Here is one of my favorite pictures. My story tells why!

Good Morning Foodies!

This coming Saturday, February 15th is the EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY of the start of GEAUXASKALICE! I have been asked to repeat my story from a few years back about how great this date is for me. I beg your forgiveness for the repeating but it is one of my favorite stories.
February 15th of 2012 was the first day I posted my first Geaux Ask Alice menu. To be honest with you, I did not think I would last this long. It’s difficult to judge how long the interest will last in the site, especially when there are a million food sites on the internet.

I want to thank all of you who have stuck with me and offered encouragement to step out of my comfort zone. It has been such fun meeting so many new people, as well as learning new ideas from everyone who visits my site.

You may be wondering why I posted the picture of the child on the swing. In the 70’s, I taught at the Deaf School in Baton Rouge, and this picture was posted at the school. I never really thought about it too much when I first began teaching, but, as time went on, it made so much sense. I often asked my mother about the picture. She said there was always some type of picture posted at the school as a means of encouraging the deaf students to strive to better themselves. She was not sure if it was the same picture, but here is my impression of the meaning of this picture with the help of my mother’s insight. I find it parallels life in so many ways!

From the first time someone places you in a swing, you are so guarded. The seat is designed to keep you stable and safe and hold you upright. You are given gentle pushes to help make you feel secure. Then, as you get older, the restraints on the swing disappear, yet, you have someone at your back. This person will gently push you a little higher and with a little more force. Yes, you feel exhilarated; yet at the same time, you are nervous. You know that feeling– “DO I LAUGH OR CRY!”

The time eventually arrives when no one is behind you pushing. You have to have strong legs to give yourself the needed push in order to soar higher and higher. You can almost touch the sky!! What an awesome feeling! Yes, we know it is still scary, but something in your heart tells you that everything is fine.
Finally, the day comes when someone tells you, “JUMP!” “What! You say?” The courage it takes to swing so high and then take that LEAP, releasing all that is safe and comfortable is scary, yet, exhilarating!

Here comes the test: CAN I LAND ON MY FEET! Yes, you can, and even if you stumble, YOU GET UP AND KEEP GOING! This is what I have learned from my deaf-mute parents. They never complained about their disability. These two amazing people stumbled many times, but always found the courage to pick themselves up and keep going, always with smiles on their faces. This is what this site and you FOODIES have done for me! Thank you so much for your support!

Have a great day because you have made mine the best!