Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Carolyn McFann is a busy writer, illustrator and photographer living in Tampa Bay, Florida. Her work can be seen internationally, via publications, signs, novelty items, artwork and more.

Trained at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Ms.McFann started her career as a fine artist, doing nature artwork for clients from corporations to private individuals. She still sells her work through her agent, Caroline York and through her own website at: http://www.cafepress.com/twopurringcats .

A well-travelled professional, Ms.McFann has been on television, radio and her work has been on the covers of newspapers and magazines. As her reputation grew, she branched out into writing, which has been her larger focus in recent years. This creative lady works non-stop, and shows no signs of slowing down as she travels around, photographing, documenting and drawing subjects of interest to her.

My passion is ...

Documenting and working with animals of all kinds.

I know too much about ...

Winter. That is why I moved to Florida, to escape it.

My parents always told me ...

Never give up. Always keep learning and growing.

My childhood ambition ...

To be a National Geographic Society artist and photographer.

My favorite memory ...

Living down in Mexico for two years. I used to snorkel every day and document the Caribbean sea life. It was heaven.

Why I write ...

It's therapeutic to me, and an entirely different way of expressing myself from my usal means of expression: art.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

I like reading books about internet marketing and business. For fun, I enjoy all J.K.Rowling's books. On cable, I like watching movies like The Producers, Bridget Jones' Diary and Phantom of the Opera.

My first job ...

Working as a buffet girl at a country club. They could never keep my bushy hair securely under those lousy hairnets. It was fun to watch people getting crazy at wedding receptions and get paid for it.

My best moment ...

When my parents gave me my first horse, a Thoroughbred gelding named Serenity. He was a big baby, with endless energy.

My inspiration ...

My high school art teacher, a classy and knowledgeable lady named Helen Biehle. She supported my interest in art and was there for me when my own family wasn't.

Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Travel advice: Take a longer vacation and save money

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If you've ever taken a particularly wonderful vacation but hated to go home, then an extended vacation is for you. With more time in your favorite holiday destination, it's easier to get a true feel for the area and all that it offers. If you think this kind of thing is only for the rich or famous, then think again. All it takes is a little planning and maybe a little sense of adventure, too. There are ways to get around the high price of resorts, but still have a full and pampered vacation experience. By not paying $300 per night or more at fancy hotels in popular vacation destinations, yo...

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