Who and what determines what being “accomplished” means? I may identify someone as accomplished, but maybe they don’t think they are. Being accomplished means more than just finishing something successfully. For me it includes feelings, a connection with self and others, a sense of fulfillment from within, a sense of having done something meaningful.

As I age, some of my perspectives about what I have written and what I write change. I was sixty when I entered this MFA program. My purpose was to encourage and enhance my writing while connecting with a writing community. Amidst an active life that I shared with my husband, children and grandson, and many friends, I wanted to hold onto and nurture my creative self and writing practice. Being in the program did bring a sense of accomplished because I wrote pieces I never would … Read More »

“Embrace your whole self – mind, body, heart and spirit – as you step into your tomorrows.”

Some of you may relate to those truly special journeys that seem like a gift from the universe because they end up being so much more than one can hope for. This Two Bordelais food and wine trip was one of those journeys, We all have certain expectations when we travel, but when unexpected, inspiring connections occur during a trip – moments that make us see a wider landscape of life, make us feel more alive, and make us sense the divine aspects of our existence – these journeys stay with us through our lifetime. This trip was filled with many wonders including intuitive and spiritual synchronicities which always make my heart feel full and lift my spirit. In this journey I felt in the flow of my life. There was a greater awareness of myself, an embrace … Read More »

In my last blog I hinted about more stories from the trip to Bordeaux. I have been trying to remember the names of the several towns where we went to the markets in the mornings to select the meat, fish, and incredibly fresh produce that we would be working with and cooking that day. Having never experienced a European market place, I had no expectations and so everything was a surprise as every one of my senses was stimulated, especially visually.

Indoor market

This new world I was exploring felt endless in the streams of people and array of foods that surrounded me. Thank goodness that Jean Pierre Moullé knew just where to lead us, though at times I was tempted to follow where my eyes were drawing me. I was mesmerized, curious, and wanted to see and touch everything; … Read More »

Lunch in Bordeaux – photo by A. Bowen

Ten years ago, the landscape of my culinary world expanded with an intimate cooking and wine experience in Bordeaux with Jean Pierre and Denise Moullé http://www.twobordelais.com/. I have to be honest and say that I was completely ignorant of what lay ahead in this cooking experience. Friends had interested us in this trip and I was just happy to be taking it. Cooking in France sounded intriguing though not intimidating because I was used to certain elements and styles of European cooking; both my parents were immigrants from Poland. That said, I had little knowledge of all that was ahead of me, especially the chef we were going to be cooking with and learning from. Jean Pierre was well known because, up until his recent retirement, he was for … Read More »