I am a life-long gardener and love to hike, bike, camp and otherwise be outdoors.  I also love to cook and bake.  My mom was a great home cook and I enjoy cooking for those I love.  I am an addictive reader of many types of literature. I have a pottery studio in my basement.  I make stoneware on the wheel and handbuild a lot.  I make my own glazes, Cone 6 which is midrange stoneware firing.  Writing poetry is something I do for pleasure and as a way to communicate my feelings.   I am a certified teacher, Middle School science and language arts, K-6 and ESL (K-12).  I worked as a paralegal for over 13 years. Before that I worked at ETS in Princeton for several years in the financial aid department and quality control department. I did a lot of writing as a paralegal and love it.  My first book is about 1/3 written.  Maybe if I wrote less blog postings I could get it done!  I have an aging black cocker spaniel I adore and two bad but lovable cats...  My house is very old so I am slowing becoming more adept at making home repairs....  Life is good!