Dave, any day I can make Julia Child proud is a proud day, indeed! I'm not really worthy of blogging about cooking and food, but I do love it, and it's a big part of my life. And yes—"being in-control but wild-at-heart" is perhaps the best way to live. 

Trina, I really like how you put that—"the commitment to blend the spices, and enjoy the outcome." It is a commitment, isn't it? It takes time and effort, like all the best things in life.