One More Story

I have just one more story to write before My Goat Prefer Naked: Ukrainian Soul Food with Stories From the Village is ready for submission. One.

Tonight I spent a long time looking at the ingredients for Honey Poppyseed Dressing, without writing. This won't be the last piece in the book. That honour goes to Baba's advice on how to turn a date with a bald, toothless man to your advantage.

It won't be the longest. That would be the crepe and pancake section, headed by a treatise on Ukrainian childbirth practices. Like giving birth in your husband's lap. Baba recommends a short, sharp dagger for a little reach around bum stab when he loses focus. A nod to Ukrainians' Amazonian past, when we rode side by side into battle with our men. Don't be worry, dagger is available in some feminine colour.

Neither will it be the one most reminiscent of our history as the domesticators of horses. Baba suggests tenderizing meat under your saddle. If you don't mind little bit of hair and sweat, is great time saver. Taste remind Baba of younger day and younger horseman.

But this last recipe will be the hardest to write. It's where I step away from, "Will I ever finish this (OMG 100,000 words!)?" and leap into the Great Big World of Publishing. I'll compete on level ground with thousands of others who have the same dream: a compatible agent, a good publisher and healthy sales.

The next few years will be spent touring to promote my books, storytelling and singing and making people laugh on a far larger scale. Seeing the world while living as an artist. Meeting thousands of Ukrainian-Canadians and Americans, including the generous people who've been corresponding with information and encouragement. Not to mention the Aussies, Brits, Africans, South Americans and Europeans. Because of writing this book, about the only place I don't have a friend is Antarctica.

I'll finally visit Ukraine, inhale the vast wheat and poppy fields, taste and collect recipes at their source.

I'll take a breathe, pause to review the journey and strengthen my vision before completing this last recipe.

At least I know my hesitation isn't fear of intimacy :-D

Photo: USDA, copyright-free


Copyright 2009 Reisa Stone