How I am Re-defining My Future I'm re-defining my future.  I am committing to making shit happen. There I said it! I've always wanted to make a career out of art but I have never taken any serious steps to put that dream in motion. Mostly out of fear but also in part to life circumstances. I haven't been able to physically or mentally put in the work necessary until now but circumstances have[...]

On February 1, 2014 my step-daughter was murdered. Shot in the heart by the father of her daughter in an attempted robbery.  Although he provided many accounts of what happened that night, he has admitted that he pulled the trigger and was responsible for her death. We have waited years for him to stand trial, a trial that was scheduled to begin in only a few weeks. The Original Charges I[...]

Just not always a GOOD reason... I don't mean to sound pessimistic but I cringe every time I hear it, someone just trying to be supportive, trying to make me feel better, trying to help explain away the unexplainable... "Everything happens for a reason."  As if simply saying it puts a positive spin on the situation. "Why yes", I want to reply. "Things do happen for a reason but sometimes[...]

I worry...sometimes a lot but less than I used to. In order to manage, I spend a lot of time trying to focus on what is really important, what I can change and what I can't. Basically putting things into perspective. BUT, sometimes it is difficult. Recently I seem to worry more about little things rather than big things. I find it is easier to change my perspective about things[...]

My Dearest Blog, I have not forgotten you. I have been on spring break but I will be back soon. I promise. For real. I have so much to write about and so much to share. It has been a busy, but very exciting and satisfying, week. You see, I've been in Utah visiting family with the littlest grand baby, Mackinley. Our little trip was a HUGE adventure...airports, airplanes, aquariums, grandma's and pa's, aunts and uncles, cousins,[...]

I am not musically gifted...I cannot sing, I cannot play any instruments, I cannot even hum a tune--BUT music is part of who I am and is woven into everything I do. I can't imagine going a day without it. I already shared with you some of my favorite music the post 25 random facts . The type of music I listen to varies depending on the day and depending on the[...]

I believe forward thinking is important and that it is not productive to dwell on the past. That being said, I do think it is important to reflect on the past. Thinking about the current status of my life--- thinking about how I finally decided to move forward with out looking back--- I thought I'd share with you, 10 things I wish I would have known 20 years ago. Some of them are major[...]

One Inmate's Legacy   Would you love to have most authentic, delicious Italian spaghetti recipe ever? I suspect you might. Even if you have a favorite recipe already, it never hurts to try new things right? Last week as I was making a huge batch of spaghetti, I thought to myself...why not share it on the blog? My blog is not merely a place to share my story and my art,[...]

I lost my hair only a few weeks after starting my first chemotherapy treatment. Before starting treatment, my doctors gave me a pamphlet describing all the possible side effects. The one thing I was most concerned about was losing my hair...I don't remember asking about anything else... being only 20 I was more terrified of looking like a freak than I was of being sick. The doctors couldn't confirm one[...]

I recently read through an old gratitude journal and I must tell you...NOT VERY IMPRESSIVE. Generally speaking, the lists all looked a little something like this... I'm thankful for flowers I'm thankful for family I'm thankful for books I'm thankful for my wonderful daughter I'm thankful for....my health... good food...a job...you get the idea Although every entry on every list was worthy of gratitude, in reading them years later, they seem[...]

Did I just say that I wanted to be a writer? I did... I really did and now it's out there for the world to see... I'm really not sure what being a writer means I just know that I plan to write.  Many years ago, during my battle with cancer that I told you about in an earlier post, I remember my Great Aunt Diana telling me I should write a book about[...]

The BEST job I ever had is one that has shaped my mere existence and taught me to be the best person I can be. I'd like to tell you all about that job BUT I think it's only fair to give credit to some of my other  jobs as well. BECAUSE...not all of them have been great but they have all been equally important in helping me become the person I am today.[...]