From My Padded Cell...

About the Book

You don't have to be a big fan of poetry to read and appreciate this collection of what amounts to vignettes of the human dilemma translated into animal characters.

Each of them captures a personality or situation and presents it in a way that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. From the Gold-Plated Goat, who made the mistake of consuming his owner's life savings, to the Polliwog's Protest of being something he is destined to be, the animals are often recognizable as those we know- - or ourselves.

The illustrations are whimsical and perfectly complement the writing, bringing the characters to life as they parade before us with their unique slice of life. The Blowaway Blowfish lives his otherwise boring life in a tank because he knows he doesn't have to stay there, the Lyin' Lion is not at all what he appears to be, and the Rooster wears himself to a frazzle daily to maintain his responsibility for the farmyard in the absence of being able to crow.

They all become familiar friends as you read and reread each, and you just might find yourself meeting someone and privately recognizing Miss Mouse, or the Bird of Prey.

A wonderful gift for anyone who likes to read, this small book is the perfect something for a friend or family member who would appreciate its insight and slight irreverence.

So, join the author in The Padded Cell, and - while you read - sit back, like Barnaby and his Parrot, with a smile.

About the Author

The author admits freely that she hasn't yet decided what she wants to be when she grows up. That is - if she ever does.

Born in Minnesota, she has lived in the south and midwest most of her life, enjoying careers as a hospital administrator, public health official, and property developer. Most recently, she returned to college to get a degree in nursing, which she presently practices in the Chicago area.

All of this has given her the opportunity to meet a variety of people who she has delightfully, if not somewhat irreverently, turned into animals.

With her children grown, she shares her padded cell with her husband, a very old cat, and a small auburn dog named Mick, whose pedigree she says is "somewhat of a mystery".

Having also written a book of holiday short stories - which will be available for the Christmas 2005 season - she is presently working on a second volume of poems, as well as a novel.