History

My story. 

At the age of 21,  I found myself married with my second son on the way. My first child I placed for adoption because I was unwed and unable to care for him properly. I wanted to give him the best life I could. Making the first hard decision in my life.  It is not easy to be selfless. I ache for him daily. 

After 7 years, I found myself with three children. I was a stay at home mom. I was in a miserable marriage. Therefore, I got out. Making the second hardest decision in the world, leaving my babies with their father. I ached yet again. It was the loneliest hole I have ever felt. Deeper than any black hole you can imagine. The ache never subsided. I cried every night and often during the day. I was sad and lonely for them. Angry that I was in a place emotionally that I could not take care of them. 

In 2002, My divorce finalized, with only banking in my background for work. You do what you know. So, I went back to work as a teller, moved in with my parents and tried to get my feet under me. My children at the time were still with their father. 

In 2004, I remarried. In 2005, I went back to school to become a teacher. I always wanted to teach. It was a profession I felt I had been called to do. 

In 2009, I was hired to a teaching job after receiving my degree, in New Mexico on the Zuni reservation. Closer and back with my babies. Who were no longer babies. 

I have been teaching now for 5 years. I have taught 5th grade. I have been a reading specialist. I taught 2nd grade for two years. Currently, I teach 6th grade Language Arts. I work with Navajo, Zuni, Hispanic and Anglo children. I border the Navajo and Zuni reservation. 

My professional and personal wanderings are constantly circling back to reading. The importance of it. The necessity of being accomplished enough to survive. The enjoyment. 

I remember being about 19 and taking my first watercolor class. The birth of another dream was born then. I thought seriously about wanting to illustrate children's books. I have always loved reading and writing. I began writing when I was 11. A very special teacher put me in touch with the mental therapy of writing. She also helped me to see the joy in it. Writing wasn't new to me. But, the joy of painting was. My dream blossomed into wanting to illustrate and author children's book. Though it was a dream in thought only. 

I believe I have some important message to share. I am not sure what it is but I believe it is my quest to ensure that children don't just know how to read the words, but they also glean the meaning. They identify with it and the words they read make sense. It becomes part of their world and thought process.  

I have to say greater than even this is teaching them...or leading them to LOVE reading. Once you love reading...you will be just fine. So, I teach. But, even teachers dream. My dreams are full of princess fairies, and castles, magic and monsters. Now, to create them and share them. It will be the next chapter on my life's adventure. Succeed or fail it does not matter. All that matter is that I pursue what my heart is wishing.