Dear kind readers and gentlepeople,
This is just a little note let you know that Food for The Thoughtless is not dead, but merely taking a much-needed rest.
The author (pictured above) needed lots of sleep during the month of September. One could say that the month fairly flew by as if in a dream, which makes sense given the fact that he was doing his best to have as many of them as possible.
And now, sickened by his overuse of the third person, he will switch back to the much more human first, which suits him just fine, since he is now, in fact, feeling human again.
It was a wonderful month of ups and downs, but mostly ups.
Thanks to marvelous people like David Leite and Antonia Allegra, I was encouraged to haul my carcass to the Allegheny Mountains for a little jamboree known as the Greenbrier Symposium for Professional Food Writers, where I ate s’mores and learned to feel as if I were, in fact, a professional food writer.
I was entirely too busy cramming my brain with information to remember to take photos, which is a pity, but there were others who did like Heidi Swanson, who also brought snacks.
There were so many fascinating people there I was nearly as overwhelmed by them as I was by the Dorothy Draper interiors.
And, to finish off the month, this little thing happened…
…which isn’t little a thing at all, except perhaps in terms of physical size.
Several years ago, when I was taking my first, hesitant steps towards writing, my friend Robin gave me two of these anthologies for my birthday and said, “Who knows? Maybe you’ll be in one someday.”
And now I can proudly say I am. You can read my story on my blog, but there are 49 other people’s worth of excellent stories to be found inside its covers. Buy a copy and see for yourself.
A lot of really wonderful things have come into my life as a result of this blog— the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, the things I’ve eaten. I’d be a fool to let it end, which is why I will return next week with a spot of dirty fun. I promise.
Thanks so much for reading and all the marvelous encouragement. And I mean that most sincerely.
Cheers,
Michael
Ok, believe me when I say this but I rarely, if ever, use the term “sqeeeee…” – It is only used for momentous announcements. So forgive me but “squeee…….”!!!
There. I feel better now.
All I can say is congratulations… and I am not surprised in the least!!!!
Thank you, Nancy. Very much. And I’m glad the “squeeee” made you feel better, too. I rather enjoyed it myself.
Congratulations. I think I ‘ll add the book to my Christmas wish list.
It’s a great read. I’ve really enjoyed discovering (for myself) other writers. It’s absolutely worth the money.
And thank you for the congratulations.
The social medias have ruined me. I want to Like and Favorite and Share this post all over christendom.
Congratulations, my friend. You deserve every stellar up.
Thank you , my dear woman. You’re one of the wonderful people I’ve gotten to meet doing this whole food writing thing. Now, if we could just see each other more than once a year or so. Let’s please do something about that little thing.
Congratulations, Michael. As Nancy said, it’s not at all surprising, but still so very exciting! Enjoy a bit more rest – we’ll still be here when you return.
Thanks very much, Nicole. I think I’m done resting. I hope. I’m all rested out.
Delighted for you, on all counts!
Now, push back the covers and get to work again 🙂
xox
Thanks, my good woman. I’d be happy to push these covers out the window, if you like. I desperately want new bedding– it’s all rested out.
That’s great news! Congratulations! Very well deserved.
Thanks a hell of a lot, Ryan.
How cool is this? Good for you!
It’s a really lovely thing. It makes me exceedingly happy. However, perhaps I should just pretend that I don’t care a fig about it. Or not.
I’m so proud of you or, as they say here in Southern California, ‘crazy proud’.
As long as it’s crazy, I’m all for it. Thank you, my friend.
You are so great…so very, very happy for you. xo
You are greater. xom
Congrats! You deserve to be included!
Bless you, my long lost amiga. We should talk. We need to catch up. xom
!!!! Super happy for you! Outstanding work!
Thanks very much, Emilie. I’m looking forward to getting back to work!
My dearest Michael Procopio of the Anaheim Procopios, this former Southern Belle was completely mesmerized by your writings, your witticisms, and your charming presence at the Greenbrier. You deeply touched me with your bravery and willingness to be open and vulnerable and your constant chilvalry to the rest of your Greenbrier tribe of food writers. You’re the master of being sardonic and lightly sarcastic to the point of humor, but without harm or hurt. As a 5th generation Southerner I pronounce you an honorary southern writer and gentleman to boot. As we say back home, “Bless your heart!” and “Honey take your break!”
Robin,
Do you have any idea how much this compliment means to me, coming from a Southerner? Lots. I used to pretend I was Southern when I was a kid and insist that I *was* from the South because Anaheim is roughly the same latitude as Atlanta. Latitude, perhaps. Attitude, perhaps not.
Thank you so much for that. xom
This is fantastic, Michael. Congratulations to you — so deserving. I’d love to hear more about the Greenbriar Symposium sometime. What a wonderful opportunity you had to attend. It’s on my list of really-really-want-to-do-someday items.
Go go go go go go go. Did I say go? Go to the Greenbrier if you get half the chance. And thank you for such lovely words. xom
Yay! Well done Michael, couldn’t be happening to a writer I like more ^_^
What a tremendously kind thing to say. Thank you, Sasa.
This makes me smile from ear to ear. A grande affair is in order (meaning you and I and one too many cocktails at my house). Many many congratulations.
I think you’re quite divine.
Truly looking forward to catching up,
Sabrina
Thanks, Sabrina. You’re rather heavenly yourself. Let’s please at least do drinks after I come up for air after this weekend. xom
Congratulations to you! I bought the book and can’t wait to start reading.
Your cherished blogs are literary gems to be sure.
Susan
You bought the book? That makes me soooo happy I can’t even begin to tell you. And thank you very much for all your moral support (and thoughtful gifts)! xom
Oh, Michael, how exciting! Yay!
Thank you, Serene. I am actually allowing myself to be excited about it.
Wonderful! Seriously. I am so tickled for you – I love that you are in my most favorite anthology… I have several years on my bookshelf and will be thrilled to add yours to the list. Congratulations many times over.
Thanks, Sasha. It’s a total (expletive) thrill to be in it this year among so many marvelous people.