“I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.” – Julia Child

I think about this quote a lot. Probably because I’m 32 currently and I feel like my cooking skills go in and out of being creative, cooking with fresh ingredients to then just heating up premade food. 

Presently, I’m sorry to write that I’m in the “just eating” stage. But with my newfound free time, I’m determined more than ever to get back into actually cooking. 

It’s difficult finding that elusive motivation and inspiration to make something great, especially during these times, while taking 24/7 care of a senior dog, trying to be a decent fiancee, and searching for creative topics to write about.

Do you ever have one of those phases where you just watched an inspiring film and you thought you will go for it this time? Put your whole self into whatever that is, which you always wanted to do.

Well, that’s what I initially felt when I watched the movie, “Julie and Julia.”

I marveled at that movie when I saw it in my early 20s. I wanted to be like Julie Powell or Julia Child, mostly Julia. I was fascinated. Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep are an absolute delight on the screen.

On my 24th birthday, my mom and sister gave me Julia Child’s 1961, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” cookbook. I was euphoric. 

On my 26th birthday, my mom and sister surprised me with probably the best gift I’ve ever received to this day. A trip to Washington D.C. where I got to see all of America’s young history (I’m a history nerd.) Including Julia Child’s kitchen. I was in a state of awed admiration. She made such a huge impact on how the nation eats dinner from the comfort of her little kitchen.

Her book changed how we prepare food. 

I recently listened to her audiobook memoir, “My Life in France” on Libby last year while commuting to work on the metro every morning and evening back home, which brought back all the warm feelings and reasons why I love her so much.

I’m embarrassed to write, I’ve never cooked one recipe out of her cookbook. I still think to myself, “Next weekend I will!” 

Truth is, I often set too many goals for myself and I burn out quickly instead of building up to it. Time management and discipline are what stand in the way of achieving something mediocre vs. something extraordinary. I need to work on that.

In my kitchen hangs three art pieces of Julia Child I bought from an artist on Esty who lives in Canada. I look at them every day. I know what I need to do, I just need to do it.

Take the time. Set your mind to a goal. Plan and prepare. Something is bubbling under the surface. 

SSxx