Diane

I am Diane, a native New Yorker transplanted to Denver some thirty years ago. I took root here, raising my family and nurturing my interests. I devote a good deal of my summer tending my perennial flower beds. I love reading; historical fiction is my favorite genre. I am a golfer, although my handicap shall remain unshared. I’m crazy about theatre and grew up listening to original Broadway cast albums. I’ve been known to belt out one or two show tunes if the mood strikes just right.

However much these endeavors bring me joy, nothing compares to time spent with family: my daughter, son-in-law, and sweet baby grandson. I never imagined a love so big and so strong. They live several states away, so time is measured by their upcoming visits and our trips to see them. I am an organizer, so their visits always involve cooking their favorite meals and going to their favorite places.

I am in my early seventies and appreciate life’s small joys more while keeping unpleasantries in perspective. I give grace more often than I once did but cannot tolerate pettiness. I love writing and hope that the insight and wisdom of my experiences will resonate with my readers.

Gail

Brought up in Michigan, I lived in five states before settling in Denver, Colorado, in 1985. Like a true Midwesterner, I have never shied away from hard work, and when told "no," I said, "Watch me." My confidence and perseverance put me on an entrepreneurial path, where I ran my company for fifteen years. 

The love of family is the most essential ingredient in my life. I am a wife, daughter, sister to nine siblings, mom to two, and a Grammy to seven.

I am a genealogist and enjoy the challenge of researching my family tree. I turned my hobby into a small business in retirement, helping others uncover their past. My obsession with my ancestors' lives inspired me to blend their stories with my love of writing. 

Traveling to beautiful and historic places rejuvenates my senses. Spending time in my ancestors' hometown in Germany was moving and memorable. For the past twenty years, I have been fortunate to travel with my sisters to fun places in the United States. As a reader of historical fiction, I always learn about new people and places. I gravitate toward epic novels that span generations. These genres inspire me to continue writing about my family. 

I am a puzzler who loves the challenge of a Sunday crossword, a thousand-piece jigsaw, and the daily word puzzles in the New York Times.  

Gloria

Hi, Gloria here from Colorado. I love the mountains and their seasons, native flowers and planting many pots with colorful annuals for the back porch. My large Italian family is a huge inspiration for me in writing and in living. Sunday dinners around the table are the best time of any week. I try to keep the Spirit close in my heart with readings, prayer and music. All music, from Bob Dylan to Vivaldi, moves me to dance and sing - off key - so usually alone! I’ve been known to speak an opinion or two out of order but am learning when and where not to share. Working on only expressing when it matters for my husband, children or grandchildren to hear - in my opinion! Grateful for all my friends, old and new, especially when they listen to my thoughts. Writing about them all is a favorite pastime. Thank you for reading, sharing and expanding our point of view.

Barb

I AM short, left-handed, introverted, curious, loyal, private, on time, reliable, old-school, and sentimental, who is a connector, observer, better listener than talker and a one time skydiver.

I LOVE my family and friends, autumn, puzzles and mysteries, my book club, new experiences, Tony Bennett & Nat King Cole, the arts, any water in nature, the CBS Sunday Morning Show.

I HAVE beaucoup dots from freckles, age spots to a tattoo.

I DISLIKE manuals, people who cut in line, cats, windy days, maroon color, clutter (although have lots), narrow-minded bullies.

I WANT more kindness in the world, travel, visits with grandchildren. More time.

Katherine

I am Katherine, a third-generation-Coloradan. I love life and Learning. A child of divorced parents, I grew up poor with my mother and two siblings, in a home filled with a lot of love and strong moral guidance. My siblings and I were taught to enjoy nature, art, music, food, family, friends, and books (a cornerstone to who I have become). I have also expanded my world through travel. In particular, living and working in Singapore for two years was a pivotal and cherished time for me.

People. Interacting with people; bringing a smile to someone’s face and comforting someone who may be hurting is joyful and satisfying, Family and friends are precious and life-sustaining. I cherish the hours I spend with them because we accept and care for each other. I am amazed and grateful for the closeness I have with my husband of more than fifty years. I am thankful for the warm relationships with my two sons. In addition, my daughter-in-law and two grandchildren bring a whole new level of love in my life. I treasure my interactions with children. I am humbled by and admire their honesty, vulnerability, and innocence.

Teaching. Sharing, with all ages what I have learned excites me and gives me hope that I might make a difference in the world through teaching others. It is like tossing a stone in the water and watching the ripples move out. Writing helps me process my experiences and pass on what I have learned.