Let me start with as soon as I finished the book, I missed Liz Gilbert. For several weeks I have been intermittently reading through this memoir the way I sneak a spoonful or two here and there of ice cream from the carton. Sometimes, just a few chapters (or tales as she calls them) would satiate me, like a rich chocolate bonbon that needs to be savored not inhaled. Other times, I would sneak away from work and family to read quietly for a half hour to better immerse myself in the emotional journey. For several weeks, Liz was in my head and fueling thoughts about my own life and journey towards balance whether I noticed her or not.

I also must admit that halfway through, I felt a bit annoyed. How can one not understand pleasure? Why in the world would any woman feel guilt over eating a plateful of steaming pasta? Has this woman not seen Sophia Loren?! Her experiences in India left me nodding. Yes, you need to accept yourself. How can you accept others if you have not even accepted yourself? Didn’t Jesus say love others as you love yourself? That implies loving yourself is healthy and natural, Liz. For goodness sake!

Indonesia, however, felt like my own emotional terrain. Let’s find balance, harmony, making sure it all works together… I’m with you, Liz. I was, too.

I read the last page and put the book down, immediately washed over with a sadness as I realized that Liz would no longer be in my head or I in hers. I had developed a kinship with this woman I do not know personally, bonded over the trauma of love lost and losing oneself  in the process (though my experience hit me in my early twenties instead of my thirties). Her vulnerability and honesty appealed to me as a thinking person and as a woman. But ultimately, the deepest bond and camaraderie was from one person who found herself and her balance to another–which if you have done, you know is no easy task in this modern world.

The bottom line is Elizabeth Gilbert is funny and endearing with her educated notions and vulnerable questions. Reading “Eat, Pray, Love” feels like reading a long letter from a dear friend travelling the world: revelatory, heart-felt and full of longing to connect from such a distance. She is a woman I would love to have drinks with anywhere in the world and I don’t care if it’s Italian wine, hot ginger tea or Brazilian cocktails.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Translation: I really liked it.

This poor little blog of mine has been neglected in favor of serving my clients, but it will not be neglected much longer. Stay tuned as I have many things up my sleeve for the summer!

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Dear 2009 – after much review I (and several friends) have decided that you suck. Therefore, we have replaced you with a better looking 2010.

With a hearty “Here, here!” I welcome you to 2010. May your profits rise, your overhead lower, and your job satisfaction increase!

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Please check out great new posts including Seasonal Winter Cooking where I discuss using seasonal fruits and veggies for your meals, answer What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?, feature a great new Sustainable Product of the Week and even showcase our latest Tips for Green Living Carnival!

To be honest, my business was experiencing growing pains. DMR Writing Services was a limited brand that was no longer working well for me as I was expanding. So, I decided a good strong change was in order. Instead of just offering articles, SEO, and blog post work, I have expanded into what came naturally – business copy (including websites, brochures, and in-house documents) and book writing. I have also dropped a few less profitable services, but alas, that’s business.

But perhaps the most personally exciting is I have also brought my some of my pet projects like Green Your Apartment under the fold of this new company. Please feel free to poke around and contact me!

marie AT fourfiftyonemedia DOT com