Alice in Wonderland + Tim Burton = Pure Genius

BY Karen Morgan

I just got back from seeing Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and all I can say is that even Mr. Burton has bested himself. The handling of the extended metaphors that create the journey of Alice finding herself was so masterfully done, I walked out of the theatre mumbling to myself, mad as a hatter, “no matter how fierce the dragon, we must all vanquish that which we fear most in order to lay claim to our truest and highest self.”

Which also brings to mind Where the Wild Things Are and even, dare I say, Batman Begins. Each of these movies deals with the acceptance of the self by conquering that which seems completely impossible, but Mr. Burton set the standard bar just a little bit higher for me this evening and in some small way, made me find the champion within me as I made the long drive to my office just so I could lay these words down, documenting my own small triumph over myself.

# Alice in Wonderland, Mad as a Hatter, Tim Burton, Where the Wild Things Are

Posted by Karen Morgan

David & Amanda Ocheltree

Before I get started, my most sincere apologies need to be extended to Karen. I was supposed to blog after Valentine’s weekend (that was over a month ago). For not taking care of this earlier I do apologize.

Allow me to share a story. I recently was married and wanted to do something memorable and romantic for my wife for Valentine’s Day. My beautiful bride (Amanda) had recently been diagnosed with Celiac disease. She loves to cook and is now being faced with restrictions on what she can cook. She grew up in an Italian household where pasta and bread products are served with every meal. Now when she eats these things she gets terribly ill.

I began to do some research and found the website for Blackbird Bakery and the story of Karen Morgan. I contacted Karen to see if there was a possibility where I could bring my wife to her bakery during Valentine’s weekend and try some gluten-free prepared foods. Karen took it to a whole new level.

Karen prepared a fantastic gluten-free gourmet cooking class for my wife on Valentine’s Day. She conducted this class in the comfort of her own home. It was completely amazing.

Karen is obviously a very talented and skilled chef. Most people are not aware of how talented she is as a teacher. She was so patient and friendly with me and my wife. Amanda has told me that her class with Karen was the highlight of her entire Valentine’s weekend. Thank you for making me look like a hero.

This last weekend we used one of Karen’s recipes while sitting at home. It is a delicious recipe involving white truffle oil and honey. Add some havarti cheese and you have a wonderful dish.

Karen’s book is due to come out in the very near future. Believe me, I am going to purchase more than one copy of this book. I plan on sending this book to my relatives for Christmas. Thank you Karen for a very memorable Valentine’s Weekend.
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I have to say, the honor was all mine, David. You and Amanda gave me such an amazing gift by helping me realize how much I love to teach. Let me know when you guys are in town again so we can get caught up and cook some more!!!!