Sharon's Bio
I didn't call myself a writer until 2007, and it was my husband who named me one initially. Writing has been my passion since childhood, though I never dreamed of being able to publish anything until my 40s. I published on my own site and in a local paper, but had never written anything for pay until 2008. Now, it is a critical element of my job and it remains my passion.
I am a middle-aged, happily married woman. I have a teen age son and two step children in their 20s. My parents call me their "flower child", though my friends consider me relatively conservative. I live in Great Falls, VA with our menagerie of cats and dogs and neighboring wildlife. I vacation in New Mexico and Florida at every possible opportunity.
I was born in El Paso, Texas, but was raised just a few miles from where I live now from age 7 until I attended college at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. I taught middle and high school English for a few years, moved to Okinawa, Japan for a few years during a short first marriage. I earned my M.Ed. in Counseling & Personnel Services from University of Maryland, then taught a few more years, then married my current husband.
I worked with Jeffrey for 12 years as co-owner of a remodeling company, and then I started myNeighborsNetwork.com in 2000. In 2003, I turned my hobby into a business and have been running it ever since.
I am an introvert, shy by nature. I love to read, knit, needlepoint, pet my cats, and of course, write.
Freewriting 12/23/09
Sharon’s Freewriting:
Most of you tell me that you read my Sharon’s Nook pieces when it’s quiet around you. It’s usually late at night after the children are tucked in, or early in the morning before they wake.
Some of you read it when you are utterly exhausted and lonely, thinking you need to just sit down and ‘be’ for awhile. Some of you read it when you are rested, rejuvenated, and ready to start the day.
Oddly, enough, that’s how I am when I write; either exhausted and lonely, or rested and ready to start the rest of the day. I rarely write early in the morning; that’s a tough time of day for me. Currently, I am sitting on my sofa with the Christmas tree lights on and New Age music playing on the TV (NO words). I haven’t wrapped a single gift. I actually don’t think I am even done shopping. I haven’t finished my Christmas cards. And today, right now, that’s ok. Remind me to tell my family that tomorrow evening!
Tonight, before the rest of the insanity, the rush, the excitement begins . . . . somewhere, I am taking a moment for me. I need this time, this moment to just be. Just be me. I use this time to be with God, offering prayers of thanks. Today is the day to give thanks for God’s grace upon me, for His protection, His wisdom, His care.
Tonight, I am connecting. With the holiday rush, I sometimes disconnect. I get so busy in the DOING that I forget that BEING is what God wants for me. Right now, I am being. It actually feels good. It feels comfortable.
I received three gifts this week that meant so much to me . . . . my bookkeeper (who is actually more than just a bookkeeper to me) brought me stunning red and white roses saying, “Thank you for hiring a ‘has been’ like me . . .” I was stunned. It was unexpected. More importantly, I was shocked she was thanking me! I saw her taking the position more as her helping me than my helping her. And she is NO ‘has been.’
The second gift was a handmade necklace and bracelet. The bracelet is silver and green with the awareness ribbon for Lyme Disease. Tears fall as I describe it here. My necklace, also green and silver and black, have charms that read Strength and Courage. This friend’s gifts give me just that on those not so good days.
The third gift: cookbooks and literature focusing on the foods I need to continue incorporating into my life.
Sometimes, it is the smallest gift, the tiniest gesture, that create a memory which will last a lifetime. I was given three new memories today from very, very special people. I hope I can pay it forward.
Merry Christmas, all.
