The road I’ve traveled to get to this day hasn’t always been easy. And if I’m being honest, was never really part of the plan. I never intended to write a book. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would uproot my life, move to a farm, and learn how to live off the land I would have laughed in your face. Life is funny that way. However, I am so damn thankful that this rocky, unpredictable road is the road I’m traveling on. I’ve never had a clear vision of where I’m heading but here I am, and I can honestly say, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Last Sunday I got to celebrate the release of my debut book Dishing up the Dirt: Simple Recipes for Cooking Through the Seasons. I was surrounded by my local community, dear friends (both old and recent) and many new faces that traveled from the big city all the way out to my book signing. I was so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that I’m afraid words won’t do this justice. Seriously, the amount of love, enthusiasm and support that I felt in that room is something I will take with me for the rest of my life. One of the highlights of the day was looking up (halfway through the event) to see an old familiar face. It took me a second to register who this amazing person was (I haven’t seen this man in over 15 years) But if you can believe it, my high school counselor drove over an hour to get his book signed from yours truly. Words cannot explain how happy and overwhelmed I was. This man got me through the toughest years of my life and always ALWAYS believed I would do something incredible. He was my biggest cheerleader when I felt defeated and completely lost and holy shit, after 15 years he’s still my number one fan. You know who you are and I love you from the bottom of my heart.
Aside from all the sappy, happy tears that streamed my face last weekend the event really was a lighthearted celebration. My favorite local band–The Greenneck Daredevils — rocked out the whole time and we even took a break to watch the cookbook trailer . Beer, wine and snacks from the book were served and it was one of the best days of my life. Thank you to every single person who came, brought gifts, and purchased a book. I am indebted to you.
One thing I’ve learned through farming, blogging and writing a book is this: It takes a village (and a lot of hard work). But honestly, I could not have done any of this without an entire community of folks supporting me, our farm, this blog and now the book. Thank you everyone for showing up, being honest, and cheering me along. You rule! I hope the stories and recipes from the DUTD book bring you joy, comfort and a whole lot of love when you need it most.
I’m going to end this post with one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite authors; the always brilliant Cheryl Strayed.
“The best thing you can possibly do with your life is to tackle the Mother F*cking shit out of it.” Amen.
All the above photos were taken by the talented Jolie Goodson of Art Fare .
Congratulations! Keep up the hard work!
Alexis|| https://lidsandtricks.com/
Oh my gosh, Andrea… You are one tiny package of determination and grit !
Congratulations… be proud 🙂
Andrea-you farm, you cook, you write, you inspire, you rock and you definitely tackle. What a beautiful celebration! I’m digging your cookbook. Thanks for always sharing from your heart.
Congrats! Will there be a signing in Portland? Broadway Books, perhaps? Can’t wait to get your book!
Andrea,
I am so delighted for you!!
You are inspirational, for all of us.
It was so great to be there to celebrate you and all of your beautiful & delicious hard work! Love the book!
Keep up the wonderful, honest work!
Andrea, I have loved following your journey and cheering you on every step of the way. You go girl! Keep sharing your inspiring attitude and more success and joy will keep coming your way. Congratulations on your book!
Such a wonderful book and an awesome accomplishment! Well done!
You rule! Great job! Great write-up and so very cool that thanked your high school counselor. It is so important to thank those people who helped with our foundation even when they and we didn’t know what sort of building would be grown.
Andrea, do you know if you’ll be visiting MA for a book signing- sort of bringing the farming full-circle? It’d be so fun to meet you!
Maybe in the Fall! I’ll keep everyone posted on that!
Amen!!
Wow, congratulations girl, you’re book looks amazing! I am so happy for you!
Andrea – you really are the cutest thing ever! Continued good wishes from me for your ongoing successes!
Congrats on such a wonderful achievement! I just bought your beautiful book and am SO excited to read through it! I also absolutely love the poncho you’re wearing at your book signing. May I ask where it’s from?
Thanks and keep tackling the shit out of life! xx
Great post, great day, great quotation! And that’s just what you’ve done! So proud of you, and honored to walk with you on the journey! I have now read the book cover-to-cover, and have been moved by it, deeply!
Congrats on an amazing achievement! I just bought the book and am SO stoked to read through it. Everything looks beautiful and absolutely delish! I also totally love your poncho you wore to the book signing. Where is it from??
Thanks so much and keep tackling the shit out of life! 🙂
Congratulations! This book is SO beautiful. I can’t wait to purchase our own copy and savor all the farm goodness. We grow our own veggie patch for us and raise native plants for our business and sometimes the whole process kicks our butts so we can truly appreciate the time and effort and soul searching you two give and live. Thanks for sharing your recipes with the world. Cheers to you!
Your fabulous cook book just arrived here in Munich, Germany! What a great anthology and I cant wait to cook from it!
YAY!! I love it. So happy you got a copy delivered to you all the way across the world from Tumbleweed. Dish it up Girl!