Don't Be Afraid!

I want to thank all The Novel Girls for their awesome posts last week, and a special thanks to Jillian for jumping on last Monday. It is much appreciated! I wish I could enter to win an ARC of THE LIFE OF GLASS...I'm so ready to read this book. But, alas, I will have to wait. *SIGH*

This week's topic is brought to us by Lesley! In addition, this week marks the paperback release of WONDROUS STRANGE. Listen up: if you haven't read WONDROUS STRANGE yet, why not? Stop reading this blog NOW, go get a copy, and then read that. Trust me, you'll love the story that Lesley has crafted.

So what's the topic on the agenda? Passions.

I have to admit this topic flummoxed me for a while, because my passions are fairly recognizable by anyone who knows me at all. Writing (Check), Reading (Check), Family (Check), and Friends (Check). And seeing as I've already dished on all of those passions on this blog at one time or another, I had to really think about what else in my life makes me smile.

It took longer than it should've, but that's because this is a passion I haven't truly been able to indulge in a while. I love...Love...LOVE to cook for friends and family and have everyone over for a get-together. But Tracy, you might say, how is this different than cooking for your family every night at the dinner time? Because that's not the type of cooking I'm talking about.

I'm talking about far more than throwing something on the table to feed my hungry brood, though that's fulfilling in its own way. What fires me up in the kitchen is when I go that extra mile and create a really special menu, and then when I can share that menu with those I'm closest with. I love making people smile, and I love hearing the "oohs" and "ahhs" from those enjoying whatever I've prepared.

Good food is such a great medium for socializing with the important people in your life, those connected by love, memories, and friendship. And yep, sometimes ordering a pizza works too, but I love planning a menu, choosing the perfect appetizers, main dish, side dishes, and desserts, and then going all out.

I used to do this often, for birthdays and holidays and just for fun. Lately, though, everyone in my life (including me) has been so busy, that this little passion of mine has fallen by the wayside. But hey, the holidays are approaching fast, so for November and December, I'll be able to indulge again. Hm, that makes me start thinking of menus...

And for anyone trying to connect the title of this post with my passion, "Don't be afraid!" is a quote from Julia Child, who, as everyone knows, had a true passion for cooking incredible food.

Remember to post a comment to enter both this week's giveaway (which Lesley will announce) AND the chance at a $100 Amazon Gift Card!