My writing career began almost 30 years ago when, as founding co-publisher of my fifth and sixth grade newspaper in Panora, Iowa, I wrote my first impassioned editorial on "Why My Hometown is Great."

The first thing I wrote as a grown-up was about my farm family's tradition of processing sweet corn for the freezer, a story that was read by Lee Kline on WHO Radio, published in Successful Farming magazine, and later reprinted in Greenprints magazine. I love my work, because I learn so much and get to talk with people about their passions in life.

I used to get teased for being too smart! But now editors appreciate that I never miss a deadline, never exceed an assigned word count, and always hit the right angle or tone for a piece. Writing well is, after all, the best revenge.

Resume

Education

  • Starting coursework for B.A. in French, University of Idaho, Fall 2008.
  • Graduate course in Culture and Cuisine of France, Gastronomy Department, Boston University, 2006.
  • M.A. Literature, University of Montana, Missoula, 1992.
  • B.A. English, Central College, Pella, Iowa, 1990, Magna Cum Laude.
  • Semester abroad, Trinity College, Carmarthen, Wales, 1987-1988.

Experience

  • Freelance writer/editor/columnist. 1998 - present.
  • Project director/writer/editor/grantwriter for Moscow Public Library: A Century of Service centennial exhibit and booklet. 2006. Funded by Idaho Humanities Council.
  • Bookstore Manager, Brused Books, Pullman, Washington, 2001-2005.
  • Administrative Assistant, Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sitka, Alaska, 2000-2001.
  • Contract Employee, Planning Office, City of Sitka, Sitka, Alaska, 2000.
  • Contract Secretary, Planning and Zoning Commission, City of Sitka, 1999-2000.
  • Bookseller, Old Harbor Books, Sitka, Alaska, 1997-2000.
  • Library Assistant, Public Library, Grundy Center, Iowa, 1996-1997.
  • Coffee shop Manager/Baker/Cook, Backdoor and Mojo Cafes, Sitka, Alaska, 1995.
  • Office Manager, Hoffmann & Associates Architects, Missoula, Montana, 1991-1994.
  • Research Assistant/Writer/Editor, Center for Resourceful Building Technology, Missoula, Montana, 1990-1991.
  • Youth Hostel Manager/Cook, Central College Hostel, London, England, 1989, 1990.
  • Editor, Central College Ray (weekly), Pella, Iowa, 1988-1990.

Personal

Professional Affiliations: Member of ASFS, The Association for the Study of Food and Society; IACP, International Association of Culinary Professionals; Slow Food USA. Member of the Moscow Civic Association and Latah County Historical Society. Former board member of the Island Institute, Sitka, Alaska. And in my heart, I'm still in 4-H!

Interests, Activities, and Volunteering: building renovation, historic preservation, gardening, cooking, preserving food, small-scale agriculture and farming, simple living, parenting, reading, camping, European travel, foreign and independent films, Celtic music, and folk dance. Member of the Moscow Food Co-op. Former volunteer for Missoula Folklore Society, Moscow Food Co-op Community News, and the WSU organic farm project CSA newsletter. Volunteer judge for Idaho Public Television Reading Rainbow children's book contest, 2007; volunteer judge for IACP Kids in the Kitchen recipe contest, 2008.

Family: married to Walter, a self-employed gardener/handyman; mother to Reed, 7 years old; companion to Fiona, a 3-legged dog, and Minou, tabby cat, both safely lodged with friends while we're traveling abroad.