Monday November 21, 2011

Ms Murky Mondays:
Gratitude is my Mantra

I read a really interesting article a few months ago about gratitude.  In fact, it was about a gratitude exercise where you spend an hour walking through your house and then outside your house and you look at everything you have and express gratitude for it. It's amazing how many things we just take for granted - like windows, for instance.  They keep out the weather but they let the light in.  When's the last time you looked at your windows and thanked them? There's something about gratitude that changes your mood for the better.  And in that spirit, I would like to express gratitude for all those who helped make the Heirloom Meals Thanksgiving special.

Firstly to JP Lipa, my amazing, talented, brilliant Director and Cinematographer.  JP "got it".  He understood that Heirloom Meals was a storytelling show with recipes and cooking as the glue. Add his artistry, attention to detail and intense work ethic and voila, the perfect match for Heirloom Meals. And, if JP wasn't enough, he comes attached to his brother, Chris who handles all the production details for their company Eleven 11 Images.  To help frame why JP is impressive....he shot Michael Jackson's last video.  Here's his camera with the late singer, the same camera that shot the Heirloom Meals special:

Next, it's my Mom and family I need to thank.  If you've seen the special, you will see how important Mom is to me.  She has always been my inspiration, my guide, my best friend. Dad is also a role model - he is the type A, entrepreneur with a heart of gold. And then layer on all the memories of my grandparents and there are not enough thank you's!!

Next, is my new family - Jim, my three step kids and all that living with Jim in the Berkshires has to offer - our beautiful house, our chickens, cows and horses.  Jim has supported me every step of the way. I am a lucky girl, I am!!

Next is my friend and assistant, Donna. I am grateful for having Donna in my life BUT now I am grateful that she is recovering from her lumpectomy.  She'll be getting radiation treatments for 30 days but her prognosis is excellent!

Next, is my new friend Ken Zuckerman from Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs who started this whole thing anyway....his belief in me and Heirloom Meals propelled the making of the special.  He also promoted the show by organizing the 4 premiere screenings we had last week and helped secure all the pledge items for New Hampshire Public Television and WGBY that will be airing in December. I tip my hat to you!!

Next, I am grateful for Lauren Zivyak whose energy and enthusiasm for the project and for Erin Gernon, my amazing summer intern who both stood by my side before and during the shoot. And for Madeline Finnerty for being available to help during the shoot and Jake DeVarrennes for all his help!

Then there are all the great guests whose beautiful, heart-felt stories and recipes created the rich fabric for the show. And then there are the sponsors who took a chance on an idea.

All this thanking has me feeling euphoric!  Try it, you won't be disappointed!!

Lastly, THANK YOU ALL for watching an enjoying the show. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!