Boun giorno, and Good Day!
Recently I had the opportunity to be in beautiful Tampa, Florida, and was fortunate to stay at the luxurious Embassy Suites in downtown Tampa. The event was an annual church conference that my husband and I usually try to attend. I had the idea to bring my cookbook Rosalie Serving Italian, but wasn't sure how it would be accepted. How do books like How to Start a Home Missions Church, Be The Satisfied Pastor's Wife, Prayer That Moves Mountains and a ton of other church-related topics: "Marriage Counseling", "Christian Child Raising", "Win Your Neighbor", and Bible Studies on every possible subject, fit in with a COOKBOOK?
What would Dr. Dobson, Max Lucado, and Rick Warren say? "DO YOU THINK WE WANT A COOKBOOK ON OUR SHELF?" Or, maybe they would say, " WE'RE TRYING TO BE SPIRITUAL , NOT GLUTTONOUS!". While I try to be sensitive to these things, I have a book to sell, and besides, every Spiritual Giant has to break their fast sometime. Besides didn't Jesus say that He was the Bread of Life, and that man should not live by Bread alone?. Even the Devil tried to tempt Jesus with warm loaves of Bread. Of course, Jesus said no, but then He was God Almighty.
So, I arrive at the Hotel toting my little wheeled suitcase full of books, and notice a sign, "Ladies Fashions by Classy Collections" now in progress at the Marriott, Room 5, second floor". BINGO! A place to sell my books. I tell Bill, "Lets get checked in quick, so I can head across the street to the Marriott". He"s mumbling something about how he got into all this, and would I please settle down; however he is obliging as usual. In less then 20 minutes I've found the "shop" along with hundreds of church ladies trying to find the perfect outfit. The owner of the shop was very sweet and agreed to let me set up a table at the entrance for a small percentage of book sales. As soon as the ladies came out from shopping, I would say, "How about a Cookbook?" I then tell them how spiritual this will be; pleasing your husband, nourishing your little ones, witnessing to your neighbor with an Italian Cream cake, having Pastor and wife over for a wonderful Italian meal. They could only stare at me and Hope to be Spiritual. I did sell a lot of books.
The next day I'm at the exhibit hall among Pastors, Missionaries, Evangelists, Authors, Teachers, Music Ministers, and a host of "booth people" selling everything from baptismals to communion cups. Since my granddaughter, Taylor, is attending the Gateway College of Evangelism in Missouri, I thought this would be a great booth to advertise and sell my book, plus help the College by donating a percentage. As the ministers and wives came by the booth, it was evident there was a question mark on their face. "WHAT DOES A COOKBOOK HAVE TO DO WITH BIBLE SCHOOL"? Again, I humbly explained how I was trying to help the Bible school, but more important, I emphasized..."GET A LIFE, AND HAVE SOME FUN, PEOPLE... BUY A COOKBOOK!" Actually many of the men, who I found out do much of the cooking, were my biggest fans. Maybe they thought it would good therapy after having a meeting with the church board.
All in all, I did have a great time, sold 92 books, and even talked several Foreign Missionaries into taking my book on consignment. Think of it...as they travel around the United States trying to raise money for their budget, some deserving wife can have the opportunity to buy my book. It may even help her marriage! You all know my motto, right? Food is a Bridge to Relationships. I say, if Jesus is going to all the trouble to make us the "Marriage Feast of the Lamb", then surely His chosen ones should be in practice down here. I, my friends am fulfilling this calling...writing Cookbooks, and giving you the means to participate in heavenly places right at your own table. ( Red Sauce over Penne Pasta, page 126).
Remember, life's short, eat pasta. Have fun and God Bless! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter and get free weekly recipes.
Love to All!
Rosalie Fiorino Harpole
