Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake. ~Wallace Stevens

After what seems like weeks of intermittent rain storms, gray weather, and spotty sunshine it is a pleasure to wake to the subtle warmth and promise of spring. There is much going on in my world–no surprise–and as the legacy of Nepenthe continues to shine its light, my book and heritage guides me forward. Admittedly, I don’t always know where I’m going, and at times that feels unsettling, but I’ve got on a good pair of walking shoes, none-the-less, and feel ready to go.

As it is on the home front, my desk remains covered with bits and pieces of paper, notes, business cards, and more. My book files are still within arms reach, as the need to peruse, pull out information, or photos is still valid. My son just turned 19 adding a new spin to my story and his own, propelling me back in memory and forward at the same time. My daughter is attending her first prom.

Who knew that I would be giving a talk at a women’s literary conference this many years later, or cooking my way through my own book at a farmers market, or speaking about Nepenthe’s architecture in the big city. Nineteen years ago, I was married and living in a one room cabin on top of a mountain 150 miles down the coast–the view was stupendous, daily life challenging–dreaming about books, food and living a passionate, creative life. Soon after I was running a cafe, a household of 6, and slowly fading inside.

It’s all in time that we become ourselves–someone once said to me, and yet it’s only now that I understand it, and am learning to live it.

Here’s to a walk around the lake. I hope you will join me along the way.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, April 9th @11 am: Cooking demo at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

April 14th @ 7pm: Linden Tree Presentation, Sagan Piechota Architecture, SF.

April 17th: Literary Women at the Bay Area Blue Stocking Festival

May 1st: Book signing at Nathan and Co., 4025 Piedmont Ave in Oakland

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