If you have not read it already make sure you borrow or buy a copy of Wendy Orr's 'Peeling the Onion'. Amazon have some reviews on this book. Orr closely examines the process of peeling the onion in a moving portrayal of a young girl recovering from a major road accident.

Today a card came in the mail. It read.
Dear Heather,
Fifteen years of attending your writing garden have borne fruit now. You have arrived as a writer with a fresh authentic voice. 'The Soul Food Cafe is a writing achievement that you must feel proud of. Within these cyber walls your spirit is calling out, being heard, being noticed by others. Your readership has grown and is loyal and while you might wonder about over using the food metaphor you must not desist.
The Soul Food Cafe is stamped with your signature as surely as a John Donne poem is stamped with his. It is as unique as the Wizard of Oz, as mystical and magical as the Faraway Tree. It is a tribute to the muse and is a testimony to what hours of writing can produce.
So take a bow Heather, stand proudly before your audience and accept their affirmations that you have a direct line to Olympus and are an inspiration.
your greatest admirer
Heather Blakey

Now clearly I have taken off another layer. This was an exercise I did with my writing group about four weeks ago. Why not try it with some friends, but do make sure to get someone else to post your card so that it is a real surprise. When it comes consider what the message reveals.

As Soul Food Cafe patrons participate and write pieces to be published in the cafe, be it about their relationship with the muse, as a guest chef, a nostalgic piece about their maternal ancestors, they begin the process of peeling the layers and learn more about themselves. So take the plunge! Soul Food is a non judgemental writing cafe that provides no critiques, but simply accepts the unique individuality of the people who keep coming back.