Later, my little crisis was further amplified when the movie window clerk asked if we were both senior citizens. It was as if he could smell the acrid smell of my aging eggs. (I realize to a twenty year old, fifty IS darn near ancient.) But, oh, the sting!

Thus was my mood when the movie Julia and Julie began. But this movie was just perfect to lift my spirits. It's a wonder, how Meryl Streep can so transform herself to whatever character she plays. (An interesting side note: Amy Adams, who plays Julie, also starred with Streep in Doubt, another eloquent movie.) I adore the zest with which this Julia (and the original Julia) lived their life. I identify, too, with the young blogger who cooked all of Julia Child's recipes within one year's time.

How wise, too, her husband, who advised her when she learned that ninety year old Julia was less than impressed with her efforts. He explained how it was really the 'Inner Julia Child', as aspect of Julie Powell's own self, that had really been her guiding spirit.

This movie was a complete delight, I laughed, I cried, and I felt triumphant when each of the two cooks got their book deal.

The website display for Child's kitchen at Smithsonian's American History History museum has a nice photo of Julia with the motto, "...above all, have a good time." Such good advice. What merit if our efforts are all grim? Let joy enfuse us as much as it can.

That photo along with that of a sketching artist - combined on my Photoshop screen as I drew from each: