A Bit about Me

I am not your typical grandmother. First, I don't like to be called Grandma; I prefer Nana, and second, I don't believe anyone should act their age. So, let's start with my husband, we've been married for 47 years. Next comes our two daughters. Daughter number one is married with three children. Daughter number two has one child. I love to spend time doing family activities, and I love that we all live within three miles of each other.  
 

I never thought I would be a writer when I was young; I'm not much of a reader. I was an outside girl, riding my bike, swimming, climbing trees, and making up my own stories as I played.  
 

We lived in the San Joaquin Valley, where it was hot in the summer and foggy in the winter. My brother and I were close and spent most of our free time together. My dad owned a nursery where we worked, watering the plants and pulling weeds. (Fun stuff).  
 

I remember a family vacation: We had a used blue Cadillac and a fourteen-foot travel trailer. My parents decided we should see the United States. We started the trip in California, hitting all the historical spots from there to Washington, D.C., and back. Dad was cruising along on a freeway, pointing out the Pentagon, when he was forced into the wrong lane, and we ended up under the Pentagon with rifles pointed at us. What a sight! I'm sure we all looked like deer in the headlights.  
 

But for the most part, I had a normal childhood and teenage life. My high school years consisted of cheerleading, competing on the swim team, and making grades so that I'd be accepted to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  
 

My adult life began when I met and married the love of my life while working as an EMT. When the girls came along, I stayed home and raised them. My husband found his passion in I.T. Later, I returned to the pool, where I coached competitive swimming for 25 years.
 

My writing career began when I broke my leg and was not allowed to walk. I had to do something to purge my wild imagination and energy. I discovered the computer (okay, I'm a little late, but it could spell). I spent the next six weeks reading every book I could find on writing. I read and wrote every day until I could tell a story. When I felt ready, I began researching and writing my novel. I doubted myself almost every day, but here I am, fifteen years later, with eight completed novels. 

We retired and moved to East Tennessee, where I love the green rolling hills. I finally understood what my mother had talked about and missed.
 

I taught my swimmers to work hard and never abandon their dreams. I think the same advice applies to me. The word can't is not in my vocabulary. My motto: Dream big, work hard, and never give up has worked well for me throughout my life.