Chompie’s for the Writer’s Soul
One of the best things about blogging is meeting amazing people all over the globe. Writing this blog has opened up new doors for me; new ideas; and I’ve “met” some wonderful fellow bloggers. One such blogger is Shari Lopatin, who blogs at Shari Lopatin: Rogue Writer. I discovered Shari when she was freshly pressed, and she found me the same way. We’ve since realized how much we have in common and enjoy reading and commenting on each other’s blog posts. So today, I am VERY happy to share with you a sampling of Shari’s writing. Be sure to visit her blog as there’s more great stuff there.
Guest Post by Shari Lopatin
I’m shocked I’m not a fat tub of lard today—after all the Chompie’s I eat.
I come from a magical land called Phoenix, Ariz. Where every Jewish New Yorker who wanted to escape the snow—without falling victim to Boca Raton, Fl.—congregated. We’re probably the closest thing this country has to Israel’s deserts. But we’re NOTHING without a good, New York style deli.
And thus, Chompie’s was born.
I grew up on Chompie’s, the best bagels around. Noshing on their egg bagels, with homemade cream cheese and thin, tender Nova salmon lox. Mini butter cookies dipped in chocolate. Irresistible rugelach. Challah rolls and cookies made famous by Seinfeld: “the black and white.”
Oh yes, Chompie’s is my comfort food. It’s the stuff I turn to when nothing else works. When I can’t take life anymore. Or, when the dreaded Writer’s Block strikes.
Comfort Food for Creativity
Because I used to eat Chompie’s as a kid during some of my favorite times (Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, Rosh Hashanah), it brings a relaxation unlike anything. Not only is the food delicious, it’s calming.
The key to creativity—whether as a writer, artist, musician, or another art form—is relaxation. When the mind is busied with other thoughts of chores or anxieties, creativity cannot flow.
But, we’re all hard-working mothers and fathers, and professionals, right? We’re kids caring for our parents, and siblings caring for each other.
That’s why I believe so strongly in comfort food for creativity. Not all of us can take hot baths with soothing candles for an hour, or hike the slopes and crevices of the Grand Canyon to relax. BUT, we can eat comfort food.
In fact, I ate Chompie’s this morning and it inspired me to write this post. Comfort food has the power to bring you back to your childhood, to help you glimpse into the future, and to find the joy in life. What comes next?
Creativity.
Do you have any comfort foods that help you relax? Or if not, how do you relax, to help the creativity flow?
Shari Lopatin is a professional writer, journalist, and media strategist. She began her career as a daily newspaper reporter, where she earned two Associated Press Awards as part of an investigative news team. She now works in the corporate world as a writer and media strategist. Still a journalist at heart, Shari freelances for magazines and has been published regionally, as well as nationally. She offers writing tips, funny life stories, and media strategies on her blog, Shari Lopatin: Rogue Writer.
Shari Lopatin
Great post Shari and enjoyed reading more on your blog! I can definitely relate to the deli experience, but for me the most comforting food for creativity and relaxation is coffee. I guess that’s not really food and caffeine isn’t usually for relaxing but something about the taste and smell gets me all zen!
Thanks Caryn!! Pleasure to meet you. I’m with you on the coffee, too. It’s SUCH a relaxing, comforting drink for me, although I do believe it deserves its own food group.
Thanks for reading and for visiting my site, too!
Shari
You’ve managed to make me hungry and inspire me to write at the same time. My comfort food of choice is peanut butter crackers with chocolate milk. Which is one part of my daily routine before I write . . . or read . . . or anything else. Okay, I just like food.
Leah,
Thanks for sharing. I’ve sign up for Shari’s blog.
Awwww Leah, you’re too sweet.
I’ve absolutely loved meeting you too! Thank you for posting my food and writing observations today. I’ve already gotten two new subscribers! 
Can’t wait for you to guest post on my blog next.
Great post, and so true! But I’m soooo sad that I don’t have a Chompie’s where I live….otherwise, I know where I’d be on my way right now. Thanks for food for thought!
Wonderful post! Food always brings back memories for me and I find myself gravitating towards certain dishes and places when I’m in need of comfort, and with two little ones, that happens alot!
Leah, thanks for sharing this wonderful blogger, you are a great follower and wonderful writer yourself!
Lena
Lena, thank you for the nice comment! You made my day!
Sadly, most of my writing comfort food revolves around sugar: whoppers, ice cream, Ho Hos… It’s bad! Anything chocolate rules in my world.
In the car.,…on my way to get a black and white!!!!! YUM!!!
Great Post Shari! I am glad I gave you the love of Chompies growing up to help inspire you to be the great writer you are!
Mom
Thanks Mom!!!
I owe it all to you and Dad!