Julie Powell, College Lecturer?

No, not really, god forbid. But I am giving a talk at the Founder's Day weekend at my alma mater on Saturday. For 45 minutes. Terrifying. So - what should I talk about? I'm kind of serious.... anyone who has any bright ideas on what they'd like to hear me talk about if it were them will be listened to attentively....

William & Mary

Hey guys - so I'm going to be here Monday, for anyone who happens to be in the neighborhood and wants to drop in. This is the almost the first time I've spoken basically unscripted without help of the questions/taunts of others, so it's going to be an experiment. I'll probably need a drink afterwards. Join!

For Amherst D-bags only?

Not sure if non-grads will be able to access this, but I did a fun little interview with my buddy Dan at the LIC bar a few weeks ago, and you can (maybe) access it here.

A neat event

I'm going to be here tonight with far more amazing women Amanda Hesser and Judith Jones. There have been far too many opportunities to hear me talk about Julia Child, but Amanda and Judith have some pretty interesting things to say, I'd imagine, so show up if you have a mind....

A little something I wrote.

I wrote this the day after my beloved eldest cat died. People who know me know that I pretty much have to work the people I love into everything I write, which makes for some odd perspectives on things sometimes.

So many things to comment on! I know I can't possibly answer everyone's questions, but:

1) Vegetarian food in MtAoFC is pretty thin on the ground, especially if you're eschewing dairy. But I believe the ratatouille is, and it's fantastic. And then there's always my beloved baked cucumbers.

2) Ron P - I'm horrified that the Delta Sky pieces talks about pork at Salute - that's horrific, and definitely not something I wrote. I need to get the piece as printed. Thanks for pointing it out.

New Post: Because Someone Had A Good Idea

So, indeed: What IS your favorite MtAoFC recipe? Or Julia recipe in general? I've been asked this question so many times I want to split my head open, so I now turn it over to you guys... Whaddaya think?

(Also? Read "Inherent Vice." It's very good. I think this Pynchon kid's goin' places....)

A couple of things

Hi, guys - thanks for all the love! (And to those delivering something other than love, sorry 'bout that....)

I'm currently a little overwhelmed trying to plow through all these comments, but I wanted to address two things.

1. A lot of people have been asking whether it's true that Julia Child wasn't a big fan of Julie Powell, and whether she and I really didn't meet. Both of those things are true - Julia, I think, from what I gather, was less irritated than simply uninterested. Which, when I first found out, was of course devastating. But the thing about Julia, to me, was that she was a real person - a great 6-foot-2 force of nature, with tremendous gifts, nearly limitless energy and generosity, firm opinions, and even a few flaws. That's what I love about her - she inspired because she was a woman, not a saint. Not to say that her not loving my blog was a flaw. I just mean that the fact that she might not for whatever reason adore me as much as I adore her has absolutely no bearing on what is wonderful about her. Throughout her life, Julia nurtured and encouraged and gave great help to chefs and writers both. And she changed my life. No matter what she - or anyone else, for that matter - thought of the project. I know why I did what I did, and I am proud that I spent a year writing and cooking in tribute to one the most wonderful women I've ever not met.

2. Er, I probably should have mentioned this for, but for those of you who've not bought the book yet and are meaning to: I really ought to warn you about the language. I happen to believe that curse words are vital parts of the language, and I write accordingly. If you are not one of those people, you're probably not going to be thrilled with J&J: The Book! Also, yeah, I bash on Republicans a lot. It's nothing personal - some of my dearest friends... well, no, but dearest relatives - are Republican. I just am terrified of everything you stand for, is all. There I go, being glib. It's something I do a lot. Which you'll also find in the book.

Okay, that's all for now. Thanks again, everyone, for all the well wishes!

UPDATE: Just to clarify: I don't bash all Republicans - though I am, truly, frightened by the Republican Party Platform itself, and therefore reserve the right to disagree violently with the opinions of those who vote for it. Who I bash, in the book, specifically, are those Republicans holding elected office and doing what they do there. One particular Republican, if I remember correctly, comes under considerable fire.

I have friends who are Republicans, I have them to dinner, I drink with them, I curse with (rather than at) them. I think everyone should get to vote for who they want. I just don't particularly want the ones currently available for the job running my country.

That is all on the subject. More to come, when I feel like it.