During recent treatments for breast cancer, I promised myself to use those experiences to help others who find themselves on "the cancer train." Writing my new book, Sometimes You Have to Laugh...a poet's look at cancer is one step on that path. My hope is to open a dialogue with other survivors and those who have been touched by cancer, and to bring hope, understanding, support, and maybe a few laughs or smiles. Click on the toolbar at left, A POET'S LOOK AT CANCER to see more.
Poetry
My first poems were published in Voices From Within, UNT Press in 1997, and since then my poems have appeared in: The National Federation of State Poetry Societies Book of the Year, A Galaxy of Verse, Freedom, Grandmother Earth, Half Tones to Jubilee, Lucidity, The Southwest Journal of Aging, Moon Crossed, Senior News, Passing, The Texas Poetry Calendar, Contact, the papier-mache press anthology, Generation to Generation, and every Poetry Society of Texas Book of the Year since 1998. Swimming for the Moon includes my poems, as well as poems from six other wonderful Texas poets. I've published three books of poetry, Along the Path, Dreams...and other altered states of consciousness, and Sometimes You Have to Laugh...a poet's look at cancer.
Other Writing
While a counselor at Richland College, I co-authored a college manual, Practical Applications of Psychology, and have had numerous short stories and articles published over the years. My articles on synchronicity and intuition, shown on this website, were first published in Venture Inward, and are excerpts from the non-fiction book I am writing about spiritual growth.
Professional
Currently a psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist in private practice in Dallas, Texas, I was a professor at Richland College, for fifteen years, counseling and teaching Human Development, Psychology and Honors English classes. Twice I team-taught summer classes on the British Isles. As a member of the Speakers Bureau I wrote and presented topics as diverse as Dreamwork, Parenting, Communication Skills, and Stress Management. For several years I have presented poetry readings and workshops on writing and spirituality.
Recently I have also become involved in a non-profit organization, Helping Our Helpers, which provides eight free counseling with a licensed counselor to people in the helping professions. (For more information, see links on the toolbar). Wonderful work!
Do You Have a Passion for Basketball ?
All is not work, however. I like to play too! About three years ago (right after completing chemotherapy and radiation) I joined a team of senior women basketball players. It hasn't killed me yet. It's made me stronger. If you live in the Dallas/Richardson/Plano/Garland area and want to join us, send me an email. (click toolbar contact us.) We'd love to have you. (Don't worry. Most of us hadn't played since high school either, but we're having a ball--a basketball!)
My team, The Silver Bullets, just played in the Texas Senior State games in October and won the gold medal! Beating the Brazos team and the tough San Antonio team gave us a real motivation to keep working so we'll shine in the National games, to be held in Houston in June, 2011. Wish us luck.
Poetry Organizations
As a member of the Poetry Society of Texas I have served on the board as recording secretary, corresponding secretary, vice-president and was president from September, 2006 to September, 2008. I am currently co-editor of the PST Book of the Year and am also a member of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies and a recently revived Galaxy of Verse. Their websites can also be found on the links page.
Personal Info
I grew up in Illinois, but since marrying Dean, have lived in Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Dallas, Texas, where we've been for the last 35 years. Our son Mike, his wife Allison, and our daughter Susan live in the Dallas area. James and his wife Sang live in California. Robert and his wife Fiona make their home in China. Scott, wife Pam and their married daughters Ashley and Amber live in Florida. Amber and her husband, Justin Brown, have given us two great-grandchildren, Emma and Owen. Flash! October 4. Ashley and her husband, Randall Cochran just had a baby girl! Braelynne.
Our family "reunions" as often as possible, usually in Texas, Florida, or Colorado. In the best of all possible worlds we'd have a little lodge in Colorado--and I'd be there every summer.