My mom and a friend of hers recently co-authored a book called “A Guide For Gentlemen Chefs”. This is a cookbook, in rhyme, with delightful illustrations from the famous cartoonist Mario Miranda. Quite literally, a treat. Naturally, we were all very proud of her achievment, but little did we know that the book was to be nominated for the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in the Paris Cookbook Fair, held in February 2010! She got the news yesterday, and above and beyond my delight at this pleasant surprise, is the satisfaction of knowing that my mother, in her 60s and in frail health, still knows how to live life to the fullest. If I’m lucky, a little of that ‘joie’ will pass on to me, and my daughter. I’ve heard so many stories recently of my friends’ mothers who have gone on to study, work, travel, write, paint, volunteer, knit, sew, and offer of themselves in so many ways. A toast to all these wonderful women! And please check out this wonderful book: bon apetit!