I grew up in Appalachia a child of the mountains, rivers, mountain laurel and rhododendron. I spent my youth exploring, day dreaming, and reading every book I could check out at the local library. My favorite time was spent in the woods or beside a creek with a book in my hand. I wrote constantly in my teenage years and was certain I would be the next great novelist (haha). I attended the University of Virginia and graduated with a degree in English Language and Literature. The dream of writing faded over time as the pressures of adulthood and an unhealthy obsession with career advancement overshadowed the more creative side of my being. I still read constantly and watched every documentary and art film I could find, but I only wrote on occasion. In August of 2021 my father was diagnosed with brain cancer. In six months he was gone. My mother passed away two months prior to my father. My husband was my rock during those times, he openly welcomed them into our home as they were ailing. He held me as I cried and wiped tears from my eyes. I was already on a path to self improvement and self understanding prior to the loss of my parents, but their loss was a catalyst. I realized that life is fleeting and making time for what is important to me nature, life, love, and Appalachia would be the priority. Mountain laurel is a favorite flower of mine and I hope my writing will bloom as they do along the streams of our Batesville, Virginia home and the mountains of Highland County where the seeds of my love of all things beautiful were planted.