Just wanted to extend my sincere gratitude to The James Beard Foundation, my peers, my fellow nominees, and to all you lovely, lovely folks who continue to watch and support my series. Every story this past season has been such a gift to tell. So, thank you.
When I found out the news from my friend Kari, I sat down at my editing desk and started crying. Not many people know this, but my 2012 storytelling season was the most challenging and most difficult to get through to date. It asked a lot out of me. It asked me to tell stories when I was sad. To tell stories, when I didn’t have the will to tell stories. But, I pushed forward and did it anyway, because something deep within me knows it’s what my true purpose is. I’m a storyteller. It’s what makes me special. It’s what makes me want to wake up every morning and do my job well. My job is to find life and share life. And in sharing life, the cool thing is…I actually help people. That’s the power of a good story. That’s why I LOVE what I do. Going out into the world with my questions and my cameras reminds me of the magic in the everyday, the collective drive we share as dreamers/doers, the need we share to connect with others, and the struggle we all go through in life to do what we love to do. It’s a beautiful thing to document and to be a part of. Plus, all these food makers become dear friends. How could I not feel quite lucky, everyday?
So, with all my heart, thanks for watching food. curated.! Thanks for supporting passionate food artisans! I would love to know YOUR favorite story from this past year in the COMMENTS section too. Enjoy the day! Seek life. –Skeeter