My niece, while recently visiting was game to see the movie Julie and Julia.  For those who have not yet had the pleasure, it was a delightful illustration to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.   On a more serious note, it addressed something we all eventually must face — that of finding fulfillment in life.

The ladies teach us to savor each and every delectable moment, albeit in a foreign country or atop a pizza parlor.  Oh, how I related to each in their efforts to master their craft along with meticulously documenting and publishing their work.  It provided them a forum with which to share something each was so passionate about. This currently ‘in recovery’ workaholic has been stopping of late to smell the ‘lunch bag’ (or coffee) I guess you could say.  The ’smell the lunch bag’ phrase is a corny little something I came up with and have included in my new book ‘Should I Stay Or Update My Resume?’ — a reminder for us to enjoy each facet of this journey we are on, even if we haven’t yet arrived at our intended destination.

While it is not my intention here to write a movie review (although Meryl Streep was exceptional in this role and should win some pretty, shiny trophy to put on her mantle), I was so inspired after leaving this movie.  I believe an actors job is complete when they move their audience to want to become a better person in some way.  Since then my senses have been heightened to the smells in the air, the gentle caressing of the trees blowing in the wind, my stopping to appreciate even more the wonderful relationships I have and YES — need I say the delightful chicken ravioli I savored at Guisseppe’s Ritrovo in Bexley after watching the movie.

Another moment — was at the end of the movie when it showed how long Julia and Paul had lived, which was well into their 90’s.  I think this is a shining example and perhaps some sort of anecdotal proof that we should lead a life that is fulfilling to us.  So, whether it is your great pleasure to help women embrace their beauty, publish a compelling work of fiction, counsel a lost soul towards sanity, produce a riveting play or entertaining your friends serving up an exquisite French meal, I say – go for it!  You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain! Plus — you just might just have some fun in the process.

Bon Appetit!
LA