Julie/Robin.

Today I finished reading "Julie and Julia," which was written by Julie Powell, who decided to undertake the project of preparing every dish in "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," by Julia Child, over one year. Originally it was a blog, but then she got a book deal. (Anyone hear me!?) And now I'm totally inspired.

I don't think I'd have the balls to do anything as committed or in-depth as she did (or as heavy on the butter -- good lord), but just the thought of cooking random recipes for fun makes me giddy. I used to get discouraged by my perceived limitations: being with someone who would rather go out to eat, or now, being single and thinking cooking for one is a waste, or suggesting something to my parents and having them respond with a serious lack of enthusiasm. But now I see it can be just for me.

My favorite excerpt is when Julie explains what the project taught her:

"Julia taught me what it takes to find your way in the world. It's not what I thought it was. I thought it was all about - I don't know, confidence or will or luck. Those are all some good things to have, no question. But there's something else, something that these things grow out of.

"It's joy."

One thing I've noticed about myself recently is that I'm reluctant to do something if there's not a point. But this blog is a step toward the realization that some things are fulfilling just because. And maybe doing something I want to, though it may be pointless, could be worthwhile just because it would make me happy.