Genevieve I’m so happy you wrote this! The photos are so beautiful!! Jane — I miss you! The codependency and hyper vigilance … gosh can I relate. And so good to know re apple cider vinegar I had no idea it could erode teeth! Sorry you are dealing with that. I’m off to a healing weekend /girls trip in Palm Springs but I miss everyone and the commenters too. I promise to come back more in some form very soon! If you’ll have me! xoxo always
Corynne!! I love you! I miss you! Come back whenever you want to (that's a lifelong offer)!
I'm very very very proud of you and I also can't thank you enough for joining in these comments. You're incredible. And funny in all senses of the word. ❤️💛🧡
Corynne!!!! I've missed our back & forths!! Thank you so much -- I'm gonna go hog wild on the socials and make a little video recording of the piece, too! Can you call Page Six? ;) JK. I know that space is reserved for Brandi's face parasite. Thanks for reading and love seeing your IG stories that are usually quotes I relate to! <3
Miss you too. It’s been a journey. I’m processing so much still. Jane saved my life (that’s such a theme) and I hope to be “back” in a different form (literally, a different version of myself) soon … lucky you got to have your piece run with one of Jane’s best intros ever IMO!
My adult lady wish is to stomp a runway as a model in a fashion show - a real one where I get hair and makeup done and get to wear something that makes me look rich and slightly scary. I’m 46 and a size 14 but I’ve got great hair, I’m 5’9” (almost model height!) and I can waaaaalk! Putting this here for accountability- I’ll email too!
I also love that you said "putting this here for accountability" and that inspires me to write some of mine in these comments too. So I will! Thank you!
This is amazing! I love the wish granting idea in general and Genevieve, I’m adding La Peetch to my future empty nest wishlist. Thank you so much for sharing that experience. I’m gonna consider what I want to manifest through y’all.
I have a manifestation practice. It’s a particular skill of mine and while I can talk for awhile about aligning your energy with your desires (and am renovating my manifestation course for re-release in a month or two), so much of it is noticing the opportunities that are around us.
Jane! Too much Coconut water, magnesium, AND apple cider vinegar? Really? I feel that there’s a lesson here for you that has return more than once. I’m not jumping on your toilet paper recc and not just because I’m in Canada. I’m 💯 team bidet like FIVE BILLION PEOPLE on planet Earth. I know it’s weird for North American white people, but it’s the best thing ever. And I’ve written about it. I’m not dropping a link because I think that’s tacky as a commenter, but you can search bidet on my Substack and find it. Fair warning, post is also about caregiving and death.
Dr. Celia!!! Thank you SO much for your comment and love!!! La Peetch is truly next level. Sometimes I still think it was a Fever dream! And, ex-squeeze me: a manifesting practice?!?! YES PLEASE!!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
It’s simple but effective. 5 steps: desire, choose, allow, it is possible, I am/I have. It’s thorough too. And it helps me see when I don’t actually want something for myself.
Ok Andy, closest reader of all time, while you're at it, do you want to point out any typos? I know I made one in my intro, but I came back and corrected it.
I just wrote you back and guess what? You are wrong and I am so happy for once to be able to say that. Look at my email. I'm certain about the first one – though I could see how it was confusing – and tell me what you think about my disagreement on the second grammatical point. We can always put it to a vote here, but I think you and I can settle it amicably ourselves.
Coconut water is also high in potassium and some people take it to treat heart palpitations. But if you drink massive amounts every day it will also throw your natural electrolytes out of whack.
Coconut water is such a delicious addition to any drink. It makes it taste velvety somehow. I was vacationing with friends and we invented our house drink for the week: vodka, lime juice, seltzer and a splash of coconut water. It’s also delicious in iced coffee!
That's very similar to what I was drinking in Brazil! I like the cut limes and I squeeze them in myself but otherwise, that was my exact drink! And then I would sip a separate coconut water on the side. I also think there was a rum drink with coconut water in it at some point on that trip. But I remember the exact moment I tried coconut water for the first time - in a drink almost exactly like yours at an outdoor table at a restaurant in Rio De Janeiro. Yum all around.
Well it was Lynda who introduced me to coconut water on that vacation and told me about the heart thing … so you see it’s all connected! Except it was Puerto Rico.
This is hilarious and awesome and I hate cooking. I avoid all cooking content! But you’ve cured that (well, you ansdthe Anthony Bourdain biography by Laura Woolever I read this fall!)
“Next slide: I own a goat.” That is, how do you say, chef’s kiss! Brava! Cheers! Mon Dieu, I wanna write like you.
I love that you show up a day late by the way because I always want to hang out in the comments on a single piece for like a week and sometimes even months. Things evolve and there's always more to say. (I also stay at clubs until the punishingly bright lights come on and enjoy every last moment.)
Wait: Jane do you STILL stay out that late to clubs??? Dana said she can't stay awake past 10pm, well I'm in my jamjams by like 8pm!!!!! 👵🏼 And then there's Jane just out til 2am partying with Madonna!
Thanks so much, Dana! Neither does Jane -- I wish I could make you both Boeuf Bourguignon and wax poetic about this place teaching one to cook recipe-free -- it was revolutionary! 🥖🧀🍷
Jane — Mom’s boyfriend told us we were headed to Disney World. An hour later, we were at Chuck E. Cheese. He also promised an Atari, and came home with a second-, or third-hand Pong that lasted about two weeks.
That just cracked me up so hard! God, I love and appreciate you! My dad told us he was bringing us home this machine that would allow us to make poster size versions of anything we wanted so my brother and I had a whole business plan dreamed up and what my dad brought back was like two sticks of wood, where you put a pencil in either side so when you draw with one the other one moves in a larger circle or something. It was cool, but not what he had promised And got us all hyped up about. The Disney World promise happened probably once a week.
Also, last year I had three separate flippers. At one time, I was missing two front teeth. Kids, don’t do eating disorders. Stomach acid is as bad for your teeth as apple cider whatnot. #teambidet
I almost wrote this in the story, but it was too long and boring already: I had a best friend question whether I was bulimic because of how my teeth were rotting. I have been many many things (which you will hear all about) but not bulimic. I'm sorry you went through that but thank you for warning others. (I kid you not, I was dictating that and Siri changed it to "I'm sorry you threw up" – which is also true – but this AI shit is scary.)
I'm feeling a little sad about my lacking in this whole team bidet thing. I apologize to all of you and I will work to get with the program.
I just doubled over laughing at that one. Oh man, you're too funny. So far there are at least three frame worthy quotes in this comment thread. Keep them coming!
"Amy Adams can suck it. (JK -- luv her)" cracked me up. Great piece, Genevieve. I really enjoyed it!
My adult wish is to play bass in Madonna's live band and tour with them. But maybe not now, maybe in, like, 2003. Can I have an adult wish in the past? This is a risky wish, and I'll tell you why: One of my recurring dreams (and I have several) is that I am playing in Madonna's band and I miss a cue or screw up a note and she fires me in front of the whole arena! We're talking a massive arena, like Wembley. (Is there a psychologist in the house who wants to take a stab at that one? I feel like it's not that complicated, but I'm always open to more shrinking.) In the dream, I am crushed, humiliated, and horribly upset.
I like the idea of having notebook in which to write things you are manifesting. I'm gonna try that. Again, great job.
Thanks a mill!!! I super duper appreciate your comments and HELL YESS to playing bass on Madonna's tour! I best Jane will pop in here and be like, "Madonna is a dear friend" because Jane knows the entire North American Continent and then some. But also? Maybe your recurring dream is YOU preparing yourself for your future self to not miss the cue when it happens in the future!! Someone call Doc Brown and get us a Flux Capacitor!
Oh snap, I just realised I did not mention that I have never even PICKED UP a bass, so I think this really IS the stuff of dreams -- but maybe I can manifest having a more positive Madge dream, like, when she actually compliments me on something I do and doesn't rip me a new one in front of the whole world.
Lol. Ok, Ok-ish -- since we're entering the Year of the Horse, will you do me a solid and take some lessons? You don't have to be Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers but it'll help fulfill this dream...🌟🎸
We can co-run it. There are other amazing Janes on here too I've met who can jump in. Jane Fonda just started a Substack, so she's allowed too If you are agree, Co-President.
This is awesome! I especially like the line at the end about how sometimes "saying what you want out loud is the bravest — and most effective — first step." Very timely for my own life. Looking forward to reading more from Genevieve, cheers :)
What a great story, Genevieve! My stove is basically a fancy contraption that boils water for tea (unless my fiance is cooking) but I love all things vintage and adored your description of Julia Child's 1950's kitchen - and I need some of that pink hummus! 💗
Lol - I do the cleaning (which I actually sort of like) and he does the cooking, so it works! We've been having fun trying different things from Hello Fresh. Pasta and Mexican are always favorite choices! 😋
Thanks Genevieve! 💕 Isn’t Bottom of the Cup a treasure? For my birthday reading in October the teller said I’ll have an agent by May and a publisher by August. I’m trying to do the work to manifest those predictions…because that’s how it works.
I do feel like I’m living my writing life … mostly. It just needs more writing and sustainability. Manifest abundance! Whew! I am trying! 😹
As far as I’m concerned, “foodie” is perfectly fine. I’m not going to get mad about a word that conveys a love of something so magical and important. Also, that hunk of blue-veined cheese in the photo has been on my foodie mind all day. Blue cheeses are my favorite food. That one had to be spectacular!
My adult wish is to travel to Salem in early Oct with a couple of my favorite ladies in an elder-emo, black wardrobe (with 🔥 leather accents & lace-up boots) and do all the witchy tours.
——-
I took a cooking class in France once, but it did not top the cooking class I took in Florence, which was better than my wedding day. Fresh pasta & gnocchi, squash blossoms, pine nuts and tiramisu 🤌🤌
Yesss!!!! My Halloween-loving self would absolutely love to do the same!! I live in CT but haven't been up to Salem since I was in college! I need to do something about that. 🎃👻
I love this, Genevieve! I used to hate the word manifest, but on Halloween ‘24, I had my fortune read at the oldest fortune shop in New Orleans (Bottom of the Cup—highly recommend). At the end, my fortune teller wrote something on a card, handed it to me, and told me I would be seeing the time 11:11 a bunch. The message on the card: I manifest everything I want 11:11. I saw both 11:11s every day for the next five days. Even now, if I catch 11:11 I stop what I’m doing, say, “I manifest everything I want,” and list what I want until 11:12. It’s been surprisingly effective.
What I’m trying to manifest: the writing life I wanted as a kid. I wanted to write books and a regular slice-of-life column. Since 2001 I’ve been a food writer (DYING over your trip to Julia’s!!), alt weekly journalist, corporate copywriter, PR writer, SEO web copywriter, and blogger. All close, but not quite. 14 years ago I started writing a book, a hybrid memoir/Woody Guthrie biography. After multiple rewrites it’s thisclose to being ready for an agent.
Last March I was laid off from my corporate writing job, which had all but stomped me flat in the five years I did it. I decided I was done with corporate America and it was time to zero in on the childhood dream. I re-wrote my manuscript, started a travel Substack (6daysontheroad.substack.com), and began submitting and pitching my work. In January I had two essays published I two different literary journals. I’m working on my fifth piece for AJPT (DREAM!!). I feel like I’m so close to that plan I drafted in 1980, but … not quite. Until I can make a living at it, I’m not quite there. So, that’s what I’m almost always manifesting at 11:11. And now with you. 😊
(I’m also a retired chef and I want to read EVERYTHING about your time at Julia’s! Also, love the polka dot H&B apron! I almost bought that one but went with a Liberty of London collab instead.)
Oh wow—🥹. Thank you for sharing all of this so openly. I love that 11:11 ritual (and Bottom of the Cup! truly iconic energy). I’m fully on board with “I manifest everything I want” as both mantra and practice.
Also: you are so clearly already living the writing life your younger self dreamed of—it just hasn’t caught up financially yet (HEARD!)🙋🏻♀️. Being five pieces into AJPT is HUGE (dream indeed). I really believe the “almost” part is often the most electric, even if it’s the hardest to sit in.
I’m cheering so hard for that book to find its agent—and for the living-at-it part to click into place. I’ll be thinking of you at 11:11 too. 💛
And yes—retired chef approval means everything. I am a pretend chef but a full-on Foodie, despite people hating that word. ;) Thnx, Robin!!!! 💛💛💛
Oh, and Jane! I’m hypervigilant, too. If a little is good, a lot must be better! When I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines two years ago my doc said to make sure I stay extra-hydrated and to consider adding an electrolyte booster. And that’s why I need a room in my house dedicated to my stash of Liquid IV packets.
Genevieve I’m so happy you wrote this! The photos are so beautiful!! Jane — I miss you! The codependency and hyper vigilance … gosh can I relate. And so good to know re apple cider vinegar I had no idea it could erode teeth! Sorry you are dealing with that. I’m off to a healing weekend /girls trip in Palm Springs but I miss everyone and the commenters too. I promise to come back more in some form very soon! If you’ll have me! xoxo always
Corynne!! I love you! I miss you! Come back whenever you want to (that's a lifelong offer)!
I'm very very very proud of you and I also can't thank you enough for joining in these comments. You're incredible. And funny in all senses of the word. ❤️💛🧡
Corynne!!!! I've missed our back & forths!! Thank you so much -- I'm gonna go hog wild on the socials and make a little video recording of the piece, too! Can you call Page Six? ;) JK. I know that space is reserved for Brandi's face parasite. Thanks for reading and love seeing your IG stories that are usually quotes I relate to! <3
Miss you too. It’s been a journey. I’m processing so much still. Jane saved my life (that’s such a theme) and I hope to be “back” in a different form (literally, a different version of myself) soon … lucky you got to have your piece run with one of Jane’s best intros ever IMO!
Genevieve, I’m so ready for this!
My adult lady wish is to stomp a runway as a model in a fashion show - a real one where I get hair and makeup done and get to wear something that makes me look rich and slightly scary. I’m 46 and a size 14 but I’ve got great hair, I’m 5’9” (almost model height!) and I can waaaaalk! Putting this here for accountability- I’ll email too!
I also love that you said "putting this here for accountability" and that inspires me to write some of mine in these comments too. So I will! Thank you!
Kristin!!!! I love it! Let's see about pulling some strings....👠
I may be able to help with this one. Let me see.
This is amazing! I love the wish granting idea in general and Genevieve, I’m adding La Peetch to my future empty nest wishlist. Thank you so much for sharing that experience. I’m gonna consider what I want to manifest through y’all.
I have a manifestation practice. It’s a particular skill of mine and while I can talk for awhile about aligning your energy with your desires (and am renovating my manifestation course for re-release in a month or two), so much of it is noticing the opportunities that are around us.
Jane! Too much Coconut water, magnesium, AND apple cider vinegar? Really? I feel that there’s a lesson here for you that has return more than once. I’m not jumping on your toilet paper recc and not just because I’m in Canada. I’m 💯 team bidet like FIVE BILLION PEOPLE on planet Earth. I know it’s weird for North American white people, but it’s the best thing ever. And I’ve written about it. I’m not dropping a link because I think that’s tacky as a commenter, but you can search bidet on my Substack and find it. Fair warning, post is also about caregiving and death.
Dr. Celia!!! Thank you SO much for your comment and love!!! La Peetch is truly next level. Sometimes I still think it was a Fever dream! And, ex-squeeze me: a manifesting practice?!?! YES PLEASE!!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
It’s simple but effective. 5 steps: desire, choose, allow, it is possible, I am/I have. It’s thorough too. And it helps me see when I don’t actually want something for myself.
Raise your hand if you screen-shot this!
Big Daddy, Genevieve gave you a hint which person in the picture was which, when she said further down that Mackenna is tall like Julia.
So awesome, Genevieve. Heaven is eating charcuterie and cheese until I die--and then finding an unlimited supply when my soul arrives... somewhere.😬
Ok Andy, closest reader of all time, while you're at it, do you want to point out any typos? I know I made one in my intro, but I came back and corrected it.
Respectfully,
Big Daddy
Done. Check your inbox.
I just wrote you back and guess what? You are wrong and I am so happy for once to be able to say that. Look at my email. I'm certain about the first one – though I could see how it was confusing – and tell me what you think about my disagreement on the second grammatical point. We can always put it to a vote here, but I think you and I can settle it amicably ourselves.
Jeez you guys, get a room. 😎
🤣
Thank you, Andy!!!! I'll meet you there!!!! 🔥👹🧀🍖
Coconut water is also high in potassium and some people take it to treat heart palpitations. But if you drink massive amounts every day it will also throw your natural electrolytes out of whack.
I didn't know this so thank you! Speaking of electrolytes I once took too much magnesium and highly do not recommend it.
Coconut water is such a delicious addition to any drink. It makes it taste velvety somehow. I was vacationing with friends and we invented our house drink for the week: vodka, lime juice, seltzer and a splash of coconut water. It’s also delicious in iced coffee!
That's very similar to what I was drinking in Brazil! I like the cut limes and I squeeze them in myself but otherwise, that was my exact drink! And then I would sip a separate coconut water on the side. I also think there was a rum drink with coconut water in it at some point on that trip. But I remember the exact moment I tried coconut water for the first time - in a drink almost exactly like yours at an outdoor table at a restaurant in Rio De Janeiro. Yum all around.
Well it was Lynda who introduced me to coconut water on that vacation and told me about the heart thing … so you see it’s all connected! Except it was Puerto Rico.
Amazing! Michael and Lynda influenced us – and in so many other ways too. I think of them both as teachers.
This is hilarious and awesome and I hate cooking. I avoid all cooking content! But you’ve cured that (well, you ansdthe Anthony Bourdain biography by Laura Woolever I read this fall!)
“Next slide: I own a goat.” That is, how do you say, chef’s kiss! Brava! Cheers! Mon Dieu, I wanna write like you.
Be still my beating heart!!! Best. Comment. Ever. Thank you, Amanda!!!!!!!
I tend to show up late for the comment party. A day late, but here I am!
I'm also not big on cooking, but I loved this piece, Genevieve.
As for an "adult wish," I wouldn't even know where to begin.
I love that you show up a day late by the way because I always want to hang out in the comments on a single piece for like a week and sometimes even months. Things evolve and there's always more to say. (I also stay at clubs until the punishingly bright lights come on and enjoy every last moment.)
SAME. Well, I used to when I went to clubs. Now I can barely stay awake past 10pm.
Wait: Jane do you STILL stay out that late to clubs??? Dana said she can't stay awake past 10pm, well I'm in my jamjams by like 8pm!!!!! 👵🏼 And then there's Jane just out til 2am partying with Madonna!
Thanks so much, Dana! Neither does Jane -- I wish I could make you both Boeuf Bourguignon and wax poetic about this place teaching one to cook recipe-free -- it was revolutionary! 🥖🧀🍷
I would LOVE that!
I'm most certainly in.
Jane — Mom’s boyfriend told us we were headed to Disney World. An hour later, we were at Chuck E. Cheese. He also promised an Atari, and came home with a second-, or third-hand Pong that lasted about two weeks.
That just cracked me up so hard! God, I love and appreciate you! My dad told us he was bringing us home this machine that would allow us to make poster size versions of anything we wanted so my brother and I had a whole business plan dreamed up and what my dad brought back was like two sticks of wood, where you put a pencil in either side so when you draw with one the other one moves in a larger circle or something. It was cool, but not what he had promised And got us all hyped up about. The Disney World promise happened probably once a week.
A Poster Machine!!!!
Also, last year I had three separate flippers. At one time, I was missing two front teeth. Kids, don’t do eating disorders. Stomach acid is as bad for your teeth as apple cider whatnot. #teambidet
I almost wrote this in the story, but it was too long and boring already: I had a best friend question whether I was bulimic because of how my teeth were rotting. I have been many many things (which you will hear all about) but not bulimic. I'm sorry you went through that but thank you for warning others. (I kid you not, I was dictating that and Siri changed it to "I'm sorry you threw up" – which is also true – but this AI shit is scary.)
I'm feeling a little sad about my lacking in this whole team bidet thing. I apologize to all of you and I will work to get with the program.
I actually got my Husband a bidet for his birthday and it's like I gifted him a winning lotto ticket.🚽
Get yer ass in gear
I just doubled over laughing at that one. Oh man, you're too funny. So far there are at least three frame worthy quotes in this comment thread. Keep them coming!
"Amy Adams can suck it. (JK -- luv her)" cracked me up. Great piece, Genevieve. I really enjoyed it!
My adult wish is to play bass in Madonna's live band and tour with them. But maybe not now, maybe in, like, 2003. Can I have an adult wish in the past? This is a risky wish, and I'll tell you why: One of my recurring dreams (and I have several) is that I am playing in Madonna's band and I miss a cue or screw up a note and she fires me in front of the whole arena! We're talking a massive arena, like Wembley. (Is there a psychologist in the house who wants to take a stab at that one? I feel like it's not that complicated, but I'm always open to more shrinking.) In the dream, I am crushed, humiliated, and horribly upset.
I like the idea of having notebook in which to write things you are manifesting. I'm gonna try that. Again, great job.
Thanks a mill!!! I super duper appreciate your comments and HELL YESS to playing bass on Madonna's tour! I best Jane will pop in here and be like, "Madonna is a dear friend" because Jane knows the entire North American Continent and then some. But also? Maybe your recurring dream is YOU preparing yourself for your future self to not miss the cue when it happens in the future!! Someone call Doc Brown and get us a Flux Capacitor!
Of course I know Madonna – duh! You will have to work on the Time Machine backward part.
Oh snap, I just realised I did not mention that I have never even PICKED UP a bass, so I think this really IS the stuff of dreams -- but maybe I can manifest having a more positive Madge dream, like, when she actually compliments me on something I do and doesn't rip me a new one in front of the whole world.
Lol. Ok, Ok-ish -- since we're entering the Year of the Horse, will you do me a solid and take some lessons? You don't have to be Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers but it'll help fulfill this dream...🌟🎸
You are my hero. I love this so much!
So sweet and so do I!
I guess Jane/Jayne (s) are my new favorite name now!!!!! xoxo
We are the best.
I wholeheartedly agree. We really are. We should start a club.
We can co-run it. There are other amazing Janes on here too I've met who can jump in. Jane Fonda just started a Substack, so she's allowed too If you are agree, Co-President.
Oh absolutely. I will follow her to the ends of the earth. But I do think we should be co-leaders. She can be secretary.
Honestly it was physically tough for me to type that Jane Fonda should be a secretary. Jane Fonda is president all day every day.
This is awesome! I especially like the line at the end about how sometimes "saying what you want out loud is the bravest — and most effective — first step." Very timely for my own life. Looking forward to reading more from Genevieve, cheers :)
What a great story, Genevieve! My stove is basically a fancy contraption that boils water for tea (unless my fiance is cooking) but I love all things vintage and adored your description of Julia Child's 1950's kitchen - and I need some of that pink hummus! 💗
Thanks, Alyssa!! That pink hummus was BOMB!!!!! I love that your fiance is the chef in your house! What your favorite thing they make?
Lol - I do the cleaning (which I actually sort of like) and he does the cooking, so it works! We've been having fun trying different things from Hello Fresh. Pasta and Mexican are always favorite choices! 😋
Thanks Genevieve! 💕 Isn’t Bottom of the Cup a treasure? For my birthday reading in October the teller said I’ll have an agent by May and a publisher by August. I’m trying to do the work to manifest those predictions…because that’s how it works.
I do feel like I’m living my writing life … mostly. It just needs more writing and sustainability. Manifest abundance! Whew! I am trying! 😹
As far as I’m concerned, “foodie” is perfectly fine. I’m not going to get mad about a word that conveys a love of something so magical and important. Also, that hunk of blue-veined cheese in the photo has been on my foodie mind all day. Blue cheeses are my favorite food. That one had to be spectacular!
It was NEXT LEVEL!
My adult wish is to travel to Salem in early Oct with a couple of my favorite ladies in an elder-emo, black wardrobe (with 🔥 leather accents & lace-up boots) and do all the witchy tours.
——-
I took a cooking class in France once, but it did not top the cooking class I took in Florence, which was better than my wedding day. Fresh pasta & gnocchi, squash blossoms, pine nuts and tiramisu 🤌🤌
Yesss!!!! My Halloween-loving self would absolutely love to do the same!! I live in CT but haven't been up to Salem since I was in college! I need to do something about that. 🎃👻
I love this, Genevieve! I used to hate the word manifest, but on Halloween ‘24, I had my fortune read at the oldest fortune shop in New Orleans (Bottom of the Cup—highly recommend). At the end, my fortune teller wrote something on a card, handed it to me, and told me I would be seeing the time 11:11 a bunch. The message on the card: I manifest everything I want 11:11. I saw both 11:11s every day for the next five days. Even now, if I catch 11:11 I stop what I’m doing, say, “I manifest everything I want,” and list what I want until 11:12. It’s been surprisingly effective.
What I’m trying to manifest: the writing life I wanted as a kid. I wanted to write books and a regular slice-of-life column. Since 2001 I’ve been a food writer (DYING over your trip to Julia’s!!), alt weekly journalist, corporate copywriter, PR writer, SEO web copywriter, and blogger. All close, but not quite. 14 years ago I started writing a book, a hybrid memoir/Woody Guthrie biography. After multiple rewrites it’s thisclose to being ready for an agent.
Last March I was laid off from my corporate writing job, which had all but stomped me flat in the five years I did it. I decided I was done with corporate America and it was time to zero in on the childhood dream. I re-wrote my manuscript, started a travel Substack (6daysontheroad.substack.com), and began submitting and pitching my work. In January I had two essays published I two different literary journals. I’m working on my fifth piece for AJPT (DREAM!!). I feel like I’m so close to that plan I drafted in 1980, but … not quite. Until I can make a living at it, I’m not quite there. So, that’s what I’m almost always manifesting at 11:11. And now with you. 😊
(I’m also a retired chef and I want to read EVERYTHING about your time at Julia’s! Also, love the polka dot H&B apron! I almost bought that one but went with a Liberty of London collab instead.)
Oh wow—🥹. Thank you for sharing all of this so openly. I love that 11:11 ritual (and Bottom of the Cup! truly iconic energy). I’m fully on board with “I manifest everything I want” as both mantra and practice.
Also: you are so clearly already living the writing life your younger self dreamed of—it just hasn’t caught up financially yet (HEARD!)🙋🏻♀️. Being five pieces into AJPT is HUGE (dream indeed). I really believe the “almost” part is often the most electric, even if it’s the hardest to sit in.
I’m cheering so hard for that book to find its agent—and for the living-at-it part to click into place. I’ll be thinking of you at 11:11 too. 💛
And yes—retired chef approval means everything. I am a pretend chef but a full-on Foodie, despite people hating that word. ;) Thnx, Robin!!!! 💛💛💛
Oh, and Jane! I’m hypervigilant, too. If a little is good, a lot must be better! When I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines two years ago my doc said to make sure I stay extra-hydrated and to consider adding an electrolyte booster. And that’s why I need a room in my house dedicated to my stash of Liquid IV packets.