Through the necessary pursuit of supporting myself and my family, the driving forces have been to do what I can to make the world a better place and survive financially; occasionally these two goals have been compatible. I was lucky enough to be college educated with a degree in history and minor in English. From writing roadway markers for the Texas Historical Commission to composing reports on foster children for juvenile court judges to submitting federal grants for programs to serve addicted mothers or victims of domestic violence, writing has been a source power and expression. Conducting research in the county jail, filing claims for victims of cancer, teaching parenting classes or volunteering for a nonprofit serving people with HIV, have provided lessons in compassion and insight. I have long been married to a kind and indulgent husband, have three grown children, and always, it seems, a houseful of pets.
