Gracie Pies :: Tickling Your Taste Buds Soon

It was over a year ago now.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I was in Louisiana visiting some good friends, one of whom is a a phenomenal artist (check her out at www.margaretbecton.com).  We were standing in her kitchen... me, my husband, her, and her husband... and I said it.  Out loud.  I told her that I had this "silly dream" to be a photographer.  It felt weird saying it out loud.  I think that this was the first time that my husband even heard me say it.  It was like... Hi, my name is Jodi, and I want to be a photographer.  I felt so raw.  So open.  All that Margaret had to do was let out one little chuckle, or tease me in the slightest and I would have broke into tears.  My secret was out, and my dream could have been so easily squashed; however, Margaret and all my friends and family were incredibly supportive.  They are all the main reasons I was able to muster up the courage to try something new.  Without constant... and I mean CONSTANT reassurance from those closest to me I would have quit before I really even got started.

I find myself being on the other side of this situation now.  A new person.  A new dream. A chance to give someone the courage to try something new.   

My sister, Lauri, plans to start a bakery.  Now, of course, I would support my sister in anything that she wanted to pursue, but it is EASY to support this dream because she is phenomenal in the kitchen.   She has taken recipes handed down to her from our relatives (mainly Grunner, Grandma, and Mom) and made them her own.  

So I flew to Denver to sit in Lauri's kitchen and watch her bake, and bake, and bake... each time something came out of the oven it went right in front of my lens... and then right into my mouth!  I may have gained 10 lbs while I was there, but each pound is welcome so long as it comes from Lauri's oven.  Even though the pies, breads, and cupcakes were fantastic; the best part of my trip was just sitting in Lauri's kitchen spending some much needed time with my sister.  I also got to squeeze my niece and nephews, and spoil them as all Aunties should.

Gracie Pies, Lauri's company, will be on the internet soon.  I'm sure that I will post a blog entry the MOMENT that her website goes public.  To keep you tied over until then... here are some photos of Lauri, her beautiful family, and her yumminess.