Morning in New York

posted by Patty James @ 9:52am, Monday 10 May 2010.

I set my alarm for 7:00 this morning as I stayed up a bit late-mostly disco dancing in my living room. It was fun! Kathryn put quite a bit of disco on my IPod and I have to tell you you can not sit still. Well, anyway, I woke up at 6:00, excited about the day.

First I did some organizing, showered and ironed some clothes. My breakfast idea had come together in my head, so I filmed myself cooking it and I also filmed last night's dinner. Jimmy should have them posted soon. I was going to film lunch too, but I'm still full from breakfast, so tomorrow will be the spinach salad.

After breakfast I walked over to W. 69th Street to meet my friend Bill Telepan at his restaurant-which is excellent, but the way- to chat again about the book proposal I had. When I was here last fall, my friend Nancy Easton introduced me to Bill and I told him about Shine The Light On America's Kids. I knew I wanted to create a book about the journey and he was very interested. I like collaboration these days. For one thing I no longer have a commercial kitchen, nor the time to create the recipes the kids have said were their favorites. There are many other components to the book now that I am 20 something states into STL.

This time I had a written outline and we sat and chatted about the vision I now have for the book and how I saw us working together. He listened and put his hand out to shake my hand, without a word. We have a deal. We shook hands last fall as well, but now the idea is more than just an idea. We are both pretty excited about it. He is involved with Nancy's non-profit, Wellness in the Schools (WITS) which is pretty self-explanatory.

Bill is also well connected  here in New York, which is a big plus. He has a literary agent and many, many other connections. The publisher for his beautiful book,' Inspired by Ingredients', is Simon and Schuster and he is going to chat with them about it. I will also tell my publisher and we'll see what happens. We are both exactly on the same page as to the format and the added benefits (lots of tidbits, quotes from the kids, etc.) and a DVD will be included with all the kids videos (edited way down, of course.) I will see Bill and I assume his wife and daughter at the Fundraiser tonight, so later I will post more photographs. One last thing, I told him that I was also planning to write a personal story about my life these past couple years. It's been quite the personal journey (understatement!) and has ended up in a wonderful way on so many different fronts. I will need help with this book and he knows of a 'ghost writer' (of sorts) who can help. Also, one of his chefs is an excellent illustrator for when it's time to write Patch and Wilma's story. All set!

I know in my heart and in my gut that looking back 2 years from now, all will be well-better than ever, but right now, finances are a huge challenge. I need to make it through the year, get grant money to develop programs based on STL, write these two books and somehow figure out an income while I'm doing all of these things. Writing books is a full time job, but this journey has pretty much taken everything I have. I am simply chatting to the void and really don't need anything...I will figure it all out, I'm sure.

That's it for now. Check back later...

Bill's restaurant...



When I arrived all these boxes were stacked outside-all supplies for the big fundraiser for Wellness in the School's tonight.



Bill in his restaurant.



Outside with my friend Nancy Easton (on the left), Bill and a new friend, Laura.



Walking back home, I noticed this carving by someone's front door-beautiful...