The Writer’s Cottage

The Fool’s Perspective

Essays, published writings, and the threads that tie my village together.

Some chapters of my life became restaurants. Some became community projects. Others became essays.

I write about food, family, my town, and the small things that turn out not to be small. Raising six children has given me plenty to say—and plenty to listen to.

Michele, in this corner of the village

I’m Michele Bialek—a mother of six, baker, business builder, and community advocate. From Liquid Lunch and GROW to the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund and my time as a Shelton Alderman, I’ve lived many chapters. My writing is where those experiences meet: the kitchen and the town square, everyday care and the possibility of a village that works together.

From the writing desk

Published words & conversations

Guest column

Valley Independent Sentinel

October 30, 2015

Let’s Move Forward Together

Guest column by Michele Bialek

A vision of Shelton rooted in conversation, cooperation, culture, and artisan life—written during my 2015 mayoral campaign.

Read at Valley Independent Sentinel

Candidate Q&A

Patch · Shelton

October 18, 2021

Running for Shelton Alderman, Ward 2

Michele’s candidate responses · Introduced by Alfred Branch

My responses about local priorities, downtown life, and the community I hoped to serve as a Ward 2 Alderman.

Read at Patch

Business Q&A

Patch · Shelton

September 16, 2014

The Story Behind Liquid Lunch

Liquid Lunch owners’ responses · Introduced by Wendy Ann Mitchell

A business-owner conversation about how Liquid Lunch got its name, why we chose downtown Shelton, and the beginnings of a local gathering place.

Read at Patch

Wander on

The Healer's CottageResonate Your Frequency The WaystationWander with the Fool The ForgeForge the Path The BakehouseMake and Break Bread The CommonsBuild the Community

The Fool’s Perspective

Michele, in this corner of the village

Published words & conversations

Let’s Move Forward Together

Running for Shelton Alderman, Ward 2

The Story Behind Liquid Lunch

It Takes a Village, Idiot!

Hello world!

Where did all my money go?

All you need is love!

Now who’s the idiot?

Let the games begin!

. . . and I feel fine.

Is it getting hot in here?

The way I see it…

Get outta here!

Wake the Fuck Up!!!

I Love You, Man!

Hey Davey!

Black Tuesday

But what about the children??

Handmade

You gotta know when to hold ‘em

I wanna be a princess!

It was the best of times…

One crazy summer

Thank you, Ralph

bigger, Bigger, BIGGER?

I Don’t Need Anything. Except This Ashtray. And This Paddle Game...