Let's Talk: Home to Bountiful
This is how I work most days.
Well, OK, not asleep. But I sit at my desk writing with Dreydl asleep next to me. Some-times, he wanders away to go on house patrol (there's always some dratted robin to bark out of the yard)--but soon enough, he's back next to me, sighing contentedly.
I, too, am back. I'm sitting in my familiar, old, sturdy, Presbyterian chair at my small desk after an eight-city, eleven-flight, sixteen-TV-segment, kick-my-patootie book tour.
And I've come home to bounty beyond belief. It's summer here--full on, no holds barred. We went to our CSA today, the first time this year--and came home with a ridiculous haul. Plus, our neighbors brought over buckets of sour cherries and apricots from their trees. We're deep into food. Deep. Over the next few days, hold on. Strawberry sorbet, here we come. And cherry clafouti. And lots more.
But today, I think I'd like to be ridiculously self-indulgent. (I can already hear my mother saying, TODAY?!?) I'd like to tell you what I discovered on this whirlwind book tour. For what it's worth, here are my top ten lessons learned:
10. You really can get too tired. Twenty minutes before we went on the air for one of the St. Louis segments, I calmly walked off set, found a bathroom, and summarily puked. (Is there really any other way to puke?) I wasn't sick. I was exhausted. This never happened in college. Ever. I remember once staying up for two days running. And doing things I couldn't imagine doing now. What happened?
9. Oh, a big birthday. Right. Which reminds me: When you turn fifty, don't announce it in public. People give you one of two looks--either "Oh, get over it; I turned fifty a million years ago," or "Dude, did you fight in the Civil War?" Either way, it's rank pity. At thirty, you get laughs. At forty, knowing nods. At fifty, pity. Gack. What's next at sixty? Wailing remorse? However, Bruce did remind me that with the AARP discounts and the coming social security benefits, I might finally get reclassified as a "catch." Whoo-hoo.
8. Speaking of which, Ms. Davis, you were right: growing old is not for sissies. When did getting into bed become a two-step process? When did I start sitting on the edge before lying down? I used to dive in. And while I'm at it, I'd like to know something else: what's the deal with getting injured in your sleep? How can I wake up sore?
7. You meet the best people when you're not expecting it. Like Lorri Allen in San Diego. Or Christie in St. Louis. (Told you I'd mention you on the blog.) Or Isabelle in Minneapolis. Or Kathy, again in St. Louis.
6. Mother was right: Don't be an idiot. At almost every TV station, at least one producer or stylist would say to Bruce and me, "You're so nice." Good Lord, what diva acts do people pull? Sometime, let me tell you about 1) the best-selling cookbook author who had to put her head down for two hours and delay a cooking class that long because the store didn't have the right percent gluten flour to meet her requirements, 2) the world-class celebrity who has a full-time person in her employ whose sole job is to clear hallways because she won't walk down them with other people in them, and 3) the world-class celebrity who has it written in her contract that no other guest on any show can look her in the eye. Sheesh.
5. When next I am in any these cities, I will go back for a second, fantastic dinner at Kokkari in San Francisco (wood-roasted whole lamb--wow!), Harney Sushi in San Diego, Limón in Fresno (best ceviche in a long time), Grange in Sacramento, Los Sombreros in Scottsdale, Fruition in Denver (best meal hands down in a long time), and both Barrio Tequila Bar (pork tongue tacos rule) and The Corner Table in Minneapolis.
4. One city didn't make my list. Saint Louis. Because I learned something really important there. When they put you up at the Four Seasons, order room service. Just do it. When it happens, you'll know.
3. Laugh. Often. And about everything. Not everything is a joke, but most people are just too darn serious. Nothing bonds people like a good laugh. (Well, almost nothing.)
2. Pudding thickens on the stove, not in the fridge. I guess the instant stuff has really taken over, because we had professionals who thought our chocolate pudding should have thickened in the fridge. Um, no. Homemade chocolate pudding has to thicken on the stove. It doesn't thicken much more when chilled. I'm sorry the fake stuff has so changed the perception that people don't know that. More real food, please. All the time. And more chocolate pudding. Like here.
1. No bed is like your own. After being beaued around, put up in five-star hotels, driven to appearances, and fed very, very well, I have come to one conclusion: it's nice but I'm really a homebody. I like my own chair. And my own dog. And Bruce. And sunlight. And my gardens. And a quiet place to write. The rest is just a blur. It goes by fast. And doesn't really matter. What matters is peace, love, and contentment. Even food is secondary to any one of those.
book tour, home, lessons learned, real food
Reader Comments (11)
right you are. (and very funny). about everything. but nr. 6 - seriously?!! and if they do, it's as much the fault of everybody who puts up with it.
i envy you the sour cherries. i'll have to drive to wisconsin or michigan to get them. there's not a single one in all of wretched illinois.
enjoy the peace and quiet!
Your bountiful fruit and vegetables are indeed a good welcome home.
You made me giggle at number 8- I blame my kids.
Hi guys- sorry I missed you in Mpls. - hope you had a good time there , I think it is a nice city with some great food and markets.
I really like what you had to say in #1 - it all gets pretty simple after awhile doesn't it.
I would like to know more about the dish in #6!!
Best-
Greg
Hi, Greg. We looked for you--but I know it's a long drive up there for guys who have work to do. But thanks for even considering it. We had a great time--despite the tornados that bounced around the twin cities while we were there.
M.
I am sore this morning. I slept funny. Seriously.
Remember when you were sore in the morning for other reasons? Seriously.
M.
Oh, that's a happy memory. :)
We're like the two old dogs in the Far Side comic, sitting on the porch watching the mailman, who just happens to be a cat, delivering a letter. One turns to the other and says, "We're getting old, Jake."
:) :)
#10. I've been that tired a couple of times.
#9. I've hit the next significant birthday (not 55). Funny thing is, the last 10 years haven't been that great in a number of ways, but I wouldn't go back before 50 if I had the chance. I'd just make some different choices after 50!
#1. Amen! At the end of the day it's people and love and the joy you get in your daily life that is important. And if there's no joy in your daily life, you're doing something wrong.
Years ago, probably in the 70s, I found a little poster in a gift shop that said, "Enjoy every day of your life. If you don't, who will?"
I love number 1 in your ten things. How beautiful your home must be.
Hi Mark,
I told you I read the blog! I sent links to all my friends, and told them that I am now famous! I'm reading the book, but I had to skip ahead to the chocolate pudding recipe. Thanks again and it was a pleasure to meet you both. I hope you get some rest after the tour.
Christy
I love the pictures of Dreydl! I have two collies. The male is a white blue Merle and the female is a sable headed white collie. They are a riot. I notice the antics you have with your dog and it makes me smile. I want to see a full shot of him though! :)