"Give a Piece a Chance." — Books. Blog. Pie Classes. And a Pinch of Activism.
This is what “House Arrest” looks like. Who knew that living in Iowa could be so perilous? Perilous to my dog Jack and to my wallet, I mean. One thousand dollars spent between two veterinarians in two different towns and we are still not quite sure what has caused the incessant vomiting in my little … Read more
I haven’t baked pie in a week. I haven’t blogged in a week. But one week after the bunny incident, I can at least say I have gone for a bike ride. How could I not? The day was warm — almost hot — at 75 degrees. These summer temperatures were undoubtedly some kind of record breaker for Iowa, … Read more
Just as making 231 pies hasn’t been enough to heal my grief from Marcus, yesterday’s 10-mile bike ride to Selma was no cure for the heartache left by Mr. X. Not even close. So I went for another bike ride this afternoon. I left the house earlier this time which meant warmer temperatures and more … Read more
Follow the sign in the yard. This way to the PITCHFORK PIE STAND. The weekend weather report says there will be rain, so we moved the pie stand (which, thus far, consists of one big table) into the living room of the American Gothic House. Regardless of the day of the week, the sign on the … Read more
You can run but you can’t hide. From grief, I mean. I was reminded of this on Saturday when at 8:00 a.m. I saw Brenda Kremer, owner of Kremer Funeral Home in Eldon, walk up the path to my house with two men in tow. All were carrying folding chairs. I knew why. I was … Read more
Here’s the result of Mike Borland’s Friday visit to the American Gothic House. I have to admit, it’s great publicity for the launch of my PITCHFORK PIE STAND. Thanks to everyone who partcipated. And thanks, too, for believing in the healing powers of pie. The video below is what aired on the 5:00 news (2 … Read more
Mike Borland and his camera, American Gothic-style Today photojournalist/reporter Mike Boland from WHO-TV (NBC, Channel 13) in Des Moines came to the American Gothic House to do a story. He had seen Kyle Munson’s front page story on me in the Des Moines Register on Monday and essentially wanted to do a televised version of the piece. The thing … Read more
Pie patrons can enjoy their pie & coffee at picnic tables I’m committed now. All it took was a front page article in Iowa’s biggest newspaper, the Des Moines Register, to seal the deal. On Monday, October 11, the reporter, Kyle Munson, declared to the world that I would be selling pie at my … Read more
Des Moines Register photo by John Gaps III On Thursday, Des Moines Register reporter Kyle Munson came down to Eldon and spent the day with me, the mayor Shirley Stacey, the American Gothic House Center administrator Molly Moser, and met other members of the community. Read his blog and see more pics HERE. And be sure to … Read more
Yesterday I went canoeing on the Des Moines River. I haven’t been canoeing in at least a dozen years. But when my new friend Cari Garrett (not to be confused with Carrie the City Clerk/Xena Princess Warrior) told me she had a canoe and was planning an outing this week I begged her take me … Read more