It's possible I am one of those food geeks.

I write about how food inspires me to pursue higher standards, greater character, to learn something new and do one small thing. 

And how food has taught me to be more authentic, awake in the present moment, vibrant when I feel sluggish, to season my relationships well and respond to life's difficulties, instead of feeling guilty.

So…

It's only been a few days since the tsunami ravaged parts of Japan. The pictures are humbling and the stories sobering.

The weekend was spent being grateful for family and friends who are safe, warm and well-fed and praying for those who are remembering happier times.

Then I sat down this morning and read more bad news, unrelated to Japan, but still the kind that leaves you wiping…

Last week I confess I let the house go. It is quite a chore to put everything in its rightful place, but as I said last week, it's meaningful.

I went shopping for antique nightstands for my daughters a few years ago. That one belongs to my middle daughter, and after those few years under her artful care, the top was scratched, peeled and…

Memory is a funny thing.

It's triggered by music, scents, feelings. Mine is mostly triggered by shoes and food.

Like the gold, sparkly sandals I bought with my grandmother, because I thought it would be a good idea to catch my flight from Seattle to Palm Desert in brand-new pumps. Worst idea. She took me straight to the mall when I landed.

The blisters still haunt me.

Or the…