See that smile on my face in my photo? Because of my work here on Helium, I am now published and a contributing writer for a magazine. Some of my other work has been noticed and purchased too. Seeing one of my articles featured on Helium's front page never fails to make my day.

After years of working as an Executive Secretary, I left it all behind and find myself exploring new worlds with unlimited horizons through writing. Whoever said that retirement can be a beginning, not an ending, definitely knew what they were talking about.

Helium has provided a comfortable forum where I can express my ideas, share a little life wisdom, or even vent annoyance over a ridiculous daily headline. Like most people, I usually have an opinion and do follow current events with the same critical eye that makes America, well, America. Helium is my newspaper, magazine and Internet source through which I submit my ideas and words and then get paid for it.

Another interesting challenge came as a surprise when I volunteered as a mentor on Helium. Helping new writers mature and improve their skills has been especially satisfying. When approached to volunteer as a sub-channel steward here on Helium, I jumped at the chance. You will find me working around the Home & Garden Channel in the Cleaning Sub-Channel.

Creating is the passion all writers thrive upon, but I also enjoy researching a topic that interests me. Being factual and informative is important, but just as important is emotionally engaging my readers. When I have firsthand knowledge, like a first person story from my life, writing with a sense of humor makes the process just that much more fun.

I live in Las Vegas with my husband and our two Ragdoll breed cats. Lucky for us, we are not gamblers. There are too many other things to do that keep us busy.

If I can be of help to you, please contact me directly through my "Contact This Writer" link.

My passion is ...

Reading and writing

I know too much about ...

The potty habits of my cats

My parents always told me ...

My Mom focused more on the importance of clean underwear.

My childhood ambition ...

What else, to be a movie star!

My favorite memory ...

A self-driving vacation with my husband around the southwest coast of Ireland.

Why I write ...

In addition to giving me immense pleasure, I also enjoy researching and learning about new subjects.

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

I read an ecclectic mix of genres. Musically, I'm mostly a Pop kind of gal. On TV, the very few shows that boast good writing. However, I will admit to being a "Survivor" junkie. (This show is like watching a train wreck. You know it is going to be a horrible mess, but for whatever reason, you cannot take your eyes off the screen.)

My first job ...

In a greenhouse, where at age 16, I wrapped foil paper around tiny paintbrush plants for Easter. (I believe this job launched my inner green thumb.)

My best moment ...

Most recently, feeling like a real writer by selling my work. (I hope to rub elbows one day with Michael Connelly or Janet Evanovich so that we can compare notes.)

My inspiration ...

Many things, but to name a few: Laughter, kindness, curiosity, integrity, truth, Mother Nature and all her residents, friendship, and waking up each day believing that I will find a way to live my "best life."

Travel > Travel Diaries & Adventures Road trip tales

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As our plane touched down at Shannon Airport in Ireland, any hazy feeling of jet lag blew away with our first glimpse of the Emerald Isle. When we began to plan for this trip, my husband vetoed the idea of a group bus trip. His dream included the two of us, with him at the wheel of his own car, leisurely traveling through the southwest coastal area of Ireland. His American machismo attitude about driving remained confident anticipating the difficulties of reverse-side driving. Really, he thought, just how hard could it be?

He found out quickly when we picked up our rental Toyota and...

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