Photos of Arlington Cemetary are spread across my desk today, in honor of my Uncle Sam, a prisoner of war and Purple Heart recipient. Other heros are on my mind today as well…
As I recall my brave Uncle (who lost his leg to gangrene, went on to work for the CIA under the Kennedy administration, and passed away last year) I find myself pausing to remember not only the brave soldiers serving us (isn’t it amazing that the word, us, has the same letters as the abbreviation for United States?) but also the mentors, leaders, teachers, and colleagues who have helped me through the years.
Without those mentors, I would have only had luck, education, and good manners on my side.
Thank you, teachers, mentors, leaders, all.
It’s a holiday, so this blog will be brief. But I want to acknolwledge some of the people who who have helped me along the writing/editing/marketing path:
William Garry, (RIP), former Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit. Bill hired a 30-something me (dressed in a Steven Sprouse suit and my hair was very, very spiky….) and believed that I could bring a je ne sais quois to the magazine.
Barbara Fairchild, Editor-in-Chief, Bon Appetit. Barbara kept me on staff when Bill passed away, and continues to be of service when I need guidance.
Jean Anderson, www.jeanandersoncooks.com , who gave me my first book assignment and continues to guide me.
Alice Gordon, formerly with Texas Monthly, House & Garden and Travel & Leisure. Alice taught me (when I was an ingenue in NYC) how to leave academic writing behind and use words for magazines.
Carole Lalli, clalli3@aol.com. Carole convinced Simon & Schuster to buy my first cookbook and she served as my editor, as well.
Joanna Krotz, www.joannakrotz.com who made me write, re-write, and re-write again and again and again at House Beautiful magazine. She was always right, and my copy was much better after she’d red-penned it.
You are my professional heroes, and I thank you for giving me many, many opportunities.
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Thanks, CP…yes, so many people have helped me/us along the way…..! Thanks for commenting…sbk
That’s very touching, Sadie. It’s good to remember those who have made our paths a little easier. Keep up the good work!