I ran a small business while my two children were young, selling the business when they left home and the "empty nest syndrome" hit. It was the perfect time for me to pursue new interests. I started with my desire to learn how to paint the glorious nature I love. When the walls of my home were full of paintings, I moved on by writing a short memoir for my children. Joining a writing group to improve my skills, I found I had a passion for writing fictional short stories. One of those short stories developed into my first novel, The Rocking Horse. When I'm not writing stories, I enjoy being with my grandchildren, painting, gardening, and traveling with my husband.