An Ode to My Four Years in Iowa (AViD Speech, 12 August 2014)
Four years ago almost to the day I arrived in Des Moines Iowa for the first time in 30 years. I was born and raised in Iowa. I was born in Ottumwa and lived there until I was 12. Then we moved to Davenport where I graduated early from high school at 17 and announced […]
The Adventures of The Pie Lady — A Cartoon Strip by Dave Pittman
Artists give the BEST birthday presents ever. This cartoon strip is by the brilliantly talented Dave Pittman. He captured every single detail so perfectly — down to Daisy’s hair, the Mini Cooper loaded to the max, Jack hogging the front seat, The Binoculars, the snake (he’s there twice, can you find him?), my “creative use […]
RV Book Tour So Far — Phoenix to Austin
Nancy plans to get an RV of her ownso this is good practice! I am sitting in the back of the RV while my friend from Dallas, Nancy Moffat, is driving. What a luxury! Not to mention, she is a superb driver which is why I feel relaxed enough to hang out in the back […]
My Cookbook is Alive and Doing Well!
I‘m so happy (and relieved) that my second book is finally out (no more “Gulp” stage, phew!) Not only that, I am getting such a positive response to it. It’s debuting at #2 on the bestseller list of pie books — and it’s only been out 2 days!“It’s so pretty,” is what I’m hearing. “I can’t […]
The Gulp: Waiting for my Cookbook to Launch
My cookbook, “Ms. American Pie: Buttery Good Pie Recipes and Bold Tales from the American Gothic House,” comes out in just a few weeks. I got the book deal exactly one year ago and started writing it last April. I worked on the recipes all summer. I did the photo shoot in June and July. […]
Pi Day Giveaway! Win a Copy of my Cookbook
It’s National Pi Day (3.14)! Let’s celebrate the infinite ways that pie can make the world a better place. For starters, WIN A COPY OF “MS. AMERICAN PIE.” My new cookbook will be in stores April 15, but you can get it sooner and for free by entering to win! Also included is a copy […]
Happy Author, Happy FedEx Guy
When I made that strawberry crumble pie on Friday, I had the idea to share a slice of it with the FedEx guy when he delivered my cookbook. On Monday morning at 10 a.m. I just happened to open the door and saw the FedEx truck parked. I summed up the situation: FedEx Driver. Check. […]
Isn’t It Ironic?
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 […]
Sneak Preview: The Intro to my Cookbook “Ms. American Pie” (In stores April 2014)
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” […]
A Letter to my Housesitter
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. […]