October 13, 2025
| Hi Friends, By the time you read this, I’ll be on a plane ✈️ back to Las Vegas. Last month at the Tuscany I spotted a marquee: Rich Little was opening there soon. When I was a kid, I loved his Tonight Show impressions—and this time I refused to say “someday.” With cancer (and Rich being 86🤣), I don’t put anything off. Whether it’s seeing a show (thank you, Southwest miles!) or organizing my pantry, I’m reminded the only time we’re guaranteed is NOW!I’m also thrilled to share that I’ve been invited back to host the 🌱 Plant Powered Party over Labor Day weekend 2026. Mark your calendar! While I’m in town I plan to thank the hotel team for a job well done and chat with the chefs about menu ideas for next year. |
| On Doing the Inner Work Most of this week I decompressed from a nearly week-long retreat focused on healing trauma and abuse. It was intense and deeply experiential—hard to describe—guided by therapists and clergy. There were many tears, much forgiveness, and long days (7:30am–9:00pm). Difficult, yes. Worth it, absolutely. I’m still absorbing it all and grateful for the shift. |
| Health Update As my mom, LilyPie, would say: “I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in.” I’ve had some rough side effects since my last Keytruda infusion. The pancreatic twinges returned (thankfully less severe and intermittent), my lipase is climbing again and I was diagnosed with mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). I’m also very fatigued. Daily naps are my new normal, and, plot twist, I now have sleep apnea. People say “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” I’m starting to wonder. Still, I’m holding onto gratitude and humor where I can. |
| What I’m Watching (and Loving) I saw an incredible film, The Senior—the true story of Mike Flynt, who at 59 became the oldest person to play college football. It’s about forgiveness, resilience, and never giving up on your dreams. Highly recommend. On the small screen, we binged Hacks (fabulous), finished Wednesday (a bit scary for me), and are into The Gilded Age Season 3. Every word Christine Baranski utters is gold. |
| A Question for You If you knew you had limited time, what would you stop putting off? Reply and tell me one thing you’ll do this week—big or small. I’m cheering you on.With love and gratitude,💜 Chef AJ |
Love & Kale, Chef AJ.