In my favorite kind of writing, familiar things turn out to be portals onto the universe; the plainest trinkets unfold into philosophies of life. Whether I’m writing about food, design, travel, or family; whether I’m profiling chefs, architects, or entrepreneurs; I’m always on the lookout for these unexpected entryways. My subjects—animal, vegetable, or mineral— invariably become my teachers, and I get to pass whatever wisdom they offer along to readers. My journalism, personal essays, profiles, and poetry have been published in a wide range of media, including newspapers, consumer magazines, literary journals, and exhibition catalogs. A few examples are featured above.