With this being my debut column for Castanet, I think it best to apologize at the onset. Forgive me, gentle readers, if my spelling occasionally differs from yours. Forgive me also for my regional jargon. These variations are inevitable because I am not a Canadian.

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois in a neighborhood known as the “Back of the Yards.” Currently, I reside in a suburb about 20 miles southwest of Chicago. The distance between my home and Kelowna is approximately 1,615 miles (2,600 kilometers) “as the crow flies.” The internet and e-mail have virtually eliminated that gap, making my writing for Castanet realistically possible, albeit improbable. So how did I arrive at this place? Serendipity.

Six years ago, I met Linda Gigliotti (Castanet’s “This and That” columnist) via e-mail. Linda and I were voluntarily serving as board panelists reviewing submissions for a step-parenting book. Both writers, we soon discovered we had much more in common than merely a love of words. Although the step-parenting book never materialized, Linda and I formed an enduring friendship.

A few weeks ago, I wrote Linda telling her I was contemplating retirement. I pondered that maybe it was time to give up writing and do something else. Perhaps I should pursue my other creative interest—designing greeting cards. Linda’s return e-mail vetoed my retirement and bombarded me with numerous writing prompts to get my creative juices flowing.

Soon after, Linda sent another e-mail. This one contained an emphatic suggestion—“Why not write a column for Castanet?” My response echoed her question—“Why not, indeed!” Ergo, my retirement is on hold.

My writing life has been diverse. Call me a Jill of All Trades. I have done freelance work for several newspapers, focusing on good news i.e., movie reviews, feature stories, and a column of local happenings. I have also worked as a copy editor and proofreader. Currently, I review children’s books for a local newspaper and write, edit and publish a quarterly newsletter for an amputee support group, among other things. Of special interest is children’s writing.

What will I bring to Castanet’s readers? I hope you find my contributions to the column formerly titled, “This and That,” entertaining and thought provoking. Please e-mail me with your comments, suggestions, questions, boos, and/or hurrahs.

Lastly, the great Spanish cellist (and conductor), Pablo Casals once said, “The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?” Enough said!