Thursday, May 27, 2010

Mother Things


Here is a valuable piece sifted from Ruth Riechl's book, Not Becoming My Mother...and Other Things She Taught Me.  

She is the editor of 'Gourmet' cookbook.

The following excerpt from the book is a letter from a man who wrote to the author's mother after spending time with her one evening. It seems like he was older and wiser, nothing romantic. He saw so much potential in her that he couldn't help but write her a note and encourage her.

Go ahead into life, full-blooded, courageous and leap for the adventure. But you must do it soon---before the summer of your youth has cooled into caution. You are magnificently charming--and you come like a torrent. But you will be spent on the futility of little things. You are not a watercolor. you are carved out of life--and there can be no petty hesitancies about you. 

(This was passed on to me via my friend Emily. She reads cookbooks for fun. Marcella Hazan easily trumps Jamie Oliver and Julia Child both; when Emily has her apron on.) 

4 comments:

  1. Love this quote. It reminds me of Tessa or Kelsey... :)

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  2. Not becoming my mother, mmmm? All my life people have told me I am just like my mother. At times that has angered me or even put big fear in me but as I age I am grateful for the compliment. I want to be more like my mom even if my dad hates that in me. My mom is a Godly woman and has been through enormous trial. She has kept her faith and become solid gold. The other day I found myself talking to myself just like mom. Even though I was surprised, it didn't scare me, it warmed my heart.

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  3. Wisdom worth savoring. I want to leap for the adventure and not be spent on the futility of things.

    My sister and I both love to collect and read cookbooks. She actually uses them more than I do.

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  4. She's what Louise calls a WoW woman!

    And how great that a man noticed.

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A comment, reply, idea, dialogue or conversation with you means so much. Thanks for the two way street thing.