product itself.


What should we do? Well, for one thing, when I find an author whose books I enjoy, I write them a quick email and tell them. I have done this numerous times with authors and they always (always!) write me back and thank me. Most all of today's authors have web sites (and blogs) and have contact information. Artists (like the rest of us) all like to be appreciated and what they have done validated. Besides, it's the polite thing to do.


So go out and see the movie and then hop on over to Julie Powell's blog and say hello. Or finish that book you've been reading and let the author know how much you enjoyed it. Or just tell someone in your life that they mean something to you and you appreciate all you do. It's the easiest way I know to make yourself feel good, too.



10 comments:

Thimbleanna said...

What a great post Miss Jean -- you're such a sweetheart! I love what you've said about appreciating people and it's soooo important. Thanks for your inspiration!

Lydia said...

I just finished the new Munson biography by Marty Appel so now I can start the book Julie and Julia.

Michele McLaughlin said...

I loved the movie too although I left there soooo hungry!!! :D I love your idea of contacting writers. Very good tip and will use it. Thanks Miss Jean :)

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

What a great post - we need to tell people on a daily basis just how much we appreciate them - and I want you to know how much I appreciate and enjoy your insightful blog. I check it daily to see if there is any thing new - and of course to see what Maggie is up to.

Have a fantastic day - now I can hardly wait to see the movie.

Hugs,
Lynn

Anonymous said...

What a great post! I totally agree. I loved the movie too. It was wonderful. In fact, I will be writing about it too in the coming weeks.

Mumzie said...

Great post Jean! I'm glad you found your book again and can make that great chicken dish. The only Julia Child recipe I've ever made was that cake last week, and it was soooo good. Let us know when your dish is going to be done and we'll whip up another one of those cakes for desert. Diet? What Diet? Mumzie :O)

The Green Pea said...

I hear the book is really selling for a lot on ebay. I have not looked yet. Sandi

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

....you do need to see this movie a SECOND time with MOI!

You are so right in the fact that it is so important to acknowledge those who do good work. So often I think people forget to give praise - GREAT post!

xx
becky

Library Gal Quilts said...

I just finished Julie and Julia. I saw the movie last weekend with my husband and he liked it as much as I did. I loved finding out that she had a happy marriage. You are so wonderful to suggest contacting authors of books you have read and enjoyed! And the entire post was inspirational. xoxo Pam in Chico

Paula said...

I've not made it to the movie yet, but really have been wanting too. (Actually it hasn't come to our theater yet).

I LOVE your idea of telling an author how much you've enjoyed their writing. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I'm going to start doing that right away!