Julia Child's Wisdom Is Timeless

I am an avid audio book listener. On my traffic-filled rides to and from work, I immerse myself in a good book instead of telling people where to go with my middle finger. It really lessens the stress of the ride and gives me a chance to 'read' some really good books.

Currently I am listening to Provence, 1970: M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste by Luke Barr. I grew up watching Child. And Fisher's books were a delight for me. I was hoping for much of the same when listening to this book. The book does describe some great meals, but not quite what I was hoping for.

The book also offers a great character profile on Child and is filled with many of her own words. Her business partner was always her husband and he could not fathom her desire to meet so many people and offer to visit so many places when the New York Times and her exposure on television put her throughout the Northeast.

Julia: "They have their own good lives and own good papers and we're not reaching them at all,". Child knew people and she knew that once people got into their comfort zones they rarely stepped out of them. Today, that little device in your pocket connects you to billions of people.

Your smart phone may be intelligent, but it's not really that smart. Not as smart as Julia. Julia knew that people establish a more personal connection when flesh and blood is involved.

About fifteen years ago, I was having dinner at King Fish Hall in Boston. Julia came down the stairs with chef Todd English. The packed restaurant paused from their meals and proceeded to give Julia a standing ovation. Julia knew. We could learn a lot from her. -