I am a curious person by nature so I always want to know what is behind the “About the Author” blurb.  You have already read my story so there is a lot you know, but here’s a little more to satisfy that curious nature in you.  

I am a survivor. I like that term because it embodies the overcoming that has been my life. I love the image of the phoenix rising from the ashes or a new day dawning. I have one tattoo that is a Chinese character meaning “turning point” or “point of return.” I have often envisioned getting another tattoo of a phoenix rising through blood and ashes into the sky as a new day dawns behind them. Who knows I may get that tattoo in the days ahead.

I trained for 5 years in Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, Savate, Boxing, and Jiu Jitsu. Fun fact: my teacher was trained by Dan Inosanto and Dan Insanto, as you may know, was trained by Bruce Lee. I sparred, but never had an official fight. It was a little before women were fighting in the UFC, Bellator, One, etc.  Not that I am saying I would have risen through any ranks if it had been a few years later. I recognize that I lacked improvisation, a good ground game, and a bit of the will needed to inflict pain on someone else.  I do love to train, though, which I still do at home three days a week on my bag.

I am a city girl at heart. When I first moved far away at 19 I lived right next to a police station, a fire station, and a helicopter pad. I can sleep through all those sounds with ease, but nature sounds with the exception of the ocean often keep me awake. I do love the beach though, and piers and watching surfers. I walk there as much and as often as I can.I have been writing since I was 15. I started writing poetry,which became my emotional vocabulary.

I have periodically had blogs and done freelance blogging usually for a purpose to bring forth awareness on sexual violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation, abuse, and human rights violations.