I’m going to go out on a limb and say if you’re reading this blog that you have friends. We interact with our friends on a day to day basis by going to parties, meeting at a coffee shop or posting on a facebook wall. But there’s something really special about when you get to see your friends in a different light. When someone engages in something he or she is passionate about, that person emits a certain kind of radiance and confidence. I’m sure when Rick Bayless’ friends watch him cook or listen to him explain how an Argentine Malbec red wine pairs perfectly with the flavor of the smokey chipotle chile pepper, they know that something special is happening. It’s a contagious kind of energy. My friend, Alanna, once commented that watching me bake cupcakes was like watching a symphony. We all have things that we love to do because we’re good at them, and we’re good at them because we love to do them.
So, Derek Wibben, this post goes out to you. I get the best feeling when you tell me about your new idea for your next screenplay. You’re a passionate person in general, but I know that writing and directing are what make you the most happy. And that emotion comes across when I see how much work and thought you’re putting into your current project, Snow Jacket.
For those who don’t know yet, my friend Derek and a bunch of his friends are creating a short film called Snow Jacket. The Snow Jacket film crew is impressive, for sure. They work different day jobs to pay the bills and devote their free time to making this project a spectacular reality. If you want to see people who are truly passionate about their craft (and have a good laugh), watch this:
If you want to support these inspired and hard-working filmmakers, please consider donating at kickstarter. Invest in the spirit of holiday giving. Donating to this project will help the wonderful and insanely talented people of the Snow Jacket crew become one step closer to being able have their passion in life pay the bills. Check out their budget on their kickstarter page if you’re curious what your money will specifically fund. If you don’t believe in money, like them on facebook or twitter. Thanks, friends.
Also, our cousins are bringing a wild rice dish, home brewed beer and a pear cake with rum sauce. And we’ll also have a selection of chocolate from my factory for dessert as well. What are you making for thursday?
I’ve been re-reading “Peace is Every Step” by the Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s a phenomenal read about being mindful in our daily lives when we’re washing the dishes, picking up the phone, dealing with our emotions or relating to others. There are a lot of thoughtful messages throughout the book, but one of the major themes is that life is better when you focus on the present and smile. At a whopping 134 pages, it’s a light read, but it has had a profound impact on me. You may already practice some of the things that he writes about in this book, but sometimes it helps to see it written down. I’d like to thank Jean for recommending it.
There is a section called “Tangerine Meditation.” He tells a story about how he gave tangerines to some kids one day. He asked them to think about where the tangerine came from: the tree, the blossoms, the sun, the rain. Someone had to pick that tangerine and bring it to them. Then he asked the kids to slowly peel and eat the tangerine and really taste its flavor, its texture. They all enjoyed their fruit in full awareness. He writes, “You can see everything in the universe in one tangerine.”
Eating isn’t a chore. Just because we have to do it everyday, doesn’t mean that we should just eat whatever and not think about how it tastes or where it came from. Enjoy your next meal. Slow down and really taste the food. Think about its origins. And enjoy the meal after that, and the one after that…
