An introduction

I’m an Austin-based, storytelling nonfictioneer who grew up in Minnesota along Highway 61. Between those places I lived in 31 homes. More than a few of them were boats. At least two were VW campers. One was a log cabin.

I ran away to sea in my late 20s, living aboard boats and ships for longer than my landlubber family thought prudent. I’ve traveled in North and South America, Turkey, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, stopping often for snacks. My mission is to track down the world’s best street foods. The toasted crickets won’t make the list. The Chihuahuan sotol gargled to rinse the dust off my tongue sure will.

I’ve cobbled a career impersonating a baffling array of craftswomen: yacht chef, cruise director and deckhand; log cabin builder, landscaper and package designer; a child advocate, dive master, ice cream scooper and a genuinely bad waitress. I doubt it’s a fluke that most of these jobs honed my innate cursing skills.

I write about my travels and stuff which adds up to life: finding your place in the world, eating, whiskey and big fat problems. Curiosity about pretty much everything gets me out of bed. Interactions with me may turn up in a post. I’m also an excellent eavesdropper, so even if we don’t (strictly speaking) interact, it may turn up in a post.

My favorite people are Brian, whom I met on my first honeymoon and is a peerless travel companion and husband; Erica, the best profanity pupil an auntie could have; my cousin (named after a Dallas stripper) and anyone willing to offer me food, a beverage or a good laugh.

I’m determined to prove Arthur Conan Doyle wrong.

 You see, but you do not observe. “A Scandal in Bohemia” (1891)

Use the menu at the top to explore the site or head right to the blog. All of my posts from Steal Just One Day are here on the blog, too. If you have a mind to join me on social media you can connect on the usual sites via the usual social buttons. Get new posts delivered via email by signing up on the sidebar. Thanks for dropping by.

 

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