Florence Ditlow

I joined readers here to describe my work and create an avenue to connect with readers who enjoy the history of women, an uplifting story of survival through WWll, the activity of baking and finding the joy in our unique existence.

I was compelled to write The Bakery Girls about the same time my mother died, when I focused on valuable, ingenious, whimsical things I had learned from her. Gradually it occurred to me that The Bakery Girls story was an important piece of what Tom Brokaw called “the greatest generation.” Their work, education and relationships were culturally “iced” with remarkable politics, music, travel and slang.

Life is something like baking because you have a choice of your favorite ingredients, combine them tastefully, observe through the oven window, watch the time, then proudly share your creation. Even if your cookies quickly disappear, the spicy scent lingers as does the satisfaction. Our taste and aroma memory are vehicles to another time.

Memory of baking has surfaced as a benefit to my readers. We have special memories from the kitchens of our childhood or special trips to favored bakeries. Please share these with me via [email protected], twitter or linkedin.

I’ve also authored Long in the Tooth: surviving chronic illness with a sense of humor (2002). I am a holistic registered nurse, with certificates in nutrition, herbology and bio-energy medicine, through the American Association of Holistic Nurses.

My background as a registered nurse provided opportunities to write educational materials in the ‘70’s, journal articles in the ‘80’s and textbooks in the ‘90’s.

Throughout this time, humor as a therapeutic tool surfaced. I am a charter member of the American Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and use humor and laughter to enhance work performance, support learning, improve health and as a coping tool.