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Growing up and living connected to an area that is rooted by one’s family for over 200 years seems less common these days. And, with so much movement and faced paced living it’s also less common to find people maintaining a “true heritage.” What has kept you rooted in the area your whole life?

How would you describe Appalachia, and what does “true heritage” of this area mean to you?

You mention that you grew up in gardens, and today aim to create a sense of wonder with your gardens. It sounds dreamy, and yet you convey this sense of wonder and your regard for the plants you love all the way into the food and presentations. It makes food and garden feel magical! While “BigDaddy” (maternal grandfather) has been a source of inspiration for your gardening, what has inspired your incredible recipe curations and food styling?

Your garden herb focaccias and cakes are like magical garden scenes in themselves! How do these “scenes” change with the seasons for you?

Homemade, “from scratch” foods can be more time involved, but the payoff is huge in so many ways. Not all foods have to be elaborate, but it looks like you’re always going the extra mile! Do you have any tips or tricks for making homemade garden and farm to table ‘efficient’ and approachable for the more ‘fast paced’ lifestyles/work-life schedules?

Speaking of time, Michael Pollan has said that “time is the missing ingredient in our recipes-and in our lives.” How has adding the connection (and time) to growing your own food (and knowing your grower for other sourcing) enriched it further for you?

You’ve also spoken about how valuable it is for you to ‘slow down’ and have said, “In a world that feels heavy the biggest self care you can grant yourself is the ability to slow down. Slow down and enjoy what is dear to you. For me it is my loved ones, my sacred space (my home), and my garden.” For you, does this speak to the concepts of “slow living” and “slow food”? And do you think there can be a shift from the applause and prestige of busy equals “successful” in life, towards “balanced slow living” equals “successful”?