Originally from the midwest, I relocated to the Sonoran Desert with my family 30 years ago. I'm a parent of 2 grown children and 2 young grandsons who melt my heart. A career educator, I worked for many years in local schools, then took a mad leap to Manhattan for 2 years to help launch a new middle school in Washington Heights, as well as consulting with middle and high schools in the city. After my return to the Sonoran Desert, I took an Asst. Professor position with the College of Education at Northern AZ University and eventually semi-retired, settling into my sweet home. I'm active in volunteer work with Mission Garden, Cyclovia, and the local food bank. I enjoy cycling, hiking, reading, music and movies, and gardening -- as well as dabbling in various art projects with natural/found materials.