My Interesting Life
I was born in a rural area of western New York, in what's called the Finger Lakes region. What's interesting about growing up in a rural area is the different kids you get to hang out with, from the richest to the poorest, we all lived near each other and went to the same school.
There was a time growing up when I wanted to be a writer and had a poem published in a New York State teacher's magazine. I read all the time, including every horse story I could find, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Robert Heinlein's science fiction books for teens, dog stories, mysteries, adventures, and like everyone I had favorite stories I read over and over, wearing out the bindings on a few of my favorite books.
My father took me hiking when I was growing up and he taught me to find my way around the woods as well as how to find my way home. He helped me to become comfortable in nature, to have a good sense of direction, and now I seldom get lost when I travel. My father led an interesting life with lots of hobbies and adventures and he traveled to some special places. I found myself inspired by his approach. So, here are some interesting things I've done with my life.
I've raised four children (two boys and two girls), which was definitely interesting. I lived most of my adult life in Rochester, New York, and several years ago returned to country living. Currently I live on a windy hillside surrounded by nature along with my dog, Sierra, and my cat, James Bond (see pictures below).
I like adventure and travel is one way to enjoy it. My favorite travel adventures include seeing an iceberg in Newfoundland, staying on the slopes of an active volcano (Arenal) in Costa Rica, swimming with dolphins and stingrays in the Caribbean, and camping at high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains. I've visited the Scottish Highlands and hiked the Fairy Glen. I also dipped my toes in the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye where my camera mysterious recorded several videos to ensure that I would remember my visit. The Bay of Fire in Tasmania with the black swans that swim there is further inspiration for a future story about pirates.
I’ve always liked to learn, so stayed in college a long time, earning a Ph.D. in Human Development. At that time I said I’d never take another class, but the urge to write became so strong that I took a class on creative writing several years ago. I guess you should never say “never.” That class is what got me started on my career as a writer.
In my work as a college professor I’ve studied what motivates people to learn, how people learn on their own, and how wisdom develops. Several years ago I attended my first conference on sustainability and sustainable living. If you’re not familiar with the word sustainability or what sustainable living means, it has to do with how we can make the world a better place now and in the future for everyone and everything that lives on our planet. Sustainable living has to do with making better decisions on what we consume and how we lead our lives. I’m hoping to use optimism and inspiration to educate others about making the world a better place. This is why I’ve included environmental and sustainability themes in my creative writing.
The Good Life is an ancient idea that says the best way to live is to have a "good guardian spirit." It is a path I try to walk and hope you do, as well. thus, I wish all of you the Good Life with many interesting adventures.
There was a time growing up when I wanted to be a writer and had a poem published in a New York State teacher's magazine. I read all the time, including every horse story I could find, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Robert Heinlein's science fiction books for teens, dog stories, mysteries, adventures, and like everyone I had favorite stories I read over and over, wearing out the bindings on a few of my favorite books.
My father took me hiking when I was growing up and he taught me to find my way around the woods as well as how to find my way home. He helped me to become comfortable in nature, to have a good sense of direction, and now I seldom get lost when I travel. My father led an interesting life with lots of hobbies and adventures and he traveled to some special places. I found myself inspired by his approach. So, here are some interesting things I've done with my life.
I've raised four children (two boys and two girls), which was definitely interesting. I lived most of my adult life in Rochester, New York, and several years ago returned to country living. Currently I live on a windy hillside surrounded by nature along with my dog, Sierra, and my cat, James Bond (see pictures below).
I like adventure and travel is one way to enjoy it. My favorite travel adventures include seeing an iceberg in Newfoundland, staying on the slopes of an active volcano (Arenal) in Costa Rica, swimming with dolphins and stingrays in the Caribbean, and camping at high altitudes in the Rocky Mountains. I've visited the Scottish Highlands and hiked the Fairy Glen. I also dipped my toes in the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye where my camera mysterious recorded several videos to ensure that I would remember my visit. The Bay of Fire in Tasmania with the black swans that swim there is further inspiration for a future story about pirates.
I’ve always liked to learn, so stayed in college a long time, earning a Ph.D. in Human Development. At that time I said I’d never take another class, but the urge to write became so strong that I took a class on creative writing several years ago. I guess you should never say “never.” That class is what got me started on my career as a writer.
In my work as a college professor I’ve studied what motivates people to learn, how people learn on their own, and how wisdom develops. Several years ago I attended my first conference on sustainability and sustainable living. If you’re not familiar with the word sustainability or what sustainable living means, it has to do with how we can make the world a better place now and in the future for everyone and everything that lives on our planet. Sustainable living has to do with making better decisions on what we consume and how we lead our lives. I’m hoping to use optimism and inspiration to educate others about making the world a better place. This is why I’ve included environmental and sustainability themes in my creative writing.
The Good Life is an ancient idea that says the best way to live is to have a "good guardian spirit." It is a path I try to walk and hope you do, as well. thus, I wish all of you the Good Life with many interesting adventures.
My Interesting Pets This is Sierra, my dog. She's a "golden doodle" because her mother was a golden retriever and her father was a poodle. Being called a "doodle" would probably make her feel bad though, so please don't mention it when she's around. She's actually very smart and knows lots of tricks, and other than when she tries to stand on her head, doesn't act "doodle-ish" at all.
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This is Sierra with James Bond, my cat. She's not really crazy about the way he keeps trying to share her bed. For a secret agent like Bond, we find JB isn't very good at either catching mice or sneaking up on anyone, but he does make a good lap cat when he's in the mood.
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