It feels right to begin a new adventure with a prayer. This one seems especially appropriate, and comes from The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics by Jessica Porter. My friend Melissa loaned me this book, which is funny and, yes, hip. However, not to dis anybody’s trip, there is no “cheese” in “macrobiotics”; consequently, this is not a diet I could adapt for long. Regardless of our differences, though, Ms. Porter and I agree: “cooking is cool.”

Dear Infinite Universe:
I am a magician.
Through the alchemy of cooking,
I am turning this time into glittering gold.
I am building my body
And the bodies of those I love.
Instead of stagnation,
I am enjoying growth and forward motion.
Instead of hiding my light, it is glowing in the world.
It feels so good to be alive.
Cooking wakes up my senses,
Sharpens my intuition,
And warms my soul.
Cooking is cool.
Thank you for teaching me, through cooking
About your elements;
Fire, earth, metal, water, and tree
Which make up my body and all living things.
With you,
I am nourishing my deepest power
And my wildest dreams.
Let’s go!

P.S. From our office where we are stapling and collating, we have a picture window to Athens and the hills beyond. The hills are rocky, covered with little shrubs and big communications antennas. Yogurt, honey, and dried fruits and nuts for breakfast, with strong coffee.