JPPENS

                                                                               In late Spring the forest trees of the Western North Carolina Mountains are serving up a buffet of impeccable green flavors... The darkened leaves of kale and asparagus, shadowed by the light leafy lettuces dressed with hues of cucumber and kiwi overflow onto our platters. Lime, mint and basil dusted with thyme are the completion of this sensual presentation.  All are invited and welcomed to partake of our seasonal menu.

  Loud Secrets... We all have our stories, our Loud Secrets of traversing the road of personal acceptance and then managing life the best we can...when I wrote and published my story (Loud Secrets A Memoir) I did it for my wellness, never expecting the outpouring of folks who contacted me sharing their journeys. That my experiences helped anyone was beyond my expectations. I post this to encourage other LBTGQ+ to share, to speak their truth when ready and grow in the joy and peace that was once never imagined. I am not able to hold and fight for  pride  in this country at this alarming and horrifying time. I will now and always fight for  pride  in who I am and who loves me. That fight cannot take place as a closeted LGBTQ+ person, or for someone who's native language is not English or are not Caucasian, or are physically or mentally challenged... staying hidden and quiet only continues our ongoing battles for self-esteem. People MUST ALL BE SEEN in this world, ...