"Because writing and cooking are better than a little red sports car."

That's the subtitle for my blog: a2eatwrite.

I've been blogging for about four years now, first as part of a long defunct project called "Jen's Word Stew," and later in the incarnation of a2eatwrite.

As you might guess from my moniker, the blog was started in response to reaching a certain age, and as cooking, writing and Ann Arbor are my passions (after parenting and teaching), the title just sort of came together.

I've lived my life as an "eclectic": as a teacher, I've taught kindergarteners through adults in subjects as diverse as drama, Russian, general elementary, and currently, high school English. I've held part time jobs writing video scripts and articles; I've had the occasional story published. I've loved cooking since my teens, and over the last 10 years that love has turned into a real obsession. My obsession with food has had other consequences as well, as you can probably see from my photo, so I'm particularly interested in finding ways to produce delicious, whole-food recipes that are healthy and lower in fat and calories.

My other interests in food focus on local foodways, heritage and food, and sustainability issues. I try to be a locavore and I make most of my family's food from scratch. I'm a member of three CSA groups: Tantre Farm (in the summer), and Our Family Farm and Locavorious (both in the winter).

I can't say enough about how much I love the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Some of my favorite vendors there, in addition to my CSAs, are Frog Holler, Roos Roast Free Speech Coffee, Mill Pond Bakery, Carpenter's Organics, Brookside Farm (Carol, the blueberry and kettlecorn lady), TMZ beef, Ernst Farm, and Pilar's Tamales. I'm certain there are others I'm forgetting.

On my blog, I've covered recipes, writing topics, books, music, and the occasional political rant - especially in terms of education policy. I also host a relatively new series, Local Love Fridays, which highlights small Ann Arbor businesses. So far, I've profiled Roos Roast Free Speech Coffee, The Ann Arbor People's Food Co-op, Coffee House Creamery, Motte and Bailey Booksellers, and Gateway Chiropractic.

My posts on AnnArbor.com will be food-related, but will also be, like my life and interests, eclectic.

Blogging is a community adventure. I love dialogue with my readers. If you'd like a specific topic covered, or if you have a favorite business that you'd like highlighted, or if you just want to say hello, please comment here, or e-mail me at jenshaines at gmail dot com.

Cheers!