A vulnerable story about overcoming imposter syndrome at a food writing retreat. How thoughtful and inclusive dining transformed anxiety into a sense of belonging, along with a spring fregola recipe inspired by the experience.
Likewise, Mark… I appreciated your enthusiasm, instruction, motivating words, and general outlook on life. I hope we have another opportunity to meet again - I feel there are more stories to tell and share about music, food, wine, and photography…
Ah, Jack, it just goes to show that we each bring our own complications to the table. The first sighting of my 'bathroom buddy' (sorry about the bolts!) put you firmly in the bracket of professional and accomplished writer - comfortable in his well-earned talents at the table of eminently qualified 'students'. Vegan menu* aside, I wholly empathise with what was going on inside your head.
[*Mind you, with such a professional catering team looking after us, I was not surprised to find such multi-faceted marvellousness coming out of the kitchen.]
With all kinds of outsider idioms trying to assert themselves, I had to remind myself of Mark Diacono's kind words, where we discussed my suitability for the weekend - 'you are exactly why we enjoy running these weekends - anyone prepared to throw themselves at it with energy and curiosity will, I hope, get so much from it.'
Those words helped me through the next few days as, of course, Mark was right. I did!
I'm not sure where this path will lead me but, thus far, all is well. New friends, stories galore and inspiration aplenty have come my way. The path may be long but I will take pleasure from it and enjoy your company along the way - 'smooth' voice and all!
Thanks for the wonderful compliment, Ken. It is an enormous pick-me-up...
“Anyone prepared to throw themselves at it with energy and curiosity will, I hope, get so much from it.” That’s a lovely sentiment from Mark – thanks for sharing it with me.
You are correct – one of the pleasures of this type of weekend workshop is meeting other interesting and inspiring people. I’m happy we had a chance to connect, and I look forward to continuing this in the future.
You're truly welcome, Jack, but, compliments aside, it's the plain truth that has become even more apparent from your work here on 'Vegan Weekly'. You have the skills, compassion and experience to take your writing in all kinds of directions. Above all else, your work is a pleasure to read.
I can only imagine what a pleasant and thrilling surprise it was to have the vegan food be delicious! It sadly happens so rarely, but happy for you that it happened here. I keep hearing great things about this workshop! And good on you for getting out of your comfort zone, it sure isn't easy to do so!
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Julia. The workshop was a valuable investment in myself—I highly recommend attending the next one if you can make the trip. The location is fantastic, although I found it challenging to reach while traveling from abroad.
Jack, you were definitely not the only one nervous and feeling like a fish out of water. I didn’t stop talking, a sure sign of my nerves. There was a palpable feeling of relaxation over the weekend that was a joy to feel part of x
Thanks for sharing this, Anna May. It’s reassuring to know I wasn’t the only one feeling misplaced. I also noticed a sense of relaxation settling over the entire room as the weekend unfolded - I think the excellent food and great breaks contributed significantly to that calmness…
25 years ago, I was not particularly young while truly starting what had become my career, working in art museums. My museum sent me to a curators’ forum in NYC, even though I had barely and only very recently earned the title of assistant curator. I was a fraud, a bumpkin, and, prior to becoming vegan, a vegetarian. I had preplanned places I could walk to after meals so that, after not eating with the group, I could toss down a burrito or something else filling. On the second night, there was no organized event dinner and I somehow managed to worm my way into a group going out for Thai food. That evening—me enjoying my tofu dish while others feasted on whole fish and so many other critters—allowed me to feel, at last, as if I was an actual curator. I hate the idea that decisions I’ve made not to eat what most others do creates a barrier to overcome. It still does sometimes. My wife and I have found ourselves outside of social groups to which we were members, because food is often so central to friendships and veganism can appear to others to be unfriendly. I read your essay and immediately grasped your range of emotions at the experience of being the one who must wait for his special dish, knowing that I must prepare to discuss with everyone what I will be served and bracing for the combo of being disappointed in my food while being firmly defensive that I was still making the best life choices for me.
So well stated, thanks for sharing your story and perspective, Todd!
Like you, my wife and I still (after many years) find ourselves outside some social groups, although that is also waning. For me, the biggest issue continues to be travel food - it is usually quite hopeless (are you listening, airlines?) with the notable exception of Asian-based airlines.
Sounds like you had a brilliant time, Jack. A food writing retreat must be great fun. I wonder if/when they'll be offering one for chefs who specialise in plant-based recipes.
It was definitely a wonderful learning experience - it's never easy to hang out on the edge of your comfort zone. In the end, I was pleased I took the chance and faced my fears.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Yasmin - much appreciated!
I have to laugh with delight at the irony of writing beautifully about the fear of not writing well...😂❤️👊
Your comment is a perfect complement – thanks! Can I replace the devil on my shoulder with you and your endless encouragement? 😁😇🤗
You sure can, 'cuz you're the one in charge of that...😏
It would have been a dream to be sharing that writing workshop with everyone Jack. So wonderful to read your reflections.
It was, indeed, a wonderful experience.
Thanks for reading my piece and sharing your thoughts…
So happy for you that it turned out to be an enjoyable learning experience for you.
Thanks, Susanne…
I definitely feel out of my depth in the professional writing world. Fortunately, the food provided comfort, and I eventually got out of my own way…
A pleasure spending the weekend with you Jack, and I’m delighted you had a good experience. See you again before long I hope
Likewise, Mark… I appreciated your enthusiasm, instruction, motivating words, and general outlook on life. I hope we have another opportunity to meet again - I feel there are more stories to tell and share about music, food, wine, and photography…
Ah, Jack, it just goes to show that we each bring our own complications to the table. The first sighting of my 'bathroom buddy' (sorry about the bolts!) put you firmly in the bracket of professional and accomplished writer - comfortable in his well-earned talents at the table of eminently qualified 'students'. Vegan menu* aside, I wholly empathise with what was going on inside your head.
[*Mind you, with such a professional catering team looking after us, I was not surprised to find such multi-faceted marvellousness coming out of the kitchen.]
With all kinds of outsider idioms trying to assert themselves, I had to remind myself of Mark Diacono's kind words, where we discussed my suitability for the weekend - 'you are exactly why we enjoy running these weekends - anyone prepared to throw themselves at it with energy and curiosity will, I hope, get so much from it.'
Those words helped me through the next few days as, of course, Mark was right. I did!
I'm not sure where this path will lead me but, thus far, all is well. New friends, stories galore and inspiration aplenty have come my way. The path may be long but I will take pleasure from it and enjoy your company along the way - 'smooth' voice and all!
Thanks for the wonderful compliment, Ken. It is an enormous pick-me-up...
“Anyone prepared to throw themselves at it with energy and curiosity will, I hope, get so much from it.” That’s a lovely sentiment from Mark – thanks for sharing it with me.
You are correct – one of the pleasures of this type of weekend workshop is meeting other interesting and inspiring people. I’m happy we had a chance to connect, and I look forward to continuing this in the future.
You're truly welcome, Jack, but, compliments aside, it's the plain truth that has become even more apparent from your work here on 'Vegan Weekly'. You have the skills, compassion and experience to take your writing in all kinds of directions. Above all else, your work is a pleasure to read.
Catch you later!
💥 Happy to hear more over a coffee one of these days!
Indeed, and happy to chat over a coffee…
Thanks for reading!
I can only imagine what a pleasant and thrilling surprise it was to have the vegan food be delicious! It sadly happens so rarely, but happy for you that it happened here. I keep hearing great things about this workshop! And good on you for getting out of your comfort zone, it sure isn't easy to do so!
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Julia. The workshop was a valuable investment in myself—I highly recommend attending the next one if you can make the trip. The location is fantastic, although I found it challenging to reach while traveling from abroad.
Jack, you were definitely not the only one nervous and feeling like a fish out of water. I didn’t stop talking, a sure sign of my nerves. There was a palpable feeling of relaxation over the weekend that was a joy to feel part of x
Thanks for sharing this, Anna May. It’s reassuring to know I wasn’t the only one feeling misplaced. I also noticed a sense of relaxation settling over the entire room as the weekend unfolded - I think the excellent food and great breaks contributed significantly to that calmness…
25 years ago, I was not particularly young while truly starting what had become my career, working in art museums. My museum sent me to a curators’ forum in NYC, even though I had barely and only very recently earned the title of assistant curator. I was a fraud, a bumpkin, and, prior to becoming vegan, a vegetarian. I had preplanned places I could walk to after meals so that, after not eating with the group, I could toss down a burrito or something else filling. On the second night, there was no organized event dinner and I somehow managed to worm my way into a group going out for Thai food. That evening—me enjoying my tofu dish while others feasted on whole fish and so many other critters—allowed me to feel, at last, as if I was an actual curator. I hate the idea that decisions I’ve made not to eat what most others do creates a barrier to overcome. It still does sometimes. My wife and I have found ourselves outside of social groups to which we were members, because food is often so central to friendships and veganism can appear to others to be unfriendly. I read your essay and immediately grasped your range of emotions at the experience of being the one who must wait for his special dish, knowing that I must prepare to discuss with everyone what I will be served and bracing for the combo of being disappointed in my food while being firmly defensive that I was still making the best life choices for me.
So well stated, thanks for sharing your story and perspective, Todd!
Like you, my wife and I still (after many years) find ourselves outside some social groups, although that is also waning. For me, the biggest issue continues to be travel food - it is usually quite hopeless (are you listening, airlines?) with the notable exception of Asian-based airlines.
Sounds like you had a brilliant time, Jack. A food writing retreat must be great fun. I wonder if/when they'll be offering one for chefs who specialise in plant-based recipes.
It was definitely a wonderful learning experience - it's never easy to hang out on the edge of your comfort zone. In the end, I was pleased I took the chance and faced my fears.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Yasmin - much appreciated!
You are welcome, Jack.