I could answer the usual questions about my life. Where do I live? How old am I? Am I married? Do I have kids? What do I do for a living? What are my passions in life? How do I feel about politics? Who are my favorite authors? But I won't. I'd rather let my words speak for themselves. Who I am cannot be defined by my age, my address, my marital status, my children, or what I do for a living. Who I am is defined by the words I write, and the feelings and thoughts I share. What I love about writing is the absence of conversation. When I write it's just me alone with my thoughts and there isn't anyone around to comment, to offer praise or criticism, to make suggestions, or tell me how to do it better. It's just my words, my thoughts, my creation, and my truth. Who I am is defined by what I leave behind, and the written word has the power to live on forever.

My passion is ...

writing, reading, the music of a certain "Heartland Rocker", my family and friends.

I know too much about ...

nothing. There's always more to do, more to see, and more to learn.

My childhood ambition ...

to be true to myself.

Why I write ...

Because I have to! Is there any other reason?

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

that same "Heartland Rocker", love to read Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Greg Iles, James Patterson, and as for the tv? Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace

My first job ...

a McDonald's drive-thru

My best moment ...

meeting that "Heartland Rocker", and the best is yet to come!

My inspiration ...

my grandmother...

Education > Early Childhood Ed Learning to read

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As an educator of preschool age children for the last 19 years, I have helped many young children discover the joy of reading and language. I taught for several years in a Montessori preschool and used a similar method for teaching children to read throughout my career.

*Create a set of letter cards: Cut and glue pictures of objects that match each letter of the alphabet to 4 by 8 inch piece of poster board. Try and use 4 to 6 pictures for each letter. Laminate.

*Choose 3 letters each week. Sit with children facing you. Hold up one letter card at a time, telling the children, "This is...

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