@Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor , thank you for those kind words! You give this little ol' Southern lady's heart hope! I used to be so terrified when I was in school. So many rules to remember. Then I found myself in an English Class for students suspended long term for criminal activity. We teacher type folks lovingly referred to this school as the "Last Chance Hotel." The lead teacher selected a book for the entire class to read. "All Over But the Shoutin'." Prize winning author Rick Bragg wrote about my South, where I had gone to college, where I had been proposed to by the handsomest man I knew. Where I made new friends who would challenge me.

Where I learned that it was a big world out there, much bigger than the small town I grew up in. Where I learned that love, home, friendship and family were the things of the heart that would stand the test of time. I met Mr. Rick Bragg when he came to our town to speak at the Princess Theater. He talked about writing from where you come from. Poor English grammar but you get the point.

Write about what you know. Speak from your heart. Let people know you mean well. That you care. Simple. To the point. As best as you can.

As it turns out, he is first cousins to some good friends of mine. And I tell you truthfully, I will not feel one bit of shame when I invite myself to the family reunion. Yes. I am a groupie, indeed.

Be in good health my dear, and take good care of you. You make me smile.

Love and light,

Mamacita