: About Me

Growing up in the rural country with nothing more exciting than the corner grocery store as the heartbeat of the town, gave me many quiet afternoons and weekends to read.

Well-written books borrowed by the armfuls, swept me to people and places so far from my backyard. Reading took me to ancient civilizations and future outer space colonies. Words evoked my emotions. How does one explain the involuntary laughter of the heroine's dilemmas or the tears cried at the emotional reunion at the chapter to someone who can't appreciate reading?

This deep appreciation of the written word and the power and knowledge that it can share, still lies within me.

Helium provides a vehicle to share my life experiences.
I've done many things in my life - from crafting homemade gifts for the PTA to riding elephants in Thailand. It is from these diverse life experiences that I draw from for my articles.

My passion is ...

seeing my son grow up (17 years old and maturing!)

I know too much about ...

little tidbits of everything, yet not an expert of one

My parents always told me ...

Fortune follows a happy heart.

My childhood ambition ...

To author children's books

My favorite memory ...

Butterflies hovering around my Mother in the garden

Why I write ...

Love to share

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

Smithsonian Magazine / News Networks / Coast to Coast Radio

My first job ...

Counter-help at local Ice Cream Shoppe

My best moment ...

Sipping morning coffee in my garden in the quiet of sunrise

My inspiration ...

is knowing that good always wins

Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Christmas 2007: Gift ideas for children from $10 to $25

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Everyone has a story of a child playing with the large cardboard box that the "expensive" present came in, all the while with the expensive present languishing pristine and untouched. Try to explain "that" to Grandma! Gifts that can promote imaginative and creative play are the best presents that you can give. Why is this simple fact so important? Creative play is continually "fresh".  It changes each time the child picks up that present. Surprisingly, these are the gifts that you could purchase for under $25. It is because you'll not have to pay for the licensing nor royalt...

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