So my first post on my new Blog 
will be...a dedication to my sister.
For, Lori Anne. 

First-time Dad holding Me. May 1969. 206 Norwood

How did this start? Let’s see. I have been cooking, writing and taking photographs for as long as I can remember. But what finally got me to start writing a blog? Well, let’s see. I had been trying to publish a cookbook for my sister, a beginning cook. Not a cook at all, my little sis had requested that I start a recipe box for her. So excited at her interest I promptly ran out and found a pretty box decorated with lemons that would fit right in her bright and cheery yellow gourmet kitchen. If my little sister asks me for something she always gets it. That is what big sisters are for, right? I was so happy to give her a “keeper box” of her own to treasure on her counter. I started neatly copying my best recipes onto the cute little index cards that I had purchased– matching lemon-theme, of course. I began trying to write the instructions and ingredient lists for my favorites as clearly as possible.

Then it occurred to me when I was beginning to cook I was inspired by pictures of the food in the cookbook first, not the words. It had to look good on the page and provide visual inspiration to motivate me to attempt to make it for the first time. So, I began photographing the food that I made for my family everyday. The first couple of pictures looked very yummy. I thought yes these will inspire her to try to make it. This might work. This will be the thing that gets her to not just look at the recipes but to pull them out and try them. Visual Courage, so to speak. She will know what I am talking about and the recipe won’t be intimidating. She will try to cook. After working on it for almost a year, it then occurred to me this wouldn’t be her “keeper box” , it would still be mine. I needed to give her the courage to make her very own “keeper box” for her family.

How could I do this? Hmm. I thought about a cookbook with pictures or making posts of food on Facebook. Then it came to me: A blog. She could tune in or tune it out when needed.  She’d see the pictures I posted and maybe get inspired. Maybe this blog will set her off on her own journey of making a personal “keeper box”.

So, little sis, it turns out you are my inspiration for writing this blog. You are the person who gives me the courage to try things I might otherwise not. You are a true example of grace under pressure! So, if you are out there reading right now, throw away that cardboard recipe box.   The one with the yellow lemons on it. We are going to get you making one of your very own. You inspire me every day. You have inspired me to do something I have wanted to do for a long time;  write something and actually share it with people. As Julia says, “No fear” , Right? So, if you are going to take a chance, you might as well start big. I will share my little short stories, recipes and photos with the world. Yikes. Ok, maybe there is just a little bit of fear going on here. Oh well. I am diving in.