A Proud Moment

So when I woke up this morning and my every Sunday bulletin from The Creative Connection was in my in-box, I opened it as I do every Sunday. Looking for any "new" news about the upcoming event. And there it was . . . a photo of the cover for the upcoming book by Where Women Create - CELEBRATE! I had a multitude of feelings going on when I saw it, but most of all, I felt proud. To be included in with these lovely women; many who are uber amazing in their own right. Ree Drummond - the Pioneer Woman, whose line I stood in last year at TCC for an autograph in her new cookbook, to Celeste Shaw - owner of Chaps in Spokane. There are not enough words to describe Celeste. She is THE most gracious, loving woman I think I have ever met. Serena Thompson - The Farm Chick who gave me a gift last year when she picked me to be in her show in Spokane. Molly Wizenberg - Brandon's wife! Co-owner of my favorite pizza place on earth right here in Seattle. Delancy's on 70th if you haven't tried it. You won't be dissappointed.

It was just a year ago that I hosted a dinner party for my dear friend Tiffany. She spent the afternoon taking photos of me and my Studio. I wanted to get some promo shots and to just document this amazing gift that I was given. We gathered under a canopy that I had decked out in aqua and red to celebrate friendships; a meeting of a lovely group of women who share a common interest. It was a magical night of laughter and love. I remember going to bed that night thinking how much love I felt that night. A couple of weeks later I received a phone call from Tiffany telling me that she submitted the party photos to Jo Packham of Where Women Create and Where Women Cook fame. They wanted to feature my photos and a story about this special evening in an upcoming book, called, "Where Women Cook - CELEBRATE". And so it began, this amazing journey. The thought that kept running through my head was, "wow, Mom and Dad are so happy and proud of me". The mere thought that I could come out of the depressed state I was in after their deaths to have something as amazing as this happen, was truly extraordinary. I felt blessed beyond belief and knew that my angels were right there with me.

AND NOW IT'S A REALITY! Right there on page 72 is my story. I can't wait to share the whole thing when the book launches in Minneapolis in September. I'll be there for the launch, and I couldn't be happier.

Here's the cover shot -

Extraordinary Women & Their Signature Recipes

My Shrimp and Salad recipe made it into the story - the yummy cake didn't but I'll post that cake in an upcoming post.

Thank you Timi!


And there's Timi and I serving up a slice of the Kahlua Cake.

Timi, Jo Packham and myself at last years TCC!

Thank you so much Jo Packham and Where Women Cook.

Truly a dream come true.

(I'm just going to add this . . . I don't think anyone except my immediate family knew just how sad and depressed and guilt ridden I felt after my parents passed away. The depths of sadness took over every part of me. I know that most people who know me know that I put up a strong front. But inside I felt like I was dying too. I mean this when I say this, that being by myself creating beautiful jewelry in my new Studio space saved me. That and the loving and caring gestures of my husband, son, family and good friends. You all know who you are. So this moment means the world to me. I feel alive again :)