"I'm a 35-year-old housewife and hairdresser. I live in Akron, Ohio with my husband of 12 years and my 4 wonderful boys. I have lived here all my life. I am very family oriented, I love being a mother and wife. I spend lots of time with my children making many wonderful memories together. My husband is the greatest guy in the world; he was my high school sweetheart. I have three sisters who are my best friends. I am very close to my mother as well.

I love working with computers and enjoy making chocolate candy for holidays. I'm a pretty good cook as well. Every Thanksgiving I cook for over 20 family members. I love it. Many people believe that money makes happiness, I believe it's family and love.

I've only been writing poetry for a year, since overcoming childhood sexual abuse from my father. All my life I felt numb, unable to express myself. I had built walls up inside me. I felt empty. With the persistence of my husband I went to counselling and my world changed. It was like night and day. My walls came down; I let go of the anger and pain. Now my heart is filled with so much feeling and love, it overwhelms me. So I write. It feels so good to be able to put my feelings into words, to express myself in a way never before. This has been very rewarding and healing for me. I often write about my life, the ups and downs. My life is so much better now. I feel like a new person. I feel free.

I really enjoy writing poetry. It is the key that unlocks my soul. I've had several poems published in Web magazines. I hope someday to publish all my poetry in an anthology."