22 Comments
User's avatar
Rosminah Brown's avatar

Yes!

Did MFK Fisher go through the same thoughts as she wrote? We don't know for sure, but she produced a great collection of writing about food, travel, tragedy and life that influenced so many other writers. It's not called the Art of Eating for nothing. Maybe your creative voice will make that moment that will inspire the next writer.

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you so much for your response, Rosminah. I hope so!

Expand full comment
Peter Beale's avatar

Rock and roll, Pascale, scribe to an ever growing family of fans. I wonder if you know how much positive joy your words bring - leave alone the yummy grub. Can't wait to get my hands on your next book. Bisou. Belanopek

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Merci, merci for all the encouragement and support!

Expand full comment
Chris Hagerty's avatar

YES !!! I agree. My solution was to cancel cable tv during Trump's first administration and go about my life without hearing an abundance of noise and hate. All news is bad news and in times like these ... it's the worst news. Ad-free streaming makes for a comfortable evening before bed and I keep up to date with select podcasts, dabs of public radio, etc. Your photo of the clouds is beautiful and we must continue to appreciate that nature, at least, is more powerful, albeit slower, than Trump's heinous actions. We must avoid becoming frozen in uncertainty and fear. Make art! Write! Cook delicious and nutritious meals. Make / listen to music. Love and be loved. ~ Chris Hagerty

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you, Chris for your words of encouragement. I think we all feel overwhelmed at times, and catching your breath is what we all need to do. I will continue to write and cook. I am truly heartened by all the messages of support I have received.

Expand full comment
Peter Beale's avatar

I have just come back from Baby Beach with the trade winds doing their thing at 30 knots, waves slapping you in the face swimming in the lagoon behind the reef, after adjusting my mandala slowly getting buried in sand. De quoi savourer la vie sans polluer sa tête. Avanti ma fille. Avec Courage, lumière et un grand sourire. Ton Papa.

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Merci...ajoute une pierre pour moi sur ton mandala, comme ca, j'en fais partie aussi. Thank you for all the words of encouragement! Onwards. xo ta fille.

Expand full comment
Lori Cooper's avatar

Write, write, write, Pascale. We need every form of art more than ever during these extremely trying times. We need to be creative. So keep cooking and writing and spreading joy and optimism. Merci!

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you so much Lori for these enthusiastic words. Everyone's support means so much to me. Merci!

Expand full comment
Kathy's avatar

It’s been challenging to focus on my creativity lately, and I have been writing about the same thing you posed: Can creativity exist in tumultuous times? I find that my go-to activities are painting and writing. I took comfort in your description of the rain and your desire to make soup. I could picture it and felt the comfort of that scene. They say that artists pour their thoughts onto paper, canvas, song, or dance when it gets complicated. We stand up to the times, and it’s a way of fighting back against those who want us to lose the colors of this world. So, I will continue to paint and use my writing, like you, to fight the good fight. Keep up the fight! I loved this article! Thank you!!!

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you Kathy. Don't lose the colors! Keep painting, keep writing. I think half the battle is trusting and knowing that there are many people out there supporting you and your work. We all have to support and champion each other!

Expand full comment
Kathy's avatar

Thank you, Pascale. Your comment means so much to me right now. I know I'll "Keep calm and carry on", but of course with some of your Apple and Berry Crumble! Which I know will make so much better!!!

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Sometimes, taking a pause, a deep breath, going for a walk, taking time to smell the roses, look up at the beautiful scenery, listening to birds chirping, feeling the sun on your face, and yes, making an apple crumble helps set the world to rights, at least for a little while.

Expand full comment
Carol Greene's avatar

I agree and am deeply grateful to you for not only sharing this but also continuing to create. We need it more than ever right now!

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you so much Carol for your support!

Expand full comment
Shannon Harvey's avatar

Much needed and much appreciated at this time. It is such a pleasant diversion from the chaos. Thank you for the question:)

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you Shannon. My goal is to write something that is nourishing, body and soul. I hope everyone will find comfort and solace in it.

Expand full comment
Diane Galvan's avatar

Thank you Pascale! I have received similar reflections from various blogs/e newsletters I subscribe to: book clubs, art journals,environmental groups, reflections on tea! There is a comfort, a solidarity that is nurturing at this time.

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you, Diane. I've read many posts along the same lines too. It is a fine line to tread, and I think we are all trying to find the right balance.

Expand full comment
Sheila M Stone's avatar

Pascale you inspire so many with your thoughts, your writings, your delicious recipes, and your love for family and friends. What you do every day gives joy to us during these troubling times and encourages us to make a difference… so there is no doubt that whatever you do it’s important …..so upwards and onwards with no more doubts - we all need to hear from wise souls❣️Sheila

Expand full comment
Pascale Beale's avatar

Thank you for your thoughts and all your words of encouragement, Sheila.

Expand full comment