In this, my first act of sharing my thoughts, fantasies, and reflections, I must acknowledge those who have always encouraged me to pursue the craft of creative writing.

It starts with the delight in the written or spoken word, and I marvel how we have come from grunting to communicate to the graceful spinning of language that can transport us to a distant place or send us hurtling into the deep recesses of our own being.

Like many who write, I have kept these stories and poems tucked away far from the public eye, but now I feel it is time to bring to you what has been a...