Influences

I am re-reading one of my favorite authors, Ruth Reichl, one of the world's most famous food critics.  In her books, she weaves stories of her influences as a child that lead her to this life.   It was a little of this and a little of that.  Well, more accurately, it was a little of this person and a little of that person:  the butcher explaining the cut of meat every Saturday morning, a waiter taking her back in the kitchen, eating at a friend's house, lunches on rainy days with her grandmother, a chef playing "guess what's in this"...

And I am reminded that every time I spend time with a child, talking to her and listening to her, I too, can influence her future.  May I be really purposeful today.