About Me
My writing roots
In the early 1960s, nuclear families were the norm, so my elementary school classmates repeatedly asked why I spoke of grandparents and cousins instead of parents and siblings. Although Bachelor Father (1957-62 TV series) was about an uncle raising an orphaned niece, I didn't have the guts to say my dad was dead and my mother didn't want me, which was why I lived with my grandparents. Instead, I created a fictional nuclear family for a school assignment and earned an A. While Gran praised me for the grade, I said I didn't deserve it because I'd lied. With that grade and the acceptance of my classmates, I knew I was on to something.
I started writing poetry, but I'm not sure when. I do that to get feelings out of me or to honor/celebrate someone's something.
I think I commenced journaling in the mid-1980s, which led to writing to sort out my thoughts.
I had a column in a local newspaper for a time, just writing about whatever. Lordy, I do have a lot to say:-)
Mostly, I prefer writing non-fiction; however, I've returned to college and will be taking a creative writing class next semester. I do like to entertain.
Do you really want to know this stuff?
"No brag ~ just facts" (Quote from The Guns of Will Sonnett, TV show)
Born on a military base on the Monterey Peninsula, I was raised by Mom's parents in Salinas, California, the salad bowl of the world. Today, I live in the Big Valley in Cali with my husband. We have five adult children, eleven grandchildren, a standard poodle, and two cats.
For my day job, I work as a real estate broker-associate, notary public, and Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member (licensed to provide facilitation, speaking, coaching, and training on approved Maxwell Leadership personal and professional development content).
Previously, I worked as an income tax practitioner, legal assistant, marketing representative, and loan officer. I even drove a dump truck for a couple of weeks to help the family! I've earned numerous real estate sales awards and the local Association's President's Award. I was a semifinalist in the California Association of Realtors Champion of Homes Award, recognizing those who go above and beyond their duties.
I am also a volunteer extraordinaire, epitomizing “If it is to be, it is up to me” and “WE Before Me.” I've received many accolades for my decades of public service, from serving on the Board of my children’s preschool to becoming Chairperson of my County Board of Education, Chamber of Commerce President and Volunteer of the Year, recognized as a Community Ambassador by a United Nations Ambassador as part of I Change Nations, testified before a Congressional Sub Committee in Washington, DC as an advocate for Buffalo Soldiers in the National Parks, earned both Gold and Silver Medals representing America as Team Manager of the US Adaptive Water Ski Team at World Championships in Australia and Norway.
Currently, I serve on the Board of C.A.R.D.S. (Competitive and Recreational Disabled Skiers). We organized, raised funds, and hosted the 2023 IWWF World Disabled Water Ski Championships. (One of the most challenging things I've ever done!) I serve on the Board of USA Adaptive Water Ski & Wake Sports, Inc., which recognized me as the 2022 Volunteer of the Year. I also serve on the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) Hall of Fame Committee.
Unlike my mother, I'm a great shot and an accomplished fast-draw competitor, earning local, regional, and state awards.
I became an Ordained Minister in 2014, received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in 2020, and serve on a women’s prison ministry team with Women of Love Ministries.
I'm far from perfect and don't claim to be perfect. I don't believe I'm better than anyone else; I'm just trying to be the best I can because I'm accountable to God for all I've done and haven't done with the gifts and talents he gave me. Like everyone else, I make mistakes, I stumble, I fall. I get back up again, sometimes crawling before I can stand. I'm saved by the Grace of God and washed in the blood of The Lamb.
Oh, and I emcee Chamber of Commerce Mixers and the Christmas Parade . . . and I think I'm quite funny!