It’s You
There are days when I see recipes online, in magazines and newspapers, and feel completely overwhelmed. Some recipes take exotic ingredients that mean another trip to the grocery store, or a tremendous amount of steps…including ones that leave me feeling that I really should be able to pat my head and rub my tummy, while hopping up and down on one foot, reciting the alphabet backwards all at the same time. Ha! Try as I might, I’m a put-one-foot-in-front-of-the-other type of girl…always have been and always will be…just like my mother and her mother before her.
I loved every minute of writing my first book. Yes, it took a lot of work but I felt as if it were mandated by something way larger than me — I felt as if PIE was there every step of the way, encouraging and guiding me to write words that might inspire ordinary folks, just like me, to come into the kitchen to make, share, and enjoy pie making whether for the first or a ten-thousandth time. It’s unexpected and continued success is a blessing. But, with this success I wondered, is there anything I can possibly write to follow it? What would be my inspiration? Who, or what, would be guiding me? And then it struck me.
Since I began writing this blog in 2009, I have received many encouraging emails and messages from you. You have been there every step of the way cheering me on. You were there when my marriage ended and I patched my life back together; when my beloved dog Lady passed away and sweet Gretapie came into my life; when my son and I both won best of show in different years for our baking; when I tore down the drug house next door and started a new garden in its place; when my daughter passed away; when I received a James Beard nomination.
Whether a joyously full house, or just me at the table, it’s YOU who have been there with me through both the challenging and the good times—and it is you who inspire me to continue to write.
I have embarked on the journey for a second book. I ask for your encouragement, prayers, good wishes, and positive thoughts. This book is about the life of a home cook, baker, and homemaker, both as a full-nester and an empty-nester. It will be about wearing an apron and the stories that are the strings that attach it. There will be simple recipes, easy to find ingredients, quick to make meals with not too many steps, and it will be seasoned with lots and lots of love.
Months from now, after the last edit is done, and the first printed copy arrives on my doorstep, I will open it up knowing that each one of you are inside that cover, too. It’s you who mean the world to me. This book is ours.
The contract for book two!
With much love and gratitude,
Kate
Sending you bountiful wishes for an another exceptional writing experience. Your words and wisdom bless so many. I know the new books will extend those blessings.
Thank you so much Marilyn!
Congratulations! I soo enjoy all of your posts and recipes. “The Art of Pie” is a must-read for everyone as it’s much more than pie baking! Enriching all of us with your adventures and journeys!
Reminding us to stop and smell the flowers, live each day to its fullest as we gather life’s bouquets.
I am soo looking forward to “It’s Yo
And thank you Dominique for being there to read them! We’re still working on the title but I know it will be a good one. 🙂
Add me to that pre-order list. Thanks for sharing your life journey with us. I know it will enrich and inspire us because it comes from your heart, a place filled with boundless good stuff!
congrats on that contract
Cheers and a celebration hug!
Thank you for your kind words, Anne!
Best wishes on this new journey. For those of us on the sidelines, it will be like waiting for one of your pies to come forth from the oven….much anticipated, much enjoyed. I tell friends to whom I have given your book that it is so much more that a recipe book. It’s love and heartfelt stories and “Kate on the page”. Let us all know when we can place our pre-orders. Love you Kate.
Oh Dianne, what a wonderful sentiment! Thank you.
Wow, I only started following you recently and had no idea you’ve been through so much. Good luck with the process. I look forward to your next cookbook (I enjoyed your first one a lot). And it would be amazing to attend one of your workshops some day.
Thank you Asa! I hope you will be able to come to one also.
Kate, Your post says a lot. I loved reading the philosophical parts of The Art of the Pie — you are a natural born teacher. Best of luck to you in your writing endeavor as you write of more life lessons and favorite recipes. By the way, if you love coffee and need a break, you are invited to my house as my husband and I roast our own coffee and serve only the best. Cheers!
Thank you for the very kind invitation, Margery! I love a good cup. Kate
We’ve talked about some of this but it still brought tears to my eyes. What a journey! I’m so glad it’s moving forward in such a positive and joyous manner. I’m also pleased to see that you’ll be pondering the full nester and empty nester roles as I detest the myth that solo folks don’t really cook for themselves. Of course I will be adding this next one to my library. Hugs and congrats from your friend just slightly to the East. 🙂
Thank you Lynne! A house that with love is always full.
Oh my Yes! Many prayers going your way. I took your class at the Claremont Pie Festival this year. The class and book It were a gift from my father before he passed away. I haven’t made a pie yet. Now it is my mother whom I care for. Your next book will be a gift from my mom. Some day I will bake a pie again and your books will be patiently waiting.
Seize the pie and have a slice.
Thank you so much Sarah. I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your father and hope all goes well with your mom. Kate
Already anticipating it’s arrival at our local bookstore!
Oh you are so kind, Ron!
I am so tickled that this is happening for you. We all learn at your table Kate.
Dearest Robin- Thank you so much! xo
I can’t wait to preorder your next book and see what wonderful stories, recipes and tidbits of advice you will share. Many blessings on this journey, Kate – you are an inspiration!
Thank you so much for your support, Sue!
Congratulations Kate!!
I so look forward to this new book. Certainly for the recipes but also for the wisdom that you impart as part of the process of creating food. You are an inspiration!
Thank you Deborah! All of this is such an amazing journey.
Oh, Kate, how exciting!! It will be a treasure, and I cannot wait. Loving and supporting you every step of the way! xo
Dearest Jenni- Thank you! xoxoxo
Kate I look forward to your next book as I am sure it will be wonderful! You definitely have a gift – for both cooking and storytelling. I hope your journey through the process is enjoyable for you!
Thank you, Vickie! I never thought of myself as a writer and feel so lucky to explore a new craft at this age.
I am so looking forward to your next book! I hope its publication will bring another of your classes to southern California. I attended your class in Claremont in March, had a great time and learned so much.
Thank you Stevie! I loved coming to the Claremont Pie Festival and doing that class.
Great news, congratulations! 🎉😃 Can’t wait for book two…🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thank you Claudia! I feel so empowered to keep writing.
I could not be happier… a new Kate book is exactly what is needed. A book filled with food, fun and friends. Sending you lots of love and warm wishes from your buddy in Oklahoma.
Oh Gina, thank you! Those are the best Three F’s ever.
Dear Kate, I wish you all the luck in the world! I look forward to your next masterpiece book! All the best, Iris
Thank you so much Iris!
As I have carried your first with me,as far as The Hotel Diderot and well beyond, I am certain to adore the next adventure and have it with me on my own adventures.
Larry, I remember so well you posting from France that you were reading AOTP on a kindle. It was an honor when you came home and bought a hard bound copy and to hear of all the pies you have baked and shared from it. And now dear Jamie’s first book is to be released tomorrow. Full circle in some ways. May all our adventures be savory and sweet!
I have had Jamie’s book on my calendar for so long, I forgot where and how I found out about it. I’m ready to send in my order tomorrow..!! Yes, it is one big, beautiful circle.
Such an inspiring post. I’m a new reader so I didn’t know your story, but I’m in awe of all you have weathered with such grace and love. xo
Dear Krista- We all have many stories. I feel so blessed to be able to share a few of mine. Thank you so much for your kind words. K
Sounds amazing and can’t wait for it !!
Congrats Kate ♡♡♡
Thank you so much Gloria!
The journey we have shared has been long and winding. Your ability to share it and include others in a deep and meaningful way is one of your many gifts. I know that your next book will be another intense but very important part of your journey. I look forward to many years of sharing/growing/enjoying life and the road forward. Much love to you.
Dearest Vicki- Thank you for your very kind and inspiring words. Your support and continued friendship through many years mean the world to me. xo Kate
Congratulations Kate! This is so exciting. Can’t wait to be reading your next book.
Thank you so much Terry! And I can’t wait to see what you stitch up next. 😉
You go girl!
I appreciate your simple is better approach, and use your cookbook all the time (always on my kitchen counter.)
I hope to bring my daughter to pie camp in 2018.
Thank you René! I look forward to seeing you and your daughter at a Pie Camp!
Kate,
I’m putting on the pounds trying out the pie recipes in the current book. Can;t wait for the new one! Expecting your pink sneakers for the first signing event…..with some sparkles added. I had a wonderful time at your pie palace and want to encourage others to give the experience as a gift for your loved ones. An event to remember.
Thank you so much Karen! Pink sneakers (with sparkles) will be at the ready!
Kate, since my daughter- in- law and I had our pie class at your home I have felt related to you in a special way. We have a lot in common. I loved your flour in a glass gallon jar, your antique pastry blender and 50 cent salt box and wood stove. Everyone has a story. Thank you for sharing yours with all of us. You have overcome a lot and come out on top. With all your talents, it’s interesting that pie is the thing that has brought you the most success!
Congratulations on your plans for a new cook book! It will be the best yet! With your simple, uncomplicated approach to cooking from ingredients to cooking methods it can’t help but be a winner. My prayers for your success will accompany your efforts. I look forward to having a copy!
I remember so well the day that you two came to class in your beautiful blue aprons. It was so special to have you here. Thank you so much for your kind words. You are my pie sister. xo Kate
I cannot wait to read the stories and feel the love behind each and every recipe. Blessings to you, Kate as you step forward into this new chapter.
Thank you so much, Sara! xo K
Congrats on book two, Kate! I know it will be as fabulous as book one.
Thankyou so much for your vote of confidence, my dear friend. It means a lot to me. K
This is excellent news, Kate! Congratulations! It will be as big a success as the first and I cannot wait to see what you do! Sending love, courage, zen…. <3
Dearest Jamie- Thank you so much! I can’t wait to dip into your book, too. It’s arriving tomorrow.
So anxious to live vicariously thru your next book journey…what a fun idea for a theme!! You are on a roll, Lady!!
Thank you Jean. You had a ringside seat for the first one! 😉
Yippee! I am so happy you are doing this – you are a rock star to me! These days, it’s hard to remember always to be kind, to be loving, and to be calm. You are always that, and a real inspiration to me to try to be the very best version of myself. I don’t always make it, but I’m trying, and you always seem to be here for me. A book about how you’ve accomplished it all while going through the ups and downs that every life must handle is just perfect. Sprinkled with a few recipes – even better!
Dear Julie- Thank you for your words. Everyday I am given opportunity to have lessons to help me learn and remember to be kind. Some of them are harder than others, but I keep practicing! K
Hey Kate,
I am so happy to hear the news of your new book. The first one has brought me a lot of pleasure. I am so enjoying my Pie journey. I like your style in words and food and look forward to the next installment.
Pie On.
Tanya
Thank you Tanya. Keep on making pies and cooking!
I am so excited and so happy for you!
Thanks so much Karen!
Kate,
I just received Art of the Pie last week, and read it cover to cover like a novel. I am so inspired. I reside in Phoenix, Arizona, so baking can be a hard mood to get into during the summer, but October-March, you can not beat it. The year was 2010, I was 32 years old, fresh off my honeymoon, and my wife had just been accepted to Nursing School. In our new, busy, full, awesome life, I discovered that my wife, Sarah did not know how to cook, and had no time, or interest to learn. I decided to learn. I was not intimidated by the process because I come from a long heritage of farming, ranching, and home cooking/baking. I discovered food blogs, and wow had they evolved since the last time I ran across a few generic ones in their infancy. I latched on to a few, and I was off and running. It has changed my life. Cooking is very relaxing, it’s therapy, and it feeds people too. I discovered I prefer baking to cooking and am happy to bake at home, and then go out to eat. Christmas 2014, I found several of my Grandmother’s old Christmas Cookie Recipes and decided to make a Christmas Cookie Plate, and deliver them to our neighbors and friends, just like my Grandmother and Mother used to do, when I was younger. As soon as the the first tray of cookies went in the oven, and the kitchen was filled with that familiar scent of the holidays, I knew this was going to be a Christmas to remember! 1200 cookies baked, and several house to house deliveries later, after spending time reconnecting with neighbors and friends, I was deeply moved by the power of the cookie and the fellowship that baking creates. Memories of baking and spending time with family and friends during the holidays, is my favorite ingredient that I put into each batch of my cookies. Reading your cookbook, I felt the same vibe from you. Love. Thank you for writing this book. I ordered my rolling pin from Fletcher Mills, and I have a pie cloth coming. I am looking forwarding to making a few pies this fall and winter. I plan to follow your blog, and check in, when I can.
Tucker- Thank you so much for your lovely story. My family used to make door to door Christmas deliveries of special holiday treats, too and I have so many memories of that time. I hope you enjoy making some of the pies from the book and that you like both your new pastry cloth and rolling pin. All my berry best, Kate
Happy New Year to everyone at Pie Cottage. I am so excited for the next book.
Thank you Becky! Many blessings for the New Year from Gretapie, Mr Fez, Duncan, and me!