For many years, my identity was consumed by the insatiable world of public education. I served as an English teacher, principal, superintendent, university instructor, environmental educator. After thirty-plus years in the field, there is finally time to allow my creative side to emerge.

But why the need for an author’s website? Why the need to put it all out there? For me, this is a very challenging question. While I love the all things creative: writing, music, performing arts, wood-working– the process of creating is not enough for me. I want someone, other than my mother, to appreciate my ramblings.

I came to this realization after preparing a story for a Moth StorySlam at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. After fully immersing myself in process of the writing, editing, refining, anguishing, obsessing, preparing and practicing a story, I showed up to the Slam ready to put it all out there. Unfortunately, I got the starting time wrong. It was too later for me to participate in this event. I could only watch.

I spent that night listening to the other storytellers who not only able to tell a good tale, but were also able to follow directions and show up on time. I was furious with myself. But why? Wasn’t the act of creating enough? Isn’t it supposed to be about the journey rather than the destination? Apparently not. I need external validation. Don’t we all?