FOOD FOR THOUGHT：BRINGING ESTATE PLANNING TO LIFE

Writing a will and taking care of other aspects of estate planning can be intimidating and complicated. But putting off dealing with these issues, or avoiding them altogether, is not the solution. Food for Thought takes you by the hand and allows you to listen in on a group of people coming to terms with the kind of estate planning questions we all face. And while the characters may be fictional, the issues are only too real.

Food for Thought follows a dinner club — seven friends at various ages and stages of life — through the course of a year. Each chapter revolves around a dinner party where the friends and neighbours gather to share fun and good food (recipes included!), but also their experiences with some of life's major events and tougher situations, all related to estate planning. As the characters work their way through experiences with aging parents, sudden death in their circle of friends, planning for the welfare of their children, and more, readers will learn how to deal with these legal and financial issues as well.

Each chapter is in three parts. First the lively conversation and bon temps of the dinner party, which touches on one or two estate planning subjects. Part tow follows with an informative discussion of the legal and financial issues, in the tone of an experienced but friendlier estate lawyer. And part three features the dinner party menu, complete with seasonal recipes and advice on preparation and serving.

Food for Thought makes the subject of estate planning more palatable by presenting it in the context of the finer and more pleasurable things in life — friends, family, good conversation, and delicious recipes.

Jean Blacklock (Calgary, Alberta) is Vice President & Regional Market Leader (Prairies) at BMO Harris Private Banking, a division of the Bank of Montreal. Previously, she was a partner at a major law firm, specializing in wills, estates and trust law. She writes a regular column in the Calgary Herald, called "Your Estate."

Judy Miyashiro (Calgary, Alberta) has ten years of experience in the food service industry, as chef in various fine restaurants. She is the founder of Global Kitchen Catering.

Susan Murphy (Calgary, Alberta) is a freelance writer and editor, specializing in technical topics for the layperson.