Wow! It’s been nearly 2 years since I began assisting Sarah Copeland on her third cookbook, Every Day Is Saturday. And this week is the launch of this majestic food bible of Edible Living! I am so thrilled to have been a teeny part of this book's journey and to have been exposed to the world of food media through the eyes of cookbook author Sarah Copeland.
Her home kitchen was my office space every Monday where I would turn out a couple tested batches of cookies or bundt cakes, chocolate loaf bread, or her chapter full of different blended drinks. There were days we would sit and talk about what we liked or didn’t like about the initial batch against the cross-tested batch. Days where she taught me her techniques for being super organized which I was always fond of. And she showed me her prop heaven which quickly became my newest Pinterest board! Other days we would only eat decadent sweets or drink liquids for lunch. And this was all the beautiful nature of the process. I felt like the coolest gal when I got to help her on photo shoot days with Gentle and Hyers, the Marty and Andrea power couple of the photography world. They are truly amazing and getting to see Sarah in her whimsical food and prop styling state while they shot nothing short of perfect photos was just incredible. And what are the odds their assistant would also be named Franki ; )
What I learned from Sarah was so much more than how to curate a piece of art out of words, food, props, and photos. Working with Sarah in those speedy six months was a blessing. Her approach to life and food is so gentle, and filled with passion and love. I got to spend time with her family and fall into the arms of joy, purity, and childhood with her little ones prancing about after school. I have never seen a more loving and cozy family than the Gipps! But, Sarah was always so willing. She listened, she offered the best advice, and she would never get mad. Her approach to teaching a lesson was always so kind and I could not be more thankful for that, because I did make mistakes! She is a dear friend and a mentor I will keep close to my heart always.