On the homefront I share my life with my husband and two grown sons in California. I have lived the majority of my life in California's Bay Area, but also spent some ten years in the city of angels, Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles/Hollywood I was totally engaged in theatre from all angles . . . acting .....to construction ....to public relations. While living and pursuing in L.A./Hollywood I wrote many poems that reflect the flip side of the two cities. All that glitters is definitely not gold in the limelight. I left the pursuit of the spotlight for love and raising a family ... and with that chapter soon to be closed . . . well I'm off and running again.

As to my family background growing up, it was very close knit, and remains so today. I'm Italian, Portuguese,Irish, Scottish and Welsh . . . a bit of a mutt! The strongest influence, however, has been from my mother's background, which is full-blooded Sicilian. Growing up I can still remember the language of the old folks . . . the men swearing in Italian and playing cards, and the women with aprons 'round about the kitchen, and all the little bambinos underfoot. My family will ever keep me busy in one way or another I assume . . . they are the foundation of my life.

I am also lucky to have a job I enjoy going to each day. I have worked in Special Education for the past sixteen years as a ParaEducator. I have taught all levels from kindergarten to twelfth. For the last seven years I have had the pleasure to work with severely-handicapped teens at a local high school. It is a very busy day, but one with many rewards and the students are really gems in disguise. Some of my poems have been inspired by my students . . . their struggles always touch my heart and their achievements and successes fill me with pride.