After years of putting my dreams on hold, I finally wrote and self-published my first book, a memoir titled My Unfurling: Emerging from the Grip of Anxiety, Self-Doubt, and Drinking. I am currently writing book number two about the self publishing process because I believe so many people have important stories to tell, and I want to encourage them to do so. I have a blog called Bittersweet Nugget, which is about self-development and trying new things. I’m in my mid 50s, but thanks to the unfurling that I wrote about in my book, I feel more alive than ever.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my husband, my 83-year-old mother, two cats, and a dog. I have a 23-year-old stepson and several close friends who are like family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve worked in communications and marketing for more than two decades. I worked for a social justice nonprofit organization for 18 years, and I am currently working part-time in marketing for an online education provider. I love working in the publications and communications area of marketing because the work is varied and challenging.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We fell in love with a house on Lake Linganore in the summer of 2012 and moved here exactly two months after discovering that home.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’ve met so many amazing people in this area that it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. Two local women who really inspire me are Kelly Jarvis, the owner of Fit2Shine, and Terri Rowe, the owner of Maryland Bakes. But there are so many others as well!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
If there’s something you’ve been avoiding doing, there’s no time like the present to get started on it. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, consider this your sign! Yes, you will need to get outside of your comfort zone, but you can respect your pace and start with small steps. Just keep moving, even if you take a step or two back–that’s perfectly normal. Don’t let setbacks deter you. Open yourself up to possibility.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Driving across the U.S. in an RV with my husband, taking photos and blogging about our adventures.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love living on a lake. I never knew how much I would appreciate being surrounded by nature, but it truly inspires and grounds me.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I plan to have at least three more books published, and I do hope to travel more as we gear up for our eventual RV trip.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a pretty open book, so there’s not much people don’t know about me. I talk to myself a lot, including out loud in my car when I’m driving alone!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Right here in Lake Linganore.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is my birthday and my wedding anniversary, and I love watching the leaves change colors. I’m not much into celebrating holidays anymore–maybe it’s just a phase I’m going through. But if I had to pick my single favorite day, it would be June 21, which is both my husband’s birthday and the longest day of the year. I like when it stays light really late.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Following your dreams!
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
Quitting drinking five years ago changed my life. It opened the door to so many experiences that I had been putting off. It was like pushing that first domino, but in a good way!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with the author Margaret Atwood. I started reading her in college, before she wrote The Handmaid’s Tale; I’ve admired her talent and her mind for decades. I think we should meet at either 5 West Cafe or Prospect Pantry right here in New Market. Maybe we could go to both!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, connection, heart.
