: About Me

Originally from Queens, New York, I have lived in the Midwest for the past 30 years. Always interested and passionate about nature and the sweet green earth; the feel of warm soil between my fingers, and the amazing aroma of my harvest simmering on my stove, I am slowly settling into my cozy corner of life's kitchen.

I had been a legal assistant for over 30 years and more recently a Realtor. However, life changes (as caregiver to two elderly relatives) have caused me to give up my full-time work in order to be close to home. So, I began to bake - and, then I began to write. Both of these have become extremely therapeutic for me, and a day does not pass that I do not escape to the task of one or the other. To make ends meet, I bake cakes, cupcakes and muffins, selling them to friends and associates. What better place than here to share these recipes and life's anecdotes.

I will be doing a Book Signing of THE BAJAN'S GRANDDAUGHTER in the Urban Kitchen at the Indianapolis City Market, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, from 11:30-12:45. Along with the book signing, I will also be doing a cooking demo from one of my book's recipes.

Quite by accident, I am now working on my second book (a novel) Queen Irene.

Writing Aliases: Stacey Torres, Stacey Maupin Torres, SM Maupin, Rustymoore

My passion is ...

Gardening, baking and writing - not necessarily in that order...

I know too much about ...

Groundhogs

My parents always told me ...

If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.

My childhood ambition ...

Actress

Why I write ...

It is therapeutic; it speaks words I cannot verbalize

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

I am watching a cooking show on television

My first job ...

Working in the concession stand of our local swimming pool

My best moment ...

Getting out of the birth canal

My inspiration ...

Writing is a gift and a right; it can never be taken away. Should you lose your hands or your eyesight, you can still tell the story ...

Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Martin Luther King Day

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I was appalled and bemused as to the apathetic mood regarding the commemoration of Martin Luther King’s birthday had become. Some local schools referred to it as a “snow day” or “holiday” (to be used if you need to make up time), or by not acknowledging it at all. I know everyone does not acknowledge, reflect nor respect the day; which is their right. But when did I become so complacent and adopt the ‘just another day’ attitude? Somewhere along the way, I also took it for granted along with so many things in our daily lives. When did I forget the h...

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