We are TV producers, journalists and authors who shine the light on ordinary women making a difference and how you can do it too through our podcasts, books, interviews, newsletter and website.
It's back to reality in Phoenix now but still savoring memories of Maine and the kind people there. Here’s one example. I was moving out of a summer rental with a giant suitcase facing a dauntingly high staircase. A woman driving by stopped and yelled out the window, "Do you need help?" Not wanting to impose but wondering how I would get the heavy luggage to the car, I said sure.
Beautiful skies at Fort Point Lighthouse, Stockton Springs, Maine
Not only did this stranger, a small person, hop out of her car, but she ran over and wanted to lift it herself. Stunned, I helped her lug it slowly down the steps. When I thanked her, she said it made her day to help me. Who says that? Has this type of helper come to your aid lately? I hope so. What an eyeopener to the potential for human kindness!
Erin French (l) of the Lost Kitchen, TWE's Pam Burke (c) and Lidey Heuck (r), author
Again, more kindness appeared in Freedom, Maine. During a visit to the Lost Kitchen there, I met Lidey Heuck, a talented cook and writer, who had just released her new “Cooking in Real Life” book.
Lidey Hueck
She had been an intern with Erin French who introduced the world to the Lost Kitchen, a lovely getaway and unique restaurant nestled next to a gorgeous waterfall in central Maine. Perhaps you’ve seen Erin’s tv show "Getting Lost." Here’s where you can find episodes.
Erin and Lidey couldn't have been more gracious to me and the many visitors who showed up in the pouring rain to meet them. If you can ever get to Freedom, don't pass up the chance. The staff at the Kitchen's generous hospitality is unforgettable. Hoping you can meet Erin and Lidey in the future on TWE.
And I must follow up with more about the unforgettable Lucky Platt, the accomplished artist I mentioned in the last newsletter. Pat Caso was able to track her down and find out more about her unique approach to teaching art and the objects she makes out of real-world materials.
This survivor of breast cancer has been managing her disease since 2012 with great humor and positivity as you can tell in their chat. As Lucky says, “I’m going to be as bold as I can be, and grateful always to the mighty forces that keep coming to my aid.”
We are happy to welcome Judy Pearson, a breast cancer survivor as well, back to TWE. She joined Stacey Gualandi in a podcast to talk about her new book “Radical Sisters” that celebrates the efforts of three courageous women who transformed how we discuss and diagnose this disease. Their achievements became a movement that saved millions of lives.
Judy Pearson at Changing Hands Bookstore
These women were trailblazers whose work goes mainly unheralded. Hope you get to meet Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, and Evelyn Lauder through Judy’s eye-opening biography.
👉 We are giving away one copy of Radical Sistersto one of our readers who lives in the United States.
Be the First to respond (See Process below 👇), and we will send it to you.
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Andrea's Carrot Cake
Andrea's carrot cake with nastertium
While in Maine, I celebrated a relative’s birthday with a delicious homemade carrot cake made by Andrea, a childhood friend who happens to be a gifted baker. It was so mouth-watering and moist that I asked her if I could share her recipe and tips.
Tips: 1) Make sure to squeeze the grated carrots; 2) Put batter in three 9-inch pans rather than two so there will be more frosting; 3) Use PAM to coat the pans.
Recipe for Andrea's Carrot Cake (l), Recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting (r)
You may have your own favorite carrot cake recipe, but I promise, if you follow Andrea’s directions, you will not be disappointed. The frosting made the cake even tastier. The nasturtium (correct spelling) was a perfect topping!
Want Some Inspiration for 2025?
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We are TV producers, journalists and authors who shine the light on ordinary women making a difference and how you can do it too through our podcasts, books, interviews, newsletter and website.
