 | | | | | | Signature | | "Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching." --Satchel Paige | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Topic Info | Contact Info | | | | | Additional Information | | Location:
Chicago - western suburbs
| Experience:
As the first-born child of a Lutheran minister (a double whammy!), a former Lutheran grade school teacher and tutor, since 1981 a library employee who started at the bottom as a book shelver and climbed through the ranks as reference clerk to head of circulation to reference librarian to senior cataloger (meanwhile starting and supervising a volunteer program, coordinating court-ordered community service workers, and initiating/managing a homebound book delivery system), along the way earning a master's in counseling psychology while interning at Catholic Charities (working with families and individuals) and at a Center for Aging (counseling and bringing social opportunities to homebound seniors), I have experienced a wonderful and exciting ride on the road of life.
Also along the way, in 1985 I started a small business as a job coach and led workshops to help people with resumes and job hunting. The research and writing I did for that opened a door into writing for publication. In 1989 the Chicago Historical Society accepted a long article another librarian and I wrote about Chicago's Auditorium. A few years later I began to research and write for a California small press. Three books on Texas history and one on Illinois history resulted from that relationship.
During the past few years, I've turned to writing fiction. Many of the older female library patrons have moaned about the lack of romances for and about older women, so I have been writing the first of (what I hope will be) many. I've always been an avid reader, so that has helped me become a better writer. A short story of mine about a librarian and an autistic volunteer was recently accepted by an autism magazine (to be published in the Spring of 2008). Several of my stories are "out there," and I need to set aside time to write and submit more.
I'm the mother of two adult sons (one of whom is high-functioning autistic--hyperlexic), am owned by four adorable cats, and have survived 40 years being married to the same man (or maybe he has been the one to survive?).
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 Latest Reputation Received | | Question | Topic | Date | Comment |  | i want to feel special... | Marriage | May 5, 2008 12:03 PM | Very helpful advice. | | Is the safest sex... | Teens | Apr 30, 2008 02:10 PM | NO sex is the safest 'sex'. ALthough all teens have some urge, it should be curved. |  | 3rd grade math | Math & Sciences | Apr 22, 2008 02:11 PM | umm this is a sucky answer how about sayin" answer the question in the bracket first!" | | What Song Should I Sing? | Music | Apr 19, 2008 09:52 AM | You are absolutely correct! | | Thought Crimes | Christianity | Apr 15, 2008 09:39 PM | Huh? What? I think I like you, I am not sure I understand all that stuff about sin and righteousness but I like the way you think! | | Can you use Visine in a... | Cats | Apr 15, 2008 03:10 AM | Balancer for you!! | | Can you use Visine in a... | Cats | Apr 14, 2008 12:14 PM | Yea, If you want to pay about $40 to $60 when you can probably just use a $2.00 item, Visine! | | Can you use Visine in a... | Cats | Apr 14, 2008 12:12 PM | I agree. | | Need to talk about a... | Relationships | Apr 11, 2008 01:46 AM | You nailed it! | | How can I learn to be a... | Issues & Causes | Apr 5, 2008 07:24 PM | totally agree...I once counted 73 um's and er's in a 3 min speech by a classmate, that's annoying! | | Need a title of a movie... | Movies | Apr 1, 2008 07:39 PM | Thanks so much for the answer!!!! I feel more complete. Thk u thk u everyone who put their time and effort to find the answer!! fo real I'm so happy | | how to fix scoliosis | Child & Teen Health | Mar 30, 2008 03:05 PM | weird , that is how my son used to watch t.v. when he was younger. I am gald you posted this. | | trying to hold child... | Elementary School | Mar 30, 2008 09:47 AM | I feel the same way. | | my dog's wierd behavior | Dogs | Mar 29, 2008 07:59 PM | tipping the balancer your way, the other person says u r wrong but could not offer a better response | | For current teachers! | Teaching | Mar 28, 2008 08:52 PM | good post | | She is my best friend ... | Cats | Mar 24, 2008 07:55 PM | i don't think she is in pain though. she is happy as ever. | | What is the icon next... | Forum Help | Mar 24, 2008 06:36 PM | LMAO!!! | | Is this a Violation of... | Health Care Administration | Mar 24, 2008 12:52 PM | All I get from the staff at the clinic is that it is a requirement. I probably would have to drive 2 to 3 hours to get the same treatment. | | Length to climax | Adult Sexuality | Mar 23, 2008 02:47 PM | What?? Balance. | | Length to climax | Adult Sexuality | Mar 23, 2008 01:43 PM | Too passive aggressive and controlling. :( | | if god is that great ,... | Philosophy | Mar 22, 2008 09:20 PM | Ditto! | | Why, why would I want... | Religious Discussions | Mar 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Thank You for your insights. You're right, we tend to make God too small, limited, like we believe we are. | | how to know your a good... | Other Family & People | Mar 21, 2008 02:00 PM | Funny but true. | | my dog's wierd behavior | Dogs | Mar 20, 2008 04:39 PM | I think you're right!! :) | | my dog's wierd behavior | Dogs | Mar 20, 2008 12:26 PM | i think your wrong | | Need a title of a movie... | Movies | Mar 19, 2008 09:21 PM | Excellent work! I searched for that one in vain. | | The cost of college | Universities & Colleges | Mar 18, 2008 05:10 AM | Great answer! Right on! | | Naive, Naive, Naive! | Relationships | Mar 15, 2008 08:02 PM | Yes I am | | Boyfriend lowers my... | Dating | Mar 15, 2008 07:17 PM | 90s yes. Horny bunny agrees. | | rejected in love | Dating | Mar 15, 2008 04:02 PM | i agree with what you said, but, what i ment is that just get on with life and the 'one' will turn up eventually | | rejected in love | Dating | Mar 15, 2008 02:19 PM | Frogettes! Priceless. And perfectly true. Viva la 'frogettes! | | Naive, Naive, Naive! | Relationships | Mar 15, 2008 06:19 AM | Thank you for your wise words! | | Why can't the doctor... | Pregnancy & New Motherhood | Mar 14, 2008 12:34 PM | Oh, goodness, I do forget sometimes. But WG you, my dear, are far from ordinary. And peepul? wuz up wit dat? | | cat cough | Cats | Mar 14, 2008 09:09 AM | Agreed! | | Why can't the doctor... | Pregnancy & New Motherhood | Mar 14, 2008 05:54 AM | I only have one child, he was by c-section and it was sooo easy. I felt great the next day and had very little pain. | | EEK! Is it worth it? | Universities & Colleges | Mar 12, 2008 11:50 AM | I agree. | | how can i get rid of... | Dating | Mar 12, 2008 10:51 AM | Love it. Wonderful advice couldnt of said it better | | How does one start to... | Writing | Mar 9, 2008 03:00 PM | Thanks Wondergirl, your wonderful! | | Good dog gone bad - dog... | Dogs | Mar 9, 2008 01:41 PM | I agree 100%. The crate is his safe haven not a place to go when being punished. | | Where can I get my... | Other Education | Mar 7, 2008 08:34 PM | I haven't seen that book since 1970! :D | | swollen lip Kitty... | Cats | Mar 7, 2008 09:48 AM | I haven't done the bleach thing in about 4 months and still have a messed up cat with no fleas but i am gonna try the frontline and see while continuing the atopica | | Would you be a stay at... | Parenting | Mar 4, 2008 09:55 PM | Oh yes. Being a mom is more challenging than any physical or mental job I've ever had. | | Does loneliness and... | Relationships | Mar 3, 2008 07:08 PM | ) | | Love at first sight? | Relationships | Mar 2, 2008 02:20 PM | Thin Mints and the Peanut Butter Patties ; perpetually the 2 biggest sellers. | | Love at first sight? | Relationships | Mar 2, 2008 07:44 AM | Good idea, as I'm stuck on 3/4 days, and in love. | | milk: good or bad? | Child & Teen Health | Mar 1, 2008 12:59 PM | vitamin D does a body good.... | | Compulsive picking | Addictions | Mar 1, 2008 01:01 AM | If she was series about the problem, then she would seek meetings and support. | | Would you be a stay at... | Parenting | Feb 29, 2008 10:46 AM | I applaud you! | | I have to get braces at... | Dentistry | Feb 28, 2008 07:26 PM | im sorry darlin'... didnt mean to do bad by you too. | | I have to get braces at... | Dentistry | Feb 27, 2008 10:45 PM | Babies are apparently fun to give birth to! I'll take your word for it, but remember that when I'm ready to.... | | Compulsive picking | Addictions | Feb 27, 2008 09:34 PM | when have you ever been wrong? | | Why is the South (of... | Politics | Feb 26, 2008 07:53 PM | I like your answers but you left out a important item- City children are very lazy , they DON"T KNOW WHAT WORK IS , THAT IS WHY SO MANY NOW IS ON THE FREE RIDE AS HE STATED< MORE IN THE NORTH THEN THE SOUTH F.B.E. | | Why are so many teens... | Other Member Discussions | Feb 26, 2008 04:37 PM | You've got my vote. Preach it like it is! | | Purchasing out of print... | Books & Literature | Feb 25, 2008 07:50 PM | I checked Amazon and found both. Now I just need to find the money ^^ | | Why is the South (of... | Politics | Feb 25, 2008 03:48 PM | Excellent summary :) | | ‘Have you been born... | Christianity | Feb 25, 2008 02:20 AM | I agree. See John 3. | | I am doing NC. What... | Relationships | Feb 24, 2008 11:26 AM | We did some of that but my family was dyfunction junction so it was not all lala land. | | I am doing NC. What... | Relationships | Feb 24, 2008 05:20 AM | So was I. | | I am doing NC. What... | Relationships | Feb 23, 2008 08:09 PM | and I'm pretty sure they looked DOWN on divorce right? There weren't any billboards that said "divorces starting at $500!!! CALL NOW!" right? | | Tips on what to do when... | Parenting | Feb 23, 2008 04:31 PM | great advice. | | George W, good or bad? | Politics | Feb 22, 2008 05:17 AM | And that makes him unique in the world of American politics? Hardly... | | male friend | Relationships | Feb 21, 2008 11:54 AM | I agree. She is acting like a single woman, she is not. | | When should he call for... | Dating | Feb 21, 2008 08:23 AM | Lol, yep he's probably busy with crap. Give him a call. | | The Kingdom of God | Religious Discussions | Feb 18, 2008 08:51 PM | I could not have said it better. | | male friend | Relationships | Feb 18, 2008 05:27 AM | BINGO!!!!!! | | Any suggestions for a... | Other Careers | Feb 18, 2008 04:01 AM | Nice place to be and good people to work with. | | drop out. | High School | Feb 17, 2008 08:22 PM | people have told me i make a good one but if i do stay in highschool and dont drop out i aint going to college no way! | | drop out. | High School | Feb 17, 2008 07:48 PM | Exactly! | | AFFair with a married man | Relationships | Feb 17, 2008 02:29 PM | yep. there's a protocol for an affair with a married man...always ends in disaster. | | Saving A Dog | Dogs | Feb 17, 2008 08:36 AM | Well stated! | | I DON'T beleive in... | Other Religion | Feb 14, 2008 08:39 AM | You got that right. | | Who has a better chance... | Politics | Feb 12, 2008 09:49 AM | yep, you got it right | | I DON'T beleive in... | Other Religion | Feb 12, 2008 02:24 AM | Very good point. | | Horatio Hornblower series | Books & Literature | Feb 11, 2008 11:40 AM | Sharpe rocks! That's what I was going to say :) | | I have a Lisp | Dentistry | Feb 10, 2008 09:37 PM | Hey Thanks! |  | Is the safest sex... | Teens | Feb 10, 2008 10:44 AM | This is a great and truthful answer! | | I DON'T beleive in... | Other Religion | Feb 10, 2008 01:41 AM | Bingo Wondergirl! | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 9, 2008 08:37 AM | The draft ended in 1971. | | sex-do it or not | Teens | Feb 8, 2008 05:13 PM | True, say "NO" and stand up for yourself | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 8, 2008 03:31 PM | That we agree on, does Obama? | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 8, 2008 01:11 AM | "Barak Obama What a wonderful phrase Barak Obama Ain't no passing craze It means no worries For the rest of your days " | | Sad story of... | Dogs | Feb 7, 2008 09:30 PM | I have a neighbor like that. I knocked out the fence board, we we play with him everyday. Makes me sick! | | What Puts Women In The... | Adult Sexuality | Feb 7, 2008 07:27 PM | Lol! Harsh... but I like it. | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 7, 2008 12:57 PM | lol | | An original poem by me,... | Writing | Feb 7, 2008 12:38 PM | :) | | A poem for Valentine's... | Writing | Feb 7, 2008 12:23 PM | "I love you, not only for who you are, but for who you are making in me." I LOVE that poem!!! Wasn't the author Croft or Craft or something?? Its a looong one, and I adore it. :) Great one, Wondergirl! | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 7, 2008 12:15 PM | How about when a wartime American president is hated more than the Islamic terrorists who perpetrated 9/11…that sounds immoral. | | where to place... | Writing | Feb 7, 2008 02:40 AM | Awesome. And I have to think about it every time I make a quotation mark. You should try teaching this to second graders. Why is it in the curriculum for a 7-8-year-old? | | drop a hint | Relationships | Feb 6, 2008 12:53 PM | Here here, why miss the fun over a little old rule?? | | whos your fav. author? | Books & Literature | Feb 6, 2008 12:50 PM | well, i'll have to look her up =] | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 6, 2008 11:41 AM | ok | | drop a hint | Relationships | Feb 6, 2008 10:03 AM | Women wanted equality, right!? :) | | how were we involved | History | Feb 5, 2008 08:28 PM | You are such a patient person, how dare she be so rude to you. | | where to place... | Writing | Feb 5, 2008 06:34 PM | Thank you for your technical answer - that was what I was asking for - thank you soooo much! | | where to place... | Writing | Feb 5, 2008 06:05 PM | Thank you. You always come through in a pinch. ;-) | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 5, 2008 11:33 AM | No hillary would not want to be arm candy ...lol. that's for sure. But it could quiet all the non- experience rumbbles. | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 5, 2008 11:25 AM | I see it the same way!!!! | | Black President | Other Member Discussions | Feb 5, 2008 10:11 AM | And it would not surprise me if one day he is, but at present he is not experienced enough. Actually, mitt and John are the only ones experienced enough. | | What Puts Women In The... | Adult Sexuality | Feb 5, 2008 05:32 AM | yup, i agree. i do most of that stuff, but it's only been 2 years together. :P | | Why won't my boyfriend... | Dating | Feb 4, 2008 08:55 AM | exactly My dad I doubt ever told my mom he loved her but they were together 49 yrs til he died |
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