You like me! You really like me!

As Time's Person of the Year I would like to say thank you. It's nice to have fans! Do you think I can use that award in my clips file on my resume? Granted I started my Blog after the New Year began, but I still contributed to the Internet as an interactive viewer. There's a food revolution out there and I want to be in on it! Everywhere you look online or on TV there are exciting things happening in the food world. I spent some time this morning exploring other food Blogs and was amazed at how many there are-and I'm sure I only scratched the surface. I'm obviously not the only one out there who is obsessed with all things food oriented. The Food Network and it's Rock Stars have broiled, basted and braised their way to Superstardom. There are a million websites where you can find any recipe you need at any given moment and bloggers who post their cravings, addictions, finds and recipes. You might think that cookbooks would become antiquated but instead it is a booming industry which helps to support not only the current Cheflebrities but also the the rising stars as well. Food Network and other industry giants such as Williams and Sonoma publish cookbooks on a regular basis. I just received for Christmas (thanks again Babe!) the giant, gorgeous butter yellow Gourmet compilation that has over 1000 pages, and as editor Ruth Reichl says, "...every recipe you would ever want." I plan to cook my way through it eventually. Watch out for future posts on hopefully delicious recipes. Yet as I revel in this glorious gourmandry I have a few sobering thoughts. While we discuss the disgustingly PC attempt in Chicago to ban foie gras there are people who can't feed their families. While we sample 20 dollar appetizers and feel the velvety warmth of a good merlot in the back of our throat there are people who can't afford more than a six pack of Miller Lite and some bologna and white bread. There are women and girls who starve themselves to death and others who binge and purge the food that so many would eat to survive. America is a confusing country of contradictions. Yet I believe that wallowing in guilt or defending a lifestyle is pointless. It is what it is. There are rich and poor, lucky and unlucky, sick and well people. Instead I ask myself, what can I do personally to bring a little change about? How can I, in my own small way, make a difference? I'm not sure yet but now that the question is asked the answer cannot be silence. I'll just have to search for my niche. I'll still pursue my obsession with food, wine, and writing. I'll still eat well tonight, drink a glass (or two) of cabernet and embrace my family. I'll probably enjoy it all the more because I know what else is out there. Mangia!!!