My Cooking Show

In this episode of My Cooking Show—which, let’s be honest, still isn’t a cooking show—we’re diving into Barbara Pym’s 1952 novel Excellent Women and all the subtle brilliance it holds.

Mildred Lathbury is one of those “excellent women”—always dependable, never centered. And what stood out to me is how Pym explores the quiet cost of being useful without being valued. She doesn’t mock Mildred. She doesn’t rescue her. She just lets her be—and invites us to think about how we view women in our own communities.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever been placed in a role instead of seen as a full person.

And if you’ve ever wondered whether “being dependable” is enough—it might speak to you too.

No recipes required. Just Rosie—for real.

Episode 2: Excellent Women by Barbara Pym

Theme: Usefulness vs. Being Valued

Key Question

What does it mean to be truly seen—not just for what you do, but for who you are?

Discussion Questions

These questions are designed for conversation—with a friend, in a journal, over coffee, or even in your own mind. You don’t need to have read the book (or even heard this episode) to join in.

Have you ever played an essential role in someone’s life or community—yet still felt invisible?

How do you want to be seen? Are you willing to offer that same kind of seeing to someone else who’s quietly holding things together?

What kinds of people or contributions tend to go unnoticed in your world? What might it look like to notice them more deeply?

Is there a difference between being appreciated and being truly valued? How do you know when it’s one or the other?

Have you ever confused being useful with being worthy? What would it mean to unhook your value from your performance?

Scripture Connections

These verses might resonate with today’s reflection: (Remember to read them in context.)

Luke 10:40–42 – Mary & Martha: Who gets seen? What matters most?

Galatians 1:10 – On living for approval vs. purpose.

1 Peter 3:4 – On the quiet strength of the inner self

A Thought to Take With You

This isn’t about self-pity.

It’s about noticing—ourselves, and each other.

Because people deserve to be seen,

And maybe that kind of seeing starts with us.

In this debut episode, Rosie takes you back to the kitchen that raised her—where laughter and lessons simmered together. It’s not so much about the food, but rather memory, meaning, and making something out of what you have. Grab a cup of something warm and settle in.