Short Bio
Many people dream of writing the great American novel. My novel, The Secrets Underneath, came from an actual dream. Sharing bizarre dreams with my husband in the morning isn’t very unusual for me but with the question, “and then what happened?” a novel began to take shape. Life often got in the way (including co-authoring a nonfiction book with a world-renown cardiovascular surgeon), but each experience and delay deepened the novel’s story. Finally, my husband took me to Costa Rica for two months to finally finish the story without life’s interruptions.
I am the author of three books and co-author of one more plus a contributor to an anthology. As a freelance writer-editor for over three decades, my articles, essays, and columns have appeared in books, professional journals, regional newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and websites. I’ve been fortunate to earn the coveted “above-the-fold” newspaper placement as well as magazine cover articles.
Long Bio
Born in New York City, I moved ten times before my 20th birthday, torture for a natural introvert with curly hair and glasses. But constantly being an outsider developed empathy in me that served me well in my relationships and through the next 30+ relocations as an adult. I wouldn’t think of trading stability for empathy, so I guess everything worked out as it was supposed to. However, I never would have suspected I’d end up in the Pacific Northwest.
So, who am I? In order of development: I am a child of divine Love, a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother. These relationships shaped me, and have brought me the greatest joys and the most profound sorrows.
In no particular order I have become: a writer, editor, mentor, spiritual director, coach, corporate communication skills trainer, community educator in domestic violence, television show host, singer, skier, jewelry maker, dress maker, gardener, and hospice volunteer (it’s easy to reinvent yourself with so many moves).
It’s taken a lifetime of trial and error to learn the most important things I know about being human and to find joy in that.
So, what have I learned?
Dogs were my best teachers for the spiritual practice of just being me.
Babies–and death–were my best teachers for the spiritual practice of living in the Eternal Now.
I can accept the things I cannot change, and I can even love them (or at the very least appreciate them)—from the mundane, like my curly hair and glasses, to the profound like my mother’s passing into eternity; life is what it is.
We all must find our paths, yet we can, and should, shine light on worthy ones so others may find them too.
Giving and receiving love matters more than anything else.
What I’ve come to know deep in my soul is that relationships break our hearts open and when our hearts are open, Light shines in and Love flows out.
Concepts I Live By
Live consciously and joyfully in the present moment
Forgive the past
Accept what can’t be changed
Practice gratitude because life is a Sacred & Eternal Gift
My Stats: I am a communications professional with three decades of experience in writing, editing, media, public relations, marketing, corporate training, community education (in domestic violence), event planning, and fundraising (ah, those many moves again!).
All of these jobs were interesting and fun, but none were as fulfilling being a mom. Writing and editing re-ignited the passion I felt in motherhood as it fed and focused my creativity. And helping other writers find their voice is a lot like being a mom.