Deep Thoughts: Culinary school / The ingredients of great writing
Deep Thoughts: Reflecting upon my weekend at BlogHer Food 2012 in Seattle...
After meeting so many wonderful food bloggers and hearing many of their personal stories, I couldn't help but become even more inspired. What surprised me most of all is how many of these women are professionally-trained chefs and bakers. Hence why they are the master creators behind most of the fabulous recipes published on their websites. This got me thinking: If I really want to stay afloat in this game, then perhaps I should consider going back to school. I say "back to school," because I graduated from college with a BS in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management. But reading books and attending traditional classes doesn't prepare you for the kitchen the way that hands-on culinary school does. And I know that because of the recreational courses that I've taken, both during my time at university and beyond. In this case, "actions *do* speak louder than words."
It has become more and more apparent to me, after reading memoirs and looking deeper within myself, that writers/poets view the world differently than the average person. From everyday occurrences to transcendent life experiences, their observations seem so much more vivid and emotional. Here's a great example from Kim Sunee's memoir, Trail of Crumbs: "...I take my sister's hand and march up to the front of the bus to sit right behind Mr. Larry, the bus driver. He's got a dark spot on the back of his head that looks like a crater. He smells like soft caramel and dough and keeps a picture of his dog taped to the rear view mirror." Can't you almost see and smell Mr. Larry? I can.
I believe that, in order to write *really* well, one has to have gone through a great deal of pain, loss, and heartbreak. Whatever the said "pain, loss, and heartbreak" subjectively means to that individual. I also think that writers tend to be much more sensitive, vulnerable, and susceptible to emotion, both happy and sad. They "feel" more and, in turn, see more.
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That's all for now. I'm just grateful that my experience in Seattle stirred up some 'deep thoughts' and inspiration.
"Hitch your wagon to a star."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Until we eat again,
Lindsay, The Lunch Belle