My kitchen is my sanctuary...always has been. It's where I go to collect my thoughts, find peace, and feel nurtured. Some people find inspiration in their garden and others in their workshop - I find it in my kitchen. It's where I go to feel happy, excited and creative.

I've always loved baking, and cheesecake is my choice dessert. Whether it's the holidays, a birthday or other special occasion, I always look forward to sharing something I love with people I love.

Like most small businesses, I started operating out of my home. I began taking orders from friends and family and word spread about my cheesecakes. Then when my sons got into the restaurant business, I decided to supply them with my cheesecakes.

I have, over the years, entertained the notion of publishing a cookbook about cheesecakes. After all, I've been developing recipes, collecting pictures and dreaming about the possibility of sharing my ideas with others. It seemed difficult, daunting in fact. Where do I start, how do I do this...it never seemed like the right time.

Then one evening, my husband and I were watching a documentary entitled Becoming Warren Buffett. Seeing his story and hearing his words, "take what you enjoy doing and go for it," was the catalyst for creating this cookbook. Thank you Warren Buffett for your inspiration.

I reside in Tullahoma, Tennessee with my husband George, and at 69 I am living my life to the fullest. It is never too late to live the life you want, to help people less fortunate than yourself, and to change the world with one little kindness at a time. I believe God gives us all something special, and he wants us to share it with others. I hope you enjoy sharing these recipes with the ones you love.