Born and raised in the Louisiana Bayou's!--with a gumbo background in all "things" hot, spicy and edible! [Note: Those "things" heretofore mentioned must be accompanied by jazz, zydeco music or a hurricane; although I can't "drink" the "latter" anymore for obvious reasons] Earlier influences were my Reverend Grandfather, A Special Aunt, and a "bodacious" English Teacher! Literary influence were The Renaissence Poets and Authors (Byron, Shelley and Keats), the Venerable William Shakespeare, Chaucer, and John Donne. Later on, I relished in the writings of Whitman, Poe, and Longfellow followed by Emily Dickinson and Edna St Vincet Millay. Of course; e.e. kept me cummings. All told, I was influenced by a great "smorgasboard" of writers who all transcended time itself! Aferthought: Thank you, on, My Kindred Spirit, for giving me that "push" I needed; to include all the profound and delighful poems, and words of encouragement you shared with me over the years.

Started my own book club! (Yeah!)

Coming Soon...Gathering Notes! (And other old papers somewhere hidden in the closet)