Private Chef, Writer & Podcaster
Ever been spiritually ambushed by someone quoting scripture or pushing miracle twigs like they’re handing out eternal life samples at Costco? As a spiritual but not religious chef living with chronic illness, I’ve got some thoughts—and a few logs of my own. Here’s my no-pamphlet-needed take on boundaries, belief, and why passion doesn’t need to feel like a sales pitch.
Some days, while easing into the morning and pretending the world makes sense, I stumble across online advice so astonishing it makes sarcoidosis feel like the most logical part of my life. And recently, “Dear Prudence” delivered guidance so unhinged—I had to sit there blinking like a confused owl, wondering who exactly we’ve trusted with our emotional emergencies.
A chef living with chronic illness discovers that sometimes life’s soggy disappointments lead to unexpected beauty—like when a canceled dog walk turns into a rainbow moment that slaps you with perspective. A story about resilience, humor, and finding color in the drizzle.
Living with chronic illness can be exhausting—but sometimes, the best medicine isn’t in a prescription bottle. For me, it came in the form of two tiny Gauls named Asterix and Obelix. This heartfelt reflection explores how nostalgia, humor, and childhood comfort shows like Asterix & Obelix help me cope with sarcoidosis, heart failure, and the unpredictable chaos of chronic illness.
Coffee snobs may insist that “real coffee lovers” drink it black, but I’m here to say flavor and joy matter more than bitterness and bravado. Whether it’s a caramel macchiato, a hazelnut oat milk latte, or a straight-up espresso shot, coffee is personal—and your morning cup doesn’t need anyone’s approval to be real.
Tate Basildon 