I have a very vivid memory of the way my parents spoke, and the 50's that I grew up in are closer to the 20's, I think, than today in many, many ways.

Most of the authors I liked were dead, so it didn't seem like a safe occupation.

Sometimes the kids come up with better endings than the real story.

Get to know your kids' minds and how they think.

By itself, just to draw crazy creatures has limited appeal - if I had to give up one thing, it would be the wild imagination. When the work becomes too detached from ordinary life, it starts to fall apart. Fantasy needs to have some connection with reality, or it becomes of its own interest only, insular.

My grandfather gave me inspiration to cook, and love food and flavors. My Aunt Raffie, gave me creativity and the inspiration to create new things. My mother inspires me to find simplicity in food.

My imagination is my polestar; I steer by that.

Creativity is all around us, and some of the funniest, most beautiful, and touching moments happen when you least expect it.