I was born and raised in the northeast kingdom of Vermont. One of my English teachers introduced me to the poets, and I started reading and writing poetry. Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Longfellow, and Elizabeth and Robert Browning, Helen Stiener Rice,are some of my favorite poets. I grew up in a home filled with music and family traditions. My northern heritage has had a deep impact on my life and poetry.My mother was a loving nuturing person who instilled the desire within me to be more than what I was. We moved south many years ago and live in the peaceful country side of Southwest Florida. I am a member of The Peace River Writers and do volunteer work there.I was a nurse and worked in Mental Health for the last twelve years. I'm retired now.
I enjoy reading,writing,music,camping,boating, fishing, family times and quiet times with my husband. We have eight children, His, Mine, and Ours. We have been blessed beyond measure ! 

I was diagnoised with early Alzheimers in 2007 and have become an advocate for the disease. I am trying to bring more attention and awareness to the public,plus help care givers and those with this devasting illness cope better. I am writing about it on the den, plus I am in a chat group to help caregivers and others understand what it's like to have this illness and endure the effects it has on ones mind.  
My husband was diagnoised with Alzheimers, plus a form of dementia in Aug of 2008.   
Our oldest son, Samuel has had seizures since he was four, due to brain damage from Menigitis. Three years ago, Sam had brain surgery to stop the sezures . It was only partially successful. He still has some , but not as many. He had memory problems. A PET Scan, MRI and EEG were done on Dec 18,08. All were abnormal. On Dec 22, 2008 he was diagnoised with mild Alzheimers and is using the Exelon4.5 mg and Namenda 10 mg twice daily also plus B Vitamins. He is not my husband's biological son. He inherited Alzheimers from me at AGE 49 in 2008. Three in my family now have this terrible illness. I fear that some of my other adult children will eventually will develop it too..Please Pray For Us... 
   
On July 6,2012, my husband Richard died. It's hard to describe the feelings of emptiness, grief and loss. He was my soul mate, the love of my life and I am not complete with out him here with me. Life goes on, and I am trying hard to move forward.                   

Published by, Rainbow poets, Poetry.com, The World of Poetry, Internatioal Poets Society , American League of Poets,The Peace River Ctr For Writers, Vermont Magizine, Salesian Missions, and voted one of the best new poets of 1989.I won the Golden poet award in 1990. I recently won third place in J&M Poetry contest. They published my poem , The Brook. This poem has been published about 5 times by various companies. A short story about Hurricane Charley and a poem were published in "The Summer Of Storms" ,and by the Historicial Society of Punta Gorda Fl in 2011.
Some poems have been featured in, Writing Currents, a news letter put out by PRCW and some have appeared in local newspapers as well as funeral homes and poetry books.

MY CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS STORY, "A SIGHT TO REMEMEBER" WAS PUBLISHED IN DEC 2009!
In Dec 2011 , A new book of poerty was published . It's called , "TREASURES FROM MY HEART." A Collection of Poetry and Prose, by Mary Grace Patterson and Family. It has 99 pages and can be purchased for $10.oo from me , plus shipping costs of $2.00. or on Amazon.

DEC 14, 09..MY CHILDREN'S STORY, "A SIGHT TO REMEMBER" WAS PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM OR AT E BOOKS.COM OR CAN BE ORDERED FROM ME PERSONALLY. THE PRICE IS $10.00 which includes shipping. In Dec.2011 A book of poetry and prose was published. It's called "TREASURES FROM MY HEART." The cost is $12.00 which includes shipping.It can be bought by contacting me or going to Create Space.Com , or Amazon.Com Excerpts of my writings and a few poems about Alzheimers have been published in the 2010 summer edition of "Preserving Your Memory Magazine". I am also writing articles about Alzheimers in hopes of bringing more awareness of the disease to others and help those who are struggling to cope with its harsh realities. Life goes on , as do I..