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I love to read! As a long time English teacher, I believe what I've always told students - that literature is an extension of life. I feel like I learn at least something in almost every single book I read, and that is truly a gift.

I also love children's books. They lined the top shelf of my office, and attracted the attention of many visitors. Now I have the opportunity to use them in consulting work periodically.

I am a fan of Jodi Picout's books, once I get passed the child tragedy part that she always opens with. I also recently discovered authors Anne Patchett and Kristin Hannah, which I love, too. I spend a lot of my free time reading, and keeping a journal about the books. I'm in a book club with two librarians, an English teacher, and a book store owner - so the stakes are high - but I love it.

I don't watch television much, but I do love Modern Family.

I like to make baby blankets (flannel with satin bindings) - a craft taught to me by my mother in law years ago. I also dabble with crafts here and there - always wishing that I was more creative. I have recently started making greeting cards. I love to send cards for all occasions and it gets expensive. It has been an extra bonus to realize that I enjoy the time on the cards, (and I actually don't save much money in the end).

I have been married for almost 32 years and we have two children. Our son is a music editor for an alternative weekly newspaper in St. Louis. Our daughter is in the Peace Corps, teaching math and science in Namibia. I was a teacher for 30 years. I started out teaching middle school English and went into teaching Gifted and then worked in staff development. I've officially retired, but am enjoying doing some consulting work for The Leadership and Learning Center.

I have been collecting Raggedy Ann dolls and accessories for 30 years and now have an entire room devoted to that collection in my house. I love the simplicity of Raggedy Ann, and the message that life is simple and happy and easy going. Though I don't believe that is true in life for much of the time, I can go to my Raggedy Ann room, and breathe in that symbol of simplicity, a reminder of the possibilities.