I write because it makes me live more fully, gain more awareness of others and of nature.  In the process I learn more about myself.  Writing requires digging deeper.  I like to share what I write.  It pleases me that others find something of value in it, but I would write even if nobody read it.  My greatest influence has come from Natalie Goldberg, who wrote Writing Down the Bones and other wonderful books about writing and about herself.  By February 2010 I will have attended seven of her week long workshops.  She combines writing with Zen Buddhist meditation to dig deep in the mind.  My adopted niece, a talented writer of songs, poetry and prose, and visual artist as well, has inspired and taught me.  I read a lot.  Some of my favorite contemporary writers are Marilynne Robinson, Vivian Gornick, Michael Chabon, Wally Lamb, John Irving, Larry McMurtry and Jervey Tervalon.  The first writer I ever loved was Hemingway.  There are so many others.  I read and write almost every day.  I also travel to experience the world around me.  2009 takes me to Costa Rica, Africa and South America.  I plan to live in Paris in 2011 and 2012.  I look forward to a 45 day train trip on AMTRAK around the U.S.A. in September and October 2009.  When I travel I am always inspired to write.  The writing life is not easy.  It is life for me.