On the dog walk

On friday, i have to give a talk on narrative writing to the annual convention of the Association of Food Journalists.

so this morning on our dog walk through the park, i started planning the top of my speech. i often do this when i have to speak somewhere--spin out a wonderful and literary and, you know, witty and endearing opening in my head, and then when i get back home and sit down at the computer i can't remember a word of it.

so doug suggested a few pithier, easier-to-remember opening lines, all drawn from great literature and adapted for foodies:

"Where's Papa going with that eclair?" (Charlotte's Web)

"It was the best of broth, it was the worst of broth." (A Tale of Two Cities)

"Call me Oatmeal." (Moby Dick.)

hmmm. i think i'll see if i can dredge up the one i was writing when we were walking across the pedestrian bridge 20 minutes ago. it's not any better, but at least it won't get me groaned off the stage.