Year: 2014

Daisy. Posing on the front porch of the American Gothic House.This photo appears in my new cookbook, “Ms. American Pie.” I bought myself a bottle of my favorite white wine, La Crema Chardonnay, in anticipation of celebrating the end of a long, productive week.  But as they day wore on and cocktail hour approached, I … Read more

My second book, “Ms. American Pie,” will be in stores in another month. Giving birth to a book for the second time is just as scary as it was the first. It involves all the same labor pains and anticipation I felt before. You would think it would be easier knowing how well “Making Piece” … Read more

Dear K,                                           March 2, 2014 I’m so grateful you are taking care of my house while I’m away, but I’m sorry you are having to deal with my [insert your own adjective here] neighbors. … Read more

In December I had the privilege of giving a TEDx talk in Des Moines, Iowa. I’ve given many speeches over the past few years, but this one was special to me. If you’re familiar with TED and its independently organized TEDx events, then you know what I mean. TED stands for technology, entertainment and design, … Read more

I’ve been away from Eldon for a few months now. I’m making good on my word that I would not spend another winter in Iowa. I have to remind myself of that promise every so often because in spite of enjoying the record-breaking summer-like weather of Southern California (what a luxury to wear flip flops … Read more

In June 2003, I moved to Stuttgart, Germany to marry a smart and sexy automotive engineer, Marcus. It was the year Europe had record-breaking triple-digit temperatures. One of the first German words I learned, a word that still sticks with me the way the layers of sweat did that summer, was Hitzewelle. Heat wave. I … Read more