About Me

Name: Mom, Mother, You, Mommy, Chris

Age: Do I have to tell?

Family: Two kids, dogs, fish, and a husband.

Career: I am a freelance writer and illustrator. I am also a substitute teacher in the local school district. Before I had kids and switched to freelance work, I was an advertising copywriter and a book editor. Before I settled down to a “real” job, I was a ski instructor, lifeguard, and even a French pastry chef.

FAQ

• What is a momathon?

If I could write the definition for Webster’s, then I think it would say:
mom•a•thon
\mäm -ə-thän\ (noun) : the 24/7 mommy marathon--on two feet or four wheels--that celebrates the dedication and achievement of moms.

• If you were a French pastry chef, why don’t you have a cookbook?

I'll be honest, I got the job because I was willing to work in a hot kitchen, not for my baking skills. But I do have a fun pastry cookbook--one I wrote just for me. I have a packet of recipes I wrote down while slaving away in the bakery at the Minneapolis Sofitel Hotel. Unfortunately all the recipes are for feeding a gazillion people so I hardly ever use them.

•Do you have a favorite recipe?

Chocolate Profiteroles--a miniature cream puff with chocolate sauce drizzled over the top-is my favorite. I also love chocolate mousse. Shortly after I “retired,” a local paper asked the restaurant for the mousse recipe and the chef gave them the most complicated recipe with dozens of ingredients and even more steps. Seemed odd to me because the recipe I was told to use was very short and quite easy. Maybe that’s why it was one of my favorites.

• Where do you live?

Too far from my family and friends in Minnesota. Close enough to fabulous skiing to keep me happy.

• Your kids sound sweet. Why don’t you share any photos?

Because they are just old enough to think appearing in a mommy blog is lame.

• Have you ever illustrated a children’s book?

Not yet. So far my projects include logos, spot illustrations, and note cards. I’m working on developing clothing with my artwork. I’ll keep you posted.

• Do you have any favorite sayings?

“ Cherish your kids and be good to yourself.”