Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?

I played the cello for 8 years & did open mic in my 20’s & 30’s. Being on stage with my cello helped me overcome my stage fright.

I really enjoy reading my own work & getting feedback on it. I also attended the weekly slam night in Seattle.

I really enjoy gauging what the audience likes. I can hear on applause if the audience was into what I read & if they liked it.

I haven’t done a reading of my work since 2017. I think it’s important to read your work out loud as it changes how you view it.

Also, by being with your audience you learn what they take from it & how you may change someone’s view simply by reading out loud.

Have you ever changed someone’s mind by reading out loud?

What is something others do that sparks your admiration?

If someone owns their mistake rather than putting the blame on someone else. That’s something I truly admire, or call out a liar by quoting their lies.

Being kind when others are hostile is also something I admire. By being kind you’re the bigger person in the situation.

When I witness people being kind when they’ve heard disparaging stories that aren’t true, that’s something I admire. It means they’re adult enough to draw their own conclusion.

What really bothers me are adults that lie about who you are or what you’re doing. That invent stuff that only stupid people would believe.

I find that really immature & tackless. In this day & age there are bigger things to worry about.

Hence, why I admire people that are mature enough to ignore the lies & make their own conclusion.

What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

I think one of my favorite moments this year was our trip to Spain. I really enjoyed the tucked away mountain villages. How they weren’t very touristy & the people were kind.

Another moment I enjoyed was my 30th high school reunion, although we were a small group the attitude was festive & light. I was really nervous to attend but am glad I did.

Something else I’m very grateful for is that my editor came back to our project. Now, we can work together on my book. That I’m excited to write is nearly finished with the first edit.

Now, I’m looking forward to next year as my 50th birthday is in the new year!