Post #109225 by ZebraTiki on Thu, Aug 19, 2004 5:39 PM

I was lucky enough to work with her during a book signing 7 or so years ago. When she saw a load of 8 cartons of books being taken out to the sales area, she was amazed at the size of it, and asked what books they were. When I told her that it was her book that was being restocked, she was amazed. It wasn't that she didn't want to sign that many, she just was humbled that so many people were still so enthusiastic about what she called, "A basic cook book." ("The Way To Cook")

People had her signing wooden spoons, books, brought her cards, and she was just terrific with everyone. A wild-eyed vegan tried to yell at her about using meat and butter, etc. I don't remember what she said to the person, but she put them in their place, and FAST. (Julia was easily 6' tall, and could probably tent-peg you into the ground if she had to.)

Throughout a long book signing, she seemed to have a twinkle in her eye for everyone, and was just as chipper at the end of the day.

Julia's advice while signing my copy of her book was to always use "real" foods, no powdered spices, chemically created spreads, freshest produce, and high quality meats.

I'm sure she used her voice to hypnotize me. I kept asking her questions, and have little memory of her answers, as I was listening to her unique cadence. ( I'm incorrigible!)

The one thing I do remember was her comment at the end of the day about the vegan complainer "Well, beef and butter haven't killed ME yet! Ha!"
Julia Child was a gem.

[ Edited by: ZebraTiki on 2004-08-19 17:49 ]