I grew up in a strict Mennonite subculture filled with hospitality and kind folk, great homemade food, large families and many church rules. Roles were quite traditional and as a female, I learned early how to excel at all things domestic, especially cooking. My world has since broadened, but I still love to welcome friends and warm hearts with beautiful food. I see myself as an artist whose canvas is a dinner table or perhaps an original delectable salad prepared for the moment, complete with homemade vinaigrette. Creating and sharing recipes is one of my favorite activities.

Sometimes my canvas is a notebook and my paintbrush, a pen. I feel drawn to write stories about my childhood, my life roles as a wife, mom, sister, Mimi, and friend, and about the beauty I see in nature that fills my soul. I am happiest when outdoors in the wild, fly fishing on the Madison in Yellowstone, on a bike climbing hills in Spain with Larry, hiking with our dog, Sammy Sue, skiing down Colter’s Hell in Big Sky, or on a tennis court in Chattanooga with girlfriends. During my childhood, sports were not available at a competitive level; sadly I am that middle aged lady who still has a lot of drive and much to prove. Of course I am always thinking about what delightful thing I might prepare for lunch. I hope that someday you will join me; there’s always room for one more at my round kitchen table.