About me ...

Once upon a time... I was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, grew up in Montreal, Quebec and moved to Toronto, Ontario shortly after I was married.  My husband Gary and I later settled in Burlington where our two children, Christopher and Sandra, were born and raised. On being a writer...  I would like to say that I have always had a passion for writing but that wouldn't be quite true.  The seeds were sown in early childhood though, when I spent many happy hours play acting and pretending.  I put my imagination to good use turning my dolls and toys into all kinds of fantastical creatures.  Making up games and telling stories with friends are among my happiest childhood memories.  But it wasn't until many years later, when I was a stay-at-home mom, that I sat down at my portable typewriter (before the computer age) and focused on my dream of becoming a published author. Getting started... My writing career actually began as an offshoot of my interest in antiques.  I am a collector of many things old and new.  You name it, I have probably collected it at one time or another.  Researching the people, places and events commemorated on old souvenir spoons and postcards led me to try my hand at writing articles for antiques magazines.  Those articles were my first published pieces.  But it was in writing for children that I found my greatest satisfaction and success.  I'm still an avid collector but now it is my writing that influences my collections.  My current passions include children's books published in countries around the world and book figurines.  Pleasures and pastimes... I love to travel. I have been to England, Scotland, Ireland, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Hawaii as well as numerous places in the United States.  There are still many destinations on my wish list.  Closer to home, I've traveled with my family across Canada from coast to coast.  Exploring small towns, visiting interesting museums, beachcombing and walking are high on my love-to-do list as are garage sales, flea markets and antique and craft shows.  I'm a fan of live theatre and pops concerts.  Favorite at home pastimes include scrapbooking, calligraphy, counted cross stitch and handmade cards.  These latter passions I share with my daughter, Sandra.  And wherever I go, whatever I do, my ears, eyes and heart are always open to new story ideas. A little bit more...   Feeding Leo the Lionhearted I am an avid reader and I usually have a pile of must-reads on hand.  Animals are another great love of mine and cats are definitely my favorite.  My daughter and I were once surrogate mothers to a litter of abandoned kittens.  I would have kept them all but my main cat, Misty, said no.  She prefers to be an only cat. Attempt the unlikely and you may achieve the impossible.