Butter Your Own Damn Bread: Discovering My Values and My Voice

In this moving memoir Diane Rasmussen Lovitt traces her journey to find her authentic voice and values, from her childhood on a Kansas farm to adulthood as a nurse, mother, and activist. With humor and honesty, she recounts pivotal experiences that shaped her - from being denied the chance to assist in a cow's birth because "this is not for girls" to feeling overpowered and controlled in her first teenage romance.

A trip to New York City as a teen opens Diane's eyes to a wider world. Through her church, she discovers her passion for women's rights and social justice. Marriage and motherhood bring new joys and challenges as she strives to raise strong, compassionate children. Throughout it all, Diane increasingly finds the courage to speak up against unfairness and stand up for her principles, whether in her family or community.

She weaves in short stories about teachers and the strong women in her life, from her quietly determined mother to her courageous sister battling cancer and brother living with Parkinson's Disease. Diane shares life lessons on claiming your strength, living your values, and cherishing precious bonds with family and friends. Warm, engaging and wise, "Butter Your Own Damn Bread" is an inspiring story of becoming the hero of your own life. Her mission is to encourage you to share your stories and connect with those who have lived with power and control over their lives.