Why Iowa...inspiration

Five years ago, as I was considering a move to Iowa, I searched the internet for author/illustrator Michelle Edwards. We had met once, just before she left St. Paul for Iowa City. What is it like? I wrote. Her immediate response: I love Iowa. She later welcomed me when I moved to Iowa and we became great friends.

Michelle is the author and illustrator of  A Knitter’s Home Companion, an enticing collection of essays, knitting patterns and recipes, as well as numerous books for children, and is a regular columnist in the Lion Brand Yarn Co. newsletter.

Here are Michelle's Why Iowa thoughts:

from A Knitter's Home Companion by Michelle EdwardsIt took me a long time to fall in love with Iowa. At first, the rolling vistas of vast greenness, the calmness of Iowans, and the quiet of day to day living, spooked me. Now, it inspires me.

Many other places hold a piece of my heart, too. The Hudson River Valley where I grew up. Vermont where I spent my summers at Camp Hochelaga. And Israel where I studied and worked and do so deeply hope to return someday.  After years of being unsettled, Iowa is where I have landed. It is where I have hung up my curtains, grown deep roots, and found a good life.

Win a copy of A Knitter’s Home Companion! Enjoy Michelle’s charming illustrations, delicious recipes (Mitten Lady Soup is a favorite at our house), patterns, and insightful essays.

Enter by submitting an email with your name and the name of a place that inspires you.

One entry only, please! Submit by by 5 pm. PST Tuesday, May 3, 2011. The lucky winner will be announced the next day.

See more Why Iowa thoughts here.