Background:  Business Administration in the Private Sector/Dept of the Navy/Medical and Nursing (specialties in Telemetry and Hospice). Artistic in music (piano/published songs/guitar) with experience as a recording artist, commercials, writing poetry and short stories.  I am also an artist/illustrator. Motivation in writing comes through experiences in the various aspects of my life, especially as a retired nurse.  I write what comes to me, especially something has really touched me, and God gives me a story for encouragement, especially for children where life seems difficult, and a place of hope.   I am motivated in helping people, and if a single smile tells a story, I will share it.  I am dedicated to see my stories come to life once I begin.  I am a published poet.  My writings are children's picture books mostly (An Angel for Joey" ISBN 978-0-578-08040-6 which can now be purchased at  Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million)  and The Little Sunflower Named Tib; christian fantasy and miracle stories titled "The Sea of Forgiveness" and "The Pink Gown").    Since I retired from the nursing industry, and with a business background, I have formed my own business "Coastal Winds Publishing House" publishing children's picture books, fiction/non-fiction, christian stories for inspiration, hobbies, instructionals, and cookbooks.  I do illustrations for interior, book covers, page formating.  Also, CREATE-A-BOOK for those who want their family photos or old recipes in book form without the need for professional publishing. Affiliations: SpanNet/Pro, The Book Marketing Network, Children's Writers & Illustrators; Publishers Marketing Network, Filedby, LinkedIn, CBI (Children's Writers Clubhouse), Jacketflap, Write for Kids.com, Facebook, Twitter, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, Bowker, Bookwhirl.com for marketing, Library of Congress  

Honors Award - Inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta-Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society - April 21, 2004 by Lamar University-Beaumont