Meet the author behind "Smile, darn ya"

My journey into writing began with a precious family treasure. My grandmother, a wordsmith of her time, exchanged clever, humorous poetry with her siblings for many years. These original writings, carefully preserved by my mother, became the foundation of my literary endeavors. I felt a profound calling to compile them into a book, adding my mother's evocative stories of growing up during the Great Depression. This collection is further enriched by my own short stories and a selection of my poetry, creating a multi-generational tapestry of words. This heritage is important for readers to know because it's the heart and soul woven into "Smile, darn ya," reflecting the enduring power of family and expression.

While words are my primary medium, my creative spirit extends into a variety of surprising and delightful hobbies! When I'm not writing, you might find me in my garden, tending to vibrant plants and finding inspiration in nature's rhythm. I also channel my artistic side into crafting unique watercolor quilts, blending colors and textures to create cozy masterpieces. Resin art is another passion, allowing me to experiment with captivating forms and finishes. And for those with a sweet tooth, you'll be interested to know that I also love making chocolate! These diverse interests keep my mind fresh and continually feed into the creativity you'll find in "Smile, darn ya."