Julia Revisited
Aug 10, 2009 | From the kitchen of Rose
No one told me I was going to cry my way through the movie. I certainly wasn't expecting to. I cried because her experiences were so similar to so many of mine. I cried because it brought back so very many memories. I cried because I missed her so much. And I cried the most at the end DON'T READ THE REST OF THE SENTENCE IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE MOVIE--SKIP TO THE NEXT PARAGRAPH because when I saw her open the very same padded envelope containing the first copy of her book just the way I did mine a mere 17 days ago I knew exactly what it felt like.
Since I am in such an emotional state, and am throwing all modesty and caution to the wind, I photographed a letter from her co-author Simca which is one of my most treasured possessions, to share with you.
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Dennis Hunter
08/14/2009 06:09 PM
Dear Rose,
You are a hero of mine, and you don't know it. The Cake Bible has a special spot on my nightstand.
I am in my 40's, and this summer I finally got the courage to approach one of my favorite pastry chefs, Sharlena Fong, and ask her to take me on as an apprentice. I worked for free on Saturdays, doing anything and everything I was told. In turn, I learned more about baking than I could at an school. I now have my own cake company, and plans in the making to open a bakery.
My day job is at Columbia Pictures in Legal Affairs working with our productions. I worked on "Julie & Julia", and I was fortunate to be able to attend the premiere. I took Sharlena with me and we got to meet Meryl Streep. It was the highlight of my career for so many reasons. Meryl's portrayal of Julia Child is so moving - she captures her wit and her compassion amazingly.
I watched Julia Child on PBS when I was a kid, and her spirit was so nurturing - she taught me to never be intimidated or fearful in the kitchen. She had a passion for cooking and baking that I understand!
If you have not seen the film, please go see it. I have never been more proud to have worked on such a wonderful, funny, heartwarming film. It confirms that we "baking geeks" are doing exactly what we are destined to do!
My favorite quote from the movie:
"BUTTER!"
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Jeannette
08/12/2009 07:40 AM
Thank you so much Matthew for giving the link to these videos. Although I have ,and use, Julia Child's books I have never SEEN her in action before, I don't think these shows were ever played over here in the UK. I have watched three of them so far and thoroughly enjoyed them, especially the Tarte Tatin one, I thought it quite funny actually,especcially when she turned the tart over and most of it fell sideways, but then that's what happens in lots of kitchens but we never tell, do we? LOL! Can't wait to see the film!
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hector
08/10/2009 08:50 PM
felt compelled at each moment Julia's husband showed a sign of "simple admiration or no emotion at all" each time Julia ask him to taste something. although Paul Child was ultimately supportive to Julia and the force behind her, like my family, often he can be the highest and most non-motivating critic!
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hector
08/10/2009 08:34 PM
i've been dying to tell you about the ending of this movie, when i really felt i died and resuscitated in heaven, i think i stopped breathing, as when Julia opened the padded envelop with her long book.
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Rose
08/10/2009 05:55 PM
oh dear! i forgot to mention that there was much laughter as well!
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Jen
08/10/2009 05:53 PM
Rose,
I went to see the NOON show yesterday with a girlfriend. The theatre was packed and everyone laughed through the the whole movie. Sort of a different reaction than yours :). I can totally relate to Julie's character in the movie though - because cooking and baking is what sustain me through week after week long of my boring job.
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Rose
08/10/2009 03:22 PM
oh yes--and the fish epiphany--i had mine in the loire valley over a freshly caught salmon on my first trip to france. i didn't know fish could taste like that. it inspired a life-long goal to live in france which i have not yet realized but have enjoyed many trips there in the meantime.
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Rose
08/10/2009 03:20 PM
thank you--i'm watching it right now! i forgot to mention that one of the things in the movie that moved me the most was remembering the long and joyful voyage of a life dedicated to food.
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Matthew
08/10/2009 03:03 PM
I just watched a video on PBS this morning with Simca. She was hilarious, especially when Julia mentioned the possibility of using a boxed mix.
http://www.pbs.org/juliachild/
See Spinach Twins.
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Jeannette
08/10/2009 02:43 PM
I have been so looking forward to seeing this film and even more so now that I know it has your approval! It would be even nicer to watch it with Melinda but we live too far apart I'm afraid.
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Rose
08/10/2009 02:40 PM
you are going to love it melinda. can you believe there were only 5 ppl in the theater?! but then it was a 10:30 am show. i wasn't taking any chances of not getting in. and, by the way, i brought a peach.
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Melinda
08/10/2009 02:34 PM
Remember when we talked about going to go see this movie? I wish we could have gone together. I would have brought the Kleenex and the Junior Mints. The movie still isn't out here yet. But I will think about you all the way through it, when I finally get to see it.
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Standing on A Cloud of Comfort
The Peach Gallette