Arriving twenty minutes early for her interview with Julia Child, EllynAnne Geisel bided time snapping pictures of the icon's front door with a new camera. Satisfied the flash was working and the film advancing, EllynAnne thought to read the manual on setting the self-timer, but dismissed any need-to-know, figuring whoever answers the bell will take the photo of us. However, Julia Child herself opened the door, and I closed it behind us. No housekeeper in sight to later press into service.

Prepared for the interview, EllynAnne was less than even slightly knowledgable as to the gadgetry of the new camera.

I balanced the camera atop a stack of magazines, peeked through the viewfinder, centered Ms. Child within the frame, pressed a button I thought must be the timer, then raced to her side, stooped so our heads were even, put my arm around her shoulder (!!!), smiled to beat the band, and...nothing. No flash, no film advancing.

On the third try, Ms. Child suggested we postpone further photography attempts until the evening engagement, when she would make a point of posing with me. This time, I opened the door, and she closed it.

Despairing the lost opportunity, EllynAnne reflects on the hour spent with Julia Child, and the lesson imparted by America's beloved icon.

Second in a series of blogs on her 2002 interview with Julia Child. Posted at EllynAnne's website, www.apronmemories.com 

Bio: EllynAnne Geisel is the Prima Apronista, Empress of Apronology, hardcore Elvis fan, and author of the award winning The Apron Book, Apronisms, and The Kitchen Linens Book. She is the writer and apron curator of Apron Chronicles, a traveling exhibit managed by The Women's Museum in Dallas. Her vintage inspired apron designs have been worn by Desperate Housewife Bree and featured in Vogue. EllynAnne is the creator of National Tie One On Day™, recognized by Chases Calendar of Events annually on Thanksgiving eve in celebration of the humble apron. For more about EllynAnne and her apron journey, visit www.apronmemories.com.