I am a first time writer of children books. I now enjoy a semi-retired life now with my husband, Joe and kitty, Sinbad. My cat thinks he is “people” and rules the household. Of course he is so cute (most of the time) we let him boss us around. I threaten him, when he being particularly bossy, to get a puppy. I don’t think he is all that worried about the whole thing. Our favorite recreation when our children were growing up was fishing and scalloping in our beautiful sea green gulf. Now we leave that to the younger folks and we wade around in the waves, fish, and admire the sunsets.
Before I became “almost” retired, I was a very active realtor for many years. I now own a real estate business in Panama City Florida and work sometimes. Since my children are all grown and real estate is not as demanding I have the precious time I have always wanted to write and give in to my creative side. Instead of using my creative writing skills to list properties and contracts, I am allowed to be child-like again and let my imagination take over.
I was born in Mobile Alabama but lived in Panama City Florida for most of my life. I attended college while my children were growing up and worked as an office manager in the building industry. During that time I also went to school to obtain a real estate license and when my last child graduated from school, the freedom to embark on a new career, real estate, became possible. This new career path was very rewarding along with my customers who became like family to me.
My grandchildren became my focus when they were born. My stories are birthed in long trips with them and their overnight stays at my house. They would beg me to tell them stories about the “old days”. I was amazed at how much they wanted to hear about my life as a little girl. The stories I told were basically true with some embellishment for fun. Since I have always loved to write, it became a side recreation for me to write the stories and finally publish. Maybe some other little grandchildren will enjoy just hearing a story about the old days also.
I hope my tales will inspire other grandparents to tell their stories, because I think a family is the nucleus that makes this world a better place. Every family is unique with their own special history. Our history binds us together and is the fabric and essence of who we are. It not only keeps us connected as a strong unit, it reinforces important values and rules that are generational. You cannot do away with the past without losing a part of yourself. After all you did inherit Grandma’s temper or Uncle Joe’s chin, or maybe Aunt Josephine’s red hair. I am sure you can also recall lessons learn the hard way by different members of the family. History helps us remember who we are.
