SELF PORTRAIT

Patty Barker

DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH: Dec. 7, 1957, Little Rock

MY KIDS WOULD SAY I am their biggest fan, unless

we are playing pingpong.

LAST BOOK I READ: True Grit by Arkansas’ Charles Portis

THE BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED was “Go ahead, it will build character,” from my father, in support of any of my pursuits.

PLACE I’D MOST LIKE TO VISIT: Thailand, to see our former AFS exchange student and his new wife and baby girl

WORKING IN WASHINGTON TAUGHT ME the balance between conviction and compromise.

MY IDEA OF A PERFECT DAY: One that starts with a nutritious breakfast, of course

I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT hugs from my kids (or any kids!).

GUESTS AT MY FANTASY DINNER PARTY: All of our fabulous Cooking Matters volunteer chefs

MENU AT THAT MEAL: Their favorite dishes, with some fresh Arkansas tomatoes

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE ME: Advocate