Martha Stewart

Over on Rhymes With Magic, Heather Eddy mentions the book The Martha Rules (Martha Stewart's book about business). Heather's paper foldings are amazing, and it's worth taking a look, as well, for the great Neil Gaiman quote on a recent post. But, back to the business at hand. From time to time there are lists of influential women/influential men and women, etc.--you know the type. I've always wondered why Martha Stewart isn't on these lists. (Perhaps she is, and I've missed it.), although the burgeoning DIY business of today--all the books, blogs, and cable channels--really owe their success in a way to Martha. She was the one who took "arts and crafts" out of the "macaroni necklace for mom" realm and made it universally appealing, giving people of both genders the confidence that they could do just about anything if they just figured out (or were shown) how. She asked the question we all ask, "I wonder how that's done," found the answer (yes, with lots of help), and shared that answer. Whatever anyone thinks of her personally, I think it's a shame that this has not been acknowledged. (And isn't it interesting, likewise, that she went to federal prison when there are so many huge, obvious, blatant good ole boy securities law violators who did real harm who have never even been given a slap on the wrist.) Okay, stepping off the soapbox. And drifting back over 20 years--I remember sitting with my dark-haired child watching a young Martha fix three different kinds of Thanksgiving  Day dinners and decorate three different ways. We were both enthralled. (I mean, she even took the wheelbarrow out to the garden and harvested the pumpkins for the pies, for pete's sake!) That year (and that year only!), I made the turkey in pastry crust (which looked just like Martha's), and I still slip herbs and butter up under the skin of a turkey before I roast it all these years later--just like Martha. I bought the book on sale at a used bookstore years later, and it still was amazing.

And if you really want to try living the Martha life, here's the January Calendar. Whew! Okay, I'm over Martha. But thanks for the memories (and, Martha, I still get rave reviews about my moist, flavorful turkey, girlfrend).