Since I was a little girl, I have always been so proud of my home state, Michigan. I love the way Michiganders experience the seasons, each one vibrant and defined by its color, temperature, pastimes - and the food it brings to the table! Whether you are picking fruits or vegetables from a tree, bush or garden, Michigan's seasonal bounty is plentiful. Our recreation even pairs with the seasons: Water and snow sports are beloved Michigan activities.

Our state is beautiful, filled with glorious deciduous and pine trees, acres of open farm fields, and miles and miles of sandy beaches. Michigan's little towns are slow-paced and peaceful, while our big cities are cultural and vivacious. And Michiganders are typical Midwestern folks - hardworking, humble, of great character, with sweet and easy dispositions.

My hometown, DeWitt, is as cute as you can imagine. It is, indeed, a place where people know you by name and where little parades, farm markets, and festivals line our streets. Everyone turns out for Friday night football games, and the tiny barbershop is standing room only on Saturday mornings.

My sweet hometown folks have always been supportive of my little pie shop, and me! They came and bought pies, cookies and lunch. They told their friends, who bought more pies. The friends brought their relatives, and they bought muffins and even more pies. And so on and so on. I can never thank DeWitt enough for helping make Sweetie-licious the success that it is and - more important - for believing in me.

I wish everyone the privilege of living in a place of camaraderie like DeWitt, Michigan. It's a town I am proud to be from, and oneI hope I make proud!

Eat pie, love life!