The story behind "I am NOT dumb and I am NOT a stinky butt!" was the result of volunteering in my grandson's first grade classroom. I was privy to much of the conversation between the students in the lunchroom, playground and sometimes in the classroom. Additionally, my grandson shared names with me that students were called at school. My observations at school and the conversations with my grandson laid the groundwork for my book.

The first published story that I wrote was about my mother as a tribute to her at Mother's Day. My "claim to fame" is that my small hometown newspaper published my writing the week of Mother's Day as a surprise to my mom.

Heidi was one of first favorites. The impact on me was that it opened my mind to another world where a girl my age lived which was very different from where I was living...on a farm in Iowa.

I spend my time writing, reading, promoting my book and being an advocate and director of the a non-profit 501c organization, the Levi Knock "pay it forward" Foundation that I created in memory of grandson. Tennis and playing bridge keep my body and mind active. I am also a volunteer as a CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children], a night relief manager at the Ronald McDonald House, an adult literacy mentor at the Drake Literacy Program and a library assistance at a Women's Prison.

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My desk looks out directly to a bird feeder that attracts so many birds....the cardinal being my favorite. It is also visited often by squirrels and sometimes a deer. It is a very relaxing and peaceful setting.

I am currently worked on a book addressing the issue of grief. Late 2014 my fifteen year old grandson died as a result of a tragic accident. He was my only grandchild and my husband and I had been raising him since he was one year old. I know that I do not have the "market on grief". However, it is my belief that sharing my "journey with grief" will be therapeutic for me and beneficial to others who are grieving.

It is such a release of ALL that is within me.