I am a second-grade teacher and former journalist who is addicted to traveling. My husband, who is in the service, wonders why I'm obsessed with it. It's fascinating on all levels. I love things as simple as shopping at different grocery stores, to sitting and chatting with old ladies on buses and trains and hearing their stories. I can't imagine how I will ever reach all the destinations calling my name, but I'm certainly going to try.

My passion is ...

writing, reading and traveling

I know too much about ...

It's impossible to know too much about anything.

My parents always told me ...

Don't trust boys who won't look you in the eye or shake your father's hand.

My childhood ambition ...

I wanted to be a lawyer or a teacher.

My favorite memory ...

My mom always took my brother, sister, me and the rest of the neighborhood down the park to go swimming. Along the way, she'd lead us all in song.

Why I write ...

It makes me feel good to create, to make people laugh, or cry.

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

I just finished "Dear John" by Nicolas Sparks (awesome, but get the tissues ready for a good cry)

My first job ...

Bakery clerk

My best moment ...

Too many to say.

My inspiration ...

Life already lived.

Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Death of a parent

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He wears the ring his father gave

His mother on their wedding day

In memory of her passing

A simple act born of his love

And comfort on the nights too long

When heavy thoughts weigh down his sleep

And questions of a life too brief

Go unanswered

Before he goes to bed at night

He prays to God that she's alright

And hopes that her soul freely soars

Above the clouds and with the stars

Out of reach but never too far

A mother's love lasts forever

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