“There is no spectacle on earth more appealing than that of a beautiful woman in the act of COOKING dinner for someone she loves.” -Thomas Wolfe

I might add, that the spectacle of a woman in the act of COOKING dinner for someone she loves, is one of the things that makes her so beautiful.

Stay-at-home mom, grandmother ( affectionately called mi-mi because I am too young for the grandmother name), newly married to a meat & potatoes guy who thinks my fabulous cooking is just good. Recently unemployed and hoping to stay that way unless a food related career opens up. Not sure how long I can hold off from returning to Retail Hell. Are you listening God? Determined to find my calling sooner than later, as I am freaking out about getting older. Like close to mid-fifties older.

What’s a blog I wondered? Not to long ago I asked this question. I came upon a blog while searching for a recipe. More exploration and I was astounded as to how many food blogs were out there. Frankly, I didn’t think there was room for one more, but then who was counting?

This site started out as a place for me to record my return to cooking and a means to acknowledge my longing to return to the home and use the gifts God has given me. Since then blogging has turned into a whole lot more.

What happened next was truly amazing. For starters, I discovered that I could write. Astonishing for someone that can’t spell, doesn’t use big words, struggled in English and has trouble with grammar. How could this be and why? Well, it seems God has a sense of humor and shows up in the most unexpected places guiding you in the most unexpected ways.

Having discovered that apparently somewhere hidden beneath something deep inside of me, I have a funny sense of humor that miraculously appears when I write. I love discovering this about me, and when it pops up I run with it not knowing what will come out. And lucky for you, because I can assure you that if we were talking; you would have a little trouble unearthing anything funny or hysterical about me as I am rather reserved.

Through the months, I discovered my desire to learn more about photography as well. I am not surprised at this, as it seems to be a natural progression and fulfillment of creativity. Frankly, I look forward to learning more, and can’t wait till my photos are ………..really good. This is a step up because when I first started this blog, well let’s just say it was hard to recognize the food group. My photos are now in focus for the most part with an occasional good shot here or there.

But, what I am surprised about is the direction I chose to take. Having lived in the South for over 30 yrs and having never taken the time to learn about the Southern Culture, has been my loss as I do not have a clue as to what is Southern. I decided it was time I did something about this.

Embarking on a Southern Culinary adventure is my gift to myself; a journey that God willing, will bring joy to my life, a new found appreciation of Southern Food, an adventure and perhaps I’ll discover my calling. I believe God is using the kitchen as a means to guide me.

A Yankee in a Southern Kitchen sabbatical for the next year is my vehicle for change.

Not to long after I started blogging I received an anonymous comment from someone. They signed their name “God”. I must tell you I wept when I read the words that were left for me. What was truly remarkable, was that someone had cared enough to read all my posts. They also listened to my words. This is one of the many gifts of blogging. Friendships are formed, encouragement is given freely and abundantly. We learn and share and cheer each other on, it has been a great camaraderie and one of the many pleasures of food blogging.

This comment in particular was filled with words of love, guidance and wisdom. I know God can’t type, but all the same, God could have left the comment. Only God would have known the right words at the right time, a time of doubt. A time when I almost said why bother to what I was doing. I am grateful for this gift. So whoever you are, if you happen by this page, thank-you and God bless. If you are ever in Charleston shoot me an email, as I would love to cook up one good Southern meal for you.

For those of you that care to read the comment, it is at the bottom of this page.

I am sure that it is clear by now, that I am a woman of faith. I struggle with my faith often and have learned that is okay. So while I am cooking, writing and taking photos to find my way back; I am also going to be praying to find my way back. GOD, I hope you love good food because I so need a career that revolves around food.

Dated: March 15, 2008

My Dearest Kim,

I could not have made these rules any better.

I’ll make you a deal; one which would make us both happy and also because I am sorry about the filing error my angel made. Here it is, the deal of your life:

If you- notice I did not say “can”- live by these rules for one year, you will have a prosperous, joyous and most fulfilling career of creativity, exquisite food, good company and friends.

I am very pleased with your concerted efforts. Indeed, you have had a challenging time lately and have still managed to keep up your spirits and delight us all with your recipes and stories about life. You should know too, that since you posted the recipe for the popovers, Heaven has been a little brighter. We use that recipe here now, too.

My dear child, do not confuse timing with planning. Keep your trust in Me, for there are still lessons you need to learn. You are not misplaced and are not forgotten, I have something special saved for you. It is not typical that I respond in such a manner, but thought the matter-of-factness might be helpful to you now. You are on the right track and I am excited for your future. Be ready for my call.

Love, GOD