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Farewell to food writing, but welcoming a new adventure
Published: 8/16/2011 8:00 AM
Last Modified: 8/16/2011 7:45 AM

My baby girls, already dreaming about chocolate pie.

When I started as the Tulsa World's food writer six years ago, I hoped I would have the title for 30 years.

I loved everything about my job, from the first day until the last. I couldn't have imagined anything that would have led me to leave the Tulsa World and this most joyful of jobs – writing about food every day.

Enter the pitter patter of little feet. Make that six little feet… in 15 months.

Where once life was all about leisurely weekends, travel, cooking and reading, it's now about potty training, kissing skinned knees, rocking babies and the Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Two years ago, my twin girls were born. Fifteen months later, we were blessed with their baby brother. They have taken me on the greatest adventure of my life. It's wild, sometimes wobbly, often exhausting, but a privilege.

My beautiful girls were born 13 weeks premature, with the complications that come with it. In their early days in the hospital, when I had one hour a day to hold them, I would whisper to them all the sweet and wonderful things I had planned for us. Even in the NICU, when my girls hadn't yet had their first taste of milk, I often talked to them about food.

I remember watching my girls' staccato breaths while I told them all the delicious things I planned to make them for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, cranberry sauce, pecan pie, I would tell them, with each creak of the rocking chair.

Food is as important to me today as it was when I started as a food writer. But now, I'm making baby food, disguising vegetables in spaghetti sauce and making sure we’re all eating enough whole grains.

Leaving my job as food writer will allow me to follow through with all of those plans I whispered in my babies' ears. And yet, I'm thankful to have the opportunity to continue with the Tulsa World as a correspondent.

I'll be blogging for the Tulsa World about events and things to do. Through my blog, Tulsa To Do, I'll let you know what's happening, what's fun and, sometimes, what's worth loading up your mini van to get out of the house on a Saturday afternoon.

When you know of things going on around town, let me know. This blog will be a two-way conversation of what's going on in and around Tulsa.

The talented Nicole Marshall is the Tulsa World's new food writer. She brings years of experience as a reporter and a passion for food and cooking to the table.

In the coming days, check out tulsaworld.com/tulsatodo.

Reader Comments

12 Total

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upbeatontulsa (last year)

Happy, and sad, day. We'll miss our weekly visits, but look forward to your blog!

Tulsa World Managing Editor Susan Ellerbach (last year)

Loved this, Natalie. Reminds me of when your little ones were born ... So glad you are continuing your work with us!

Nnascenzi (last year)

Will miss your regular byline, but look forward to your blog. I wish you luck on this next chapter!

Mar (last year)

Natalie, you indeed lived the best of both worlds. Making an income doing what you love and still being able to care for and spend time with your babies. Most working women are not so lucky, instead they spend 50 hours away from home to bring home much needed income, thereby surrendering thire children to child care centers.

I raised 3 sons, all adults now. Back when my sons were little, employers were not so willing to work with their female employees in balancing their work and children. So computers and internet have been a God send of sorts in allowing mothers to stay home more with their children but yet produce some income.

Best wishes to you, enjoy your children, as they will grow up so quickly. :)

Turkeyleg (last year)

Best wishes. I have enjoyed your articles.

stacey4gop (last year)

Oh Natalie you made me cry. I know what you mean, I truly do. You are an AMAZING WOMAN! Not many chose to leave a wonderful job to raise there kiddos. I cannot wait to read your blog and add you to my blog roll! {{hugs}} From one SAHM to another!!! I also cannot wait to get together with you to cook or just munch!

Tulsa World Scene Writer Jason Ashley Wright (last year)

Miss you, my friend! But I look forward to keeping up with you -- and those babies! -- on your new blog. Love it! xo

46961 (last year)

I'm behind you 100% to stay home and raise your children. As you know, that often comes with sacrifices, but it's a good decision any way you look at it. I have loved your articles and fanciful writing during these past years. I wish you and your new family well and will keep in touch with you on your blog.

JettBlack (last year)

Congrats on your new career. You will certainly be missed!

Claudia Butler (last year)

I'll miss your columns but I'm very happy for you that you will be able to stay home with your precious children. You won't regret it. look forward to reading your blog.

19931 (last year)

Natalie, I am so happy for you to be able to focus on your children and still keep your fingers in journalism (and food)! I stayed home with my girls for their first 5 years and it was a wonderful time - just like you describe it. My youngest just left for college - so enjoy this time, it goes so fast. Best wishes to you and your family.

orsos (last year)

Bye and good wishes, Natalie from Jerry Gustafson. I may have been your first interview at a Home and Garden Show when I gave you a tour of the Master Gardener booth. You portrayed our gardens at the old Laura Dester Shelter as volunteers tried to support the kids in care. I shall not forget the day when you came to do a patio dining piece in our backyard with several associates, it was fun and somewhat chaotic. The Gustafson's looked forward to all your words and tried many recipes. I know you will be a wonderful mom, will miss you, best wishes forever. Jerry

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Taste

Food Writer Nicole Marshall Middleton joined the Tulsa World in May 1993 after graduating from Oklahoma State University. She has covered crime, city government and general assignment beats during that time - but mostly crime. But when she isn’t at work, Nicole is a devoted food hobbyist. She enjoys meal planning and cooking with her husband, Steve, every day of the week and on holidays it’s a family affair. When the opportunity to become the food writer at the Tulsa World presented itself in the summer of 2011, Nicole jumped at it. She is excited to explore a new side of Tulsa and make the transition from crime to cuisine. .

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