I grew up with sisters, attended an all-women’s college and write for women’s magazines, so naturally I became the mother to three boys.
I started my career in New York City where I worked as a writer and editor for 10 years. In 2009 I left my job as Deputy Features Editor at the bestselling magazine First for Women and moved back home to Traverse City to write full-time from a home office for national publications. The flexibility allows me to do creative side projects like publishing children’s books.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my sons, my husband and our new quarantine puppy on Old Mission Peninsula.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Over the years I’ve interviewed celebrities (like Martha Stewart), but my favorite thing is profiling everyday people about overcoming obstacles. There’s so much value in telling our stories. I’ve also served as a guest blogger for The New York Times and I wrote and photographed the award-winning children’s book Squash Boom Beet. Press opportunities have allowed me to do some amazing things—tour emergency disaster sites, drive race cars in Hawaii, even play a little tennis with Billie Jean King. During quarantine I also wrote my first screenplay and novel. I love that being a journalist means being a lifelong learner—reading great books, having enlightening conversations and speaking to the best experts.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite date-night spot is Poppycocks downtown. Everything is delicious, but I really appreciate how many plant-based options they have on the menu. For a quick bite, I like Press On Juice on 8th Street for a Power to the People smoothie.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I’m so lucky to be a 5th generation native to Traverse City. I grew up here, moved to the East Coast for a decade, and then returned back to TC 11 years ago. Manhattan was great, but Michigan is where I wanted to raise my children.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One person would be Angie Judge, a leadership consultant and the New York Times bestselling author of Spark. I love that she does empowering things on a national scale (she served as an advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), and also a local scale (like helping to found the Grand Traverse Battle of the Books reading competition for area children.) We met at our sons’ t-ball game years ago.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Barcelona, Spain is on my wish list. The architecture, the art, the food. My oldest son is passionate about studying Spanish so he could be my guide.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I recently watched “The Queen’s Gambit,” about a female chess prodigy. I was moved by the aspect of the story where a janitor in an orphanage introduces the young main character to the game of chess. I think helping people discover their talents is just about the most powerful thing we can do for each other in life.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
We have four distinct seasons here so I’d encourage people to use that to their advantage to customize a unique trip. Eat at restaurants that source the best in-season ingredients. Appreciate how the same hiking trail can give different experiences depending on whether the trillium is blooming or the autumn leaves are falling. Want to sail or snowshoe? Drink microbrew or ice wine? Really tap into the “when” of “when in Rome.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I always joke that I want to make a hole-in-one in golf. We have such great courses in the area. The sun sets so late here in the summer it’s possible to have dinner and still play 9 holes. But I’m not very good. I need to practice. So I’d be equally delighted to witness my husband or father get a hole-in-one instead.
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
Maxbauer’s Meat Market in old town Traverse City. My ancestors started it back in 1913. It’s no longer in the family, but Mark Wilson has done such an incredible job with the business. Every foodie town needs a great local butcher.
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
I heard that Pete and Chasten Buttigieg recently bought a home in the area. They’d be fascinating to meet. They’ve each published inspiring books. And Pete was the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, where I lived during college. I’d love to eat at Red Ginger and hear about their observations traveling the country, how different areas create a sense of community and common ground with their neighbors.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My family loves the State Theatre, the non-profit independent movie theater started here by filmmaker Michael Moore. The TC Film Fest is one of our favorite weeks of the year.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope I’m continuing to put inspiring stories into the world. With the empty-nest phase, I’ll have more time for volunteer work and initiatives that support local authors.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Living so close to the Great Lakes has made me more aware of environmental issues. I’m devoted to sustainable fashion. So I love finding treasures at Zany Consignment Boutique. One of my quirks: I try to wear a dress ever day (weather depending!)
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A couple years ago for our anniversary, my husband and I went to the Portuguese Islands, the Azores. They are known as the Hawaii of the Atlantic because they are made up of volcanoes. The hiking was stunning! Closer to home, I love the Empire Bluff Trail, overlooking Lake Michigan. We hike that every Mother’s Day.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. It’s unifying to think that on that day, more than any other, Americans are doing similar rituals. As a parent, Christmas is the best day, focused on the people, traditions and desserts that I love. And my favorite month is probably August, spending time at the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My three kids. Genealogy is one of my hobbies so I’m always trying to document things for the boys. I inherited a strong work ethic and I hope I pass that down to them.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
There is something magical about the fall colors. My husband and I had an October wedding here. It’s fun to take scenic drives or visit Michigan’s Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy. Organized. Filled with laughter.
