We moved to Long Island near a library and it was influential in our four son's lives as well as my own. During the 25 years raising our family, there was never a dull moment. I took a chance and led a drive to save a Ghost Town shopping center that eventually became a very successful endeavor. The whole town became involved. I used creativity of a clothing line and sheets, pillow cases and tee shirts, declaring "We will not be whitewashed!" This was in response to the center getting a coating of white wash paint as the shops were forced to vacate.  We accomplished the feat with the backing of the Chamber of Commerce and local newspaper. I would not give up. A one-person grassroots idea became a force to be reckoned with. That led to my being offered a hometown "Neighborhood News" column.  I secretly loved to write and this was a part-time daliance dream come true. I was offered some feature articles with a by line, too! This also was a stepping stone to being one of the co-founders of our first local Civic Association.   Later, a friend of mine, who was an author, took notice of the Heavenly Sentiments cards that I was making and encouraged me to not hide what I was doing.  She was persistant in taking me through the steps of opening up my creative inventions to the world.  It is time for a web page. Right now, I have a blog just for my books in the process of development:  www.baycrestpublishing.blogspot.com.  It might be fun for you to see the stories I am working on and those already published.  Many influences now are from what I see in every day life, with requests from a grandparent interjecting a wish for a green tractor story, or a younger version of another.  The subject they ask for might just very well be worked on instantly, and they are!