Not the answer..

As much as this pains me to say out loud, shoes and cookbooks are not the answer. I know- I can't believe it either! I have been, ahem, indulging lately in both shoes and cookbooks. It's almost embarasssing to say how many of each I've brought home of late (8 and 10, respectively). My shoe collection is looking ever so sexy, and when the feeling of cooking or preserving or baking moves me, I am ready to get my cook on. I've officially put myself on a shopping moratorium.

What is the answer, that will help fill the hole in my heart? People. and experiences. and being true to my heart. Friends that bring you a signed copy of Bourdain's new book, because they know you love him and couldn't make the show. Friends who will water your pea patch while you're away so your garden is well tended and you don't have to worry. Friends who indulge and encourage your teenage obsession with vampires. Friends that pose challenges to you and are your cheerleader when you're trying to move forward. Friends who welcome you into their home and leave books on the bedside that they think you'll enjoy. Friends who will be the designated driver when you proclaim that you will need to 'drink a lot of wine' to get through an emotional landmine of an event. Friends that think it's necessary that you get dropped off and picked up from the airport, because someone should know you're at 40K feet. Friends who laugh with you, and listen when you have something to say- no matter how many times you might have said it before.

That. That is the answer.. and I am ever so grateful to have so many amazing people in my life, sharing experiences, dinners, and conversations with. How did I ever get so lucky? August is about starting anew; doing things that bring something to my soul, rather than take away from it.