For ex-colleagues still in the advertising industry – sound familiar?

And for all of my friends and acquaintances in businesses that feature creativity for sale….

Thanks and a tip o’the hat to Lane for sending this my way….

I’ve often wondered what my fridge or, for that matter – yours, says about the personality of the owner user.

Evidently I’m not alone. Photographer Mark Menjivar dedicated the better part of 3 years to photograph the contents of refrigerators and freezers in homes around the country as a way of exploring the issue of hunger. Below is an example of his work – I’ve omitted the caption he wrote that explains where the photo was shot, who it belongs to and a personal note about them – because I think you should view the entire collection after reading his description of the project.  An excerpt is posted below this very very very interesting photo.  Note the snake.  ~ blm

From the photo essay - "You are what you eat" by mark menjivar

“You Are What You Eat is a series of portraits made by examining the interiors of refrigerators in homes across the Untied States.

For three years I traveled around the country exploring the issue of hunger. The more time I spent speaking and listening to individual stories, the more I began to think about the foods we consume and the effects they have on us as individuals and communities. An intense curiosity and questions about stewardship led me to begin to make these unconventional portraits.

A refrigerator is both a private and a shared space. One person likened the question, “May I photograph the interior of your fridge?” to asking someone to pose nude for the camera. Each fridge is photographed “as is.” Nothing added, nothing taken away.

These are portraits of the rich and the poor. Vegetarians, Republicans, members of the NRA, those left out, the under appreciated, former soldiers in Hitler’s SS, dreamers, and so much more. We never know the full story of one’s life.

My hope is that we will think deeply about how we care. How we care for our bodies. How we care for others. And how we care for the land.”

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You really need to view the complete photo essay on this subject. And, if I may, I also recommend you investigate his photo ‘sound portraits.’ mark menjivar

I dislike the term “foodie.” I particularly dislike it when people (who think they are ever-so-smart) use it to to define me so they can be all smug and happy. I don’t think it applies to me at all and resent their feeble attempts to define me.  In fact, I generally dislike the kind of person for whom the term ‘foodie’ is a good fit.  I don’t lust after invitations to restaurant openings and generally am ignorant of the latest trend in food and/or hottest places to eat it. I can’t imagine anyone would give a rats-ass about what I am eating or cooking for each and every meal, and  would never consider ‘twittering’ about it; nor do I care one bit what someone else is cooking or eating at this very moment  When it comes to the practical side of cooking I have only a few skills and a fairly shallow repertoire. When choosing a restaurant my ‘foodie’ friends are mostly dismissive of my choices and reasons for enjoying the place.  Just fine with me.

That being said, I do enjoy good food, be it a quick lunch of kosher hot dogs from street vendors to lavish meals in four star restaurants.  Yes – I like baloney sandwiches and I also enjoy Pâté de foie gras.  I like Dick’s cheeseburgers, fries with a chocolate shake just about any time and I savor the palate pleasing preparations by Ethan Stowell at his restaurant – Union.   I can dine at Indigo one night and relish the flavor of a perfectly prepared sous vide piece of pork and the next day crave a meal at Rainbow Drive-In for plate lunch featuring ‘grilled mahi-mahi, teriyaki beef & chicken – with two scoops rice & mac salad.’ I truly enjoy food when it is shared with good friends or people who, because of the experience of sharing a meal, are becoming good friends. I loved being a waiter in fine restaurants where people came to enjoy well prepared food.  I accepted responsibility for each table as if it were in my own home and I strove to provide a gracious and delicious event.

Perhaps that’s why I’ve always enjoyed Julia Child. If you have viewed her earliest TV appearances it is impossible to miss the enthusiasm for life and food that was inspiring to all who came into her swath. I believe she embraced the fundamental truth of food – if it’s well prepared with love, it’s worthy of appreciation.

For that reason I’m looking forward to the new movie called “Julia and Julie” hitting screens in about a month. Based upon a true story of a woman named Julie who decides to cook at least one of Child’s recipe every day in one year and post her experiences on a web log. Here’s a short promo clip of the movie. ~blm