You’re not just the queen of butter, you’re the queen of love.
Paula Deen: Photo by Dr. Billy Ingram/Getty Images
I felt nervous, excited and at one point in time, I felt like I wanted to cry tears of joy! It had been quite some time since my heart had raced that quickly, especially over some celebrity. I knew she was in the building and the line for her book signing was growing longer by the minute.
I was on my way to pick up one of her latest books with hopes that I could meet her during the signing. On my way, a reporter had pulled me aside for an interview on women’s blogs (thanks to my sister). I knew this was a great opportunity to get the word out about MissFitMama and was excited since this was my first official interview. The woman was kind and sincere and I tried so hard to focus on what she was saying, but then time stopped. I heard the echo of a voice I had become all too familiar with on the Food Network. It was the woman I had been waiting for. Paula Deen was a good 50 feet away from me now.
Paula Deen at the Women's Conference in Long Beach, CA
My mother had secured us a spot at the back of the auditorium behind some rope and after I answered my last question, I made a b line for it. She was just as beautiful as she was on tv. Her laugh and personality was larger than life. I had missed the first few minutes of her speech and came in at a point where she began to talk about her early days as the “Bag Lady”. She had started her business with determination, hard work, a passion for cooking and only $200.00.
The Deen Brothers at the Women's Conference
Later she discussed the love of her life, her now husband Michael. She talked about faith, responsibility and her will be independent and self reliant. Here, I will share on of her many pearls of wisdom. “Ladies, never be with a man because you have to, be with a man because you want to”. In other words, take responsibility for yourself (financially and otherwise) and when you’re independent, happy and healthy, love will be that much more fulfilling.
We may be separated by generations,culture & state lines, but our common ground is our love of good food and the life that happens in between meals. I was 22 when I lost my father, and Paula was 26 when she became an orphan. Like Paula, I struggled terribly through school (as my poor mother can attest to). I had dreams of becoming a famous actress or singer. She wanted to become a model. I was called a late bloomer, but as Paula reminded me during her speech, she was in her 40′s when she decided to take life by the reigns. She said, “It was June 19th… I never forget it”. Thank God she did. So, in honor of Paula Deen, I will share The Serenity Prayer that she shared with us. I love you Paula!
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
–Reinhold Niebuhr
Congratulations to the “Classically Thin” recipe contest winner Leaha P. from Whittier, CA
Leaha’s recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad was a favorite amongst the judges for it’s simplicity and creativity. Check back soon for a copy of this recipe along with a short interview with our winner! Great job Leaha!
I also want to send out a special thank you to everyone who participated in our very first “Classically Thin” recipe contest. I had so much fun going through all your recipes and am looking forward to more contests in the near future!
Now and Then
Last week I attended open house for our kids which is always kind of a bizarre experience. On one hand, it feels great to be on the other side of things! Now, I’m the parent having conferences with teachers. On the other hand, it’s bittersweet because I begin to reflect on my present age and some of the more awkward moments from my teen years. I am completely different yet still the same.
Junior High and High School was a time of self discovery. While most girls were discovering boys, I was more interested in what was on the lunch menu. I did have a core group of female friends, but all my “male” friends saw me as ” one of the guys”. After all, I did weigh more than most of them. I hated being late to class because that always meant you were forced to squeeze into the least desirable seats near the front. I always preferred to sit near the rear exit because at my heaviest, getting in and out of my chair without causing some commotion was near impossible. Did I mention I was also extremely clumsy and frequently, tripped or stepped on toes or knocked people over with my backpack? Thanks goodness those times are behind me now 
It wasn’t too difficult to squeeze into the front desk of my daughters Home Economics class, but I did (for a moment) panic, wondering whether or not I would actually fit. In many ways, I’m different now because I’m more secure in who I am (even if I haven’t reached my goal weight). However, it was a small reminder that the self image demons I fought in school are still lurking beneath the surface, waiting to bring me down with memories from past failures. My defense; Remembering that I can start over every day. I try not to beat myself up with negativity, but rather encouragement and a plan of action. I make small, attainable daily goals and focus on accomplishing one thing, one day at a time. Its these little victories that really add up to great success in the end or future if you will. Be encouraged! It’s never too late to start over.
Say this to yourself each and every day:
1. I am beautiful right now.
2. I am strong right now.
3. I am worthy of being loved right now.
4. I am worthy of respect right now.
5. I have the power to take control of my own happiness right now.
If you don’t know where to start, check out THIS article as a guide to your first step I would wish you luck, but you don’t need it. All you need is the will to succeed. I believe in you. Now, believe in yourself.
PS) Sorry about the absence of photos. My camera is missing so until I get a replacement, I’ll see what I can do to keep things visual
Thank you for all your delicious submissions!
Thanks to everyone who supported my very first MissFitMama low fat recipe contest! It was a success and I’m looking forward to testing and tasting all these amazing recipes! Good luck to everyone who entered!
