Valentines come in all shapes, sizes and locales…

As I am very much single these days, I did not have high hopes for this Valentine’s Day.  That’s okay.  I believe that having a day centered around love is awesome, but I try to practice this idea every day vs. just one. I get accused of being sappy and syrupy sweet by some because of how much I love love.  It’s true.  I think love is the best thing going.

So, not expecting hearts and flowers, you can imagine my surprise when possibly one of the biggest dreams I’ve dreamed since my childhood, began coming true earlier this week.  A friend of mine in Toronto is planning a week long trip in Provence early this coming Fall for her and a group of friends. She put it “out there” that she was looking for a yoga instructor and a cook/chef who could teach a few lessons to her guests.  It sounded wonderful to me all on its own, but there was more.  This vacation will be taking place in Julia Child’s kitchen at her summer home for three decades.

Those who know or know of me won’t be surprised to learn that I was an odd kid growing up in that little town in North Carolina…so odd that I’d watch Julia Child on Public Television when I got home from school.  I watched the Galloping Gourmet, too, but it was Julia who first interested me in the world of pots and pans and knives and cheeses and the like.  I dreamed that one day, I’d have a kitchen like hers and I’d be able to whip up the kinds of things she made for me as my afternoon snack.  I even imitated her voice just to give myself a giggle.  I’m sure it was just one of the many reasons why I got so many strange looks from my brother and sister.  I didn’t care.  I thought Julia was amazing and hilariously funny.  For real.

When I saw Karen’s post about her upcoming trip, I gulped.  I really did.  I knew that I was late  seeing it… and that others had volunteered for the teaching post.  I remembered what Seth Godin taught me about it being my turn and what Greg Faxon, an incredible coach I know, said to be about being brave at all costs.  And with that I threw my hat into the ring…and a few days later I received the news.  I’m going to Provence.

I soon told Sandy, my business partner and favorite teaching pal about my news and in a matter of minutes it was clear that it was, in fact, our news.  Sandy is an amazing baker in addition to being a wonderful cook and a fantastic teacher.  She had to go, too.  And she said yes.  So, in honor of five incredible years of working together (we celebrated last week), I bought her this book.  We’ll be teaching classes from it at The Cooking School at Irwin Street this Summer and making sure that we deliver a dazzling experience to the wonderful folks that will be at Julia’s house in September.

A Valentine that came early and a dream that is overwhelmingly coming true.  Thank you, Karen, for letting this be.  You’ve made me and Sandy two of the luckiest foodies in the world with this news.  We won’t let you down.  And now the obligatory… Bon Appetit!