Life is a Gift not a Given I've felt the gentle nudge of a persistent muse since I was a child growing up beside the sea in beautiful western Newfoundland, Canada. The third eldest in a family of seven children, I was blessed to be born into a close-knit family with two wonderful parents who did the best they could with what they had and raised us with love. My greatest accomplishment in life has been raising two children by myself. And they are the reason for my existence, of that I'm quite certain. In 2006 I was presented with another priceless gift...my grandson, Max. He truly is grammy's heart.  I am a member of the New Brunswick Writers Federation and have been published in both print and online in many venues such as Downhome Life, Bread n' Molasses, Travel Itch Magazine, Northern Cardinal Review and  Chicken Soup for the Soul . In 2013, I won the Castaways Poetry Competition in Rockingham, Australia with my poem "Sentinel". Where do I get my inspiration? My father was "one" with nature and he instilled in me a great love and respect for every living thing. My native roots keep me fascinated by Nature's bounty, humbled by the magnificence of the ocean, and eternally grateful for my loving family. You are cordially invited to check out my website and sign my guestbook before you leave.       Please sign my guestbook at http://www.annabelsheila.com

An honours graduate from the school of life!