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Dear Susan,
I felt compelled to write something to help me come to terms with what is going on inside me. When we decided to go ahead with these legal actions, I never realized the unsavory turns they would take against my existence. There are many issues that will remain silent ones in this case. For example, my accomplishments. They apparently have no value and my existence has been invalidated. If my credentials were in order and I could produce culinary degrees, contest trophies, statements of worth due to book sales, letters of acceptance from colleagues, etc. it would be a different ballgame. I am a, relatively speaking, joy filled woman of 51 years who has taken great pride in her lifestyle which has included having lots of fun in the kitchen every day of my life from age 7 on (although, recently I have felt a few sharp pains upon entering the kitchen and have labored through a few creativity blocks. It is my intention to climb higher than ever, because I know the cream has just begun to come to the top). My approach has concentrated on "making everything from scratch." I attempt to make it all—cheese, chips, sour cream, butter, buttermilk, yogurt, breads, dried fruits and veggies, salad dressings, wine, ice cream, and on and on. There is no room in my kitchen for "convenience" foods. It takes time and dedication to explore and design recipe concepts in this manner and still maintain a contemporary fine turning in my menus. As far as goals are concerned, mine are alive and well. I have never for one moment abandoned the dreams that I have had, indeed do have. T.V. appearances, my own video series, my own products and small businesses, writing for magazines and papers, creating more books (already in formats) having my own bed and breakfast (lunch and dinner) teaching classes using my Turkey Cookbook as a guide, having a live in group of people for 2 wk. [sic] periods who wish to learn a practical approach to preparing food. And my greatest dream would be to study in Europe to further my knowledge of cooking. Yes, my life has been dedicated not to dreams, but to actions. So much action that the dreams have been set aside. I am busy at the work of being and doing. Someday, if the need be, I will be prepared to make money performing my special skills. These skills may be thought of as trivial by a few people who know nothing about my life, but my family, friends know that they are rooted in honesty and damn hard work. To be treated like a non-person because I have had the privilege to lead a life of simple service without monetary reward just doesn't add up to me. I will no be further insulted, nor will I be intimidated by attitudes that place no value on my existence. If there had been any jester [sic] of kindness or remorse given me by the defendants this case would have been resolved long ago. I continued shopping at "the store" from Dec 1984 until May 1986 (to the tune of $5000/year) when the insult finally settled in from my sub conscious. I am concerned about the future of copyright infringement in relation to myself and others. I may not have a legitimate career momentarily but at age 51 I'm not willing to curl up and play dead. I do have a future and it may be brighter than even I can predict, so I'm not going to place it in jeopardy, because food is my business too. |