I'm originally from Kentucky but have lived for 20-some years in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is very hot (VERY HOT) in the summer, but there is no humidity and no snow!

I am 40-something years old (which doesn't really sound possible at all). I married my wonderful wife Anna three years ago. She is my #1 encourager in all things.

My daughter, Rebecca, is now a teenager (as she likes to remind me frequently). She is a gifted student and musician. She played French Horn in the Phoenix Youth Symphony for two years. (I'm hoping it will bring in a college scholarship.)

The three of us enjoy being part of the drama ministry at church: participating, directing, or writing/editing.

Our household includes 2 Beautiful CATS, 1 stupid dog, 2 obnoxious birds and 1 rodent (hamster). (The rabbit died--don't read anything into that.)

I enjoy writing as a hobby. It's not a vocation and I have no particular training other than a lot of reading. I especially enjoy the Writing Challenge because I am very competitive. The WC provides a wonderful place to get encouaraging feedback while learning tips and techniques that anywhere else would cost a good sum of money.

Seven of my entries have placed in Editor's Choice which catapults me into the Masters level (through no real fault of my own.) There are real Masters in that category and it is quite overwhelming to submit my entries alongside theirs.

Writing Challenge Winners (Challenge topic)

"Vines and Whines" (Vines) 1st place

"Teaching the Heart" (Help) 8th place

"Safe and Locked Away" (Lock) 8th place

"The Last Day" (Purposefulness) 1st place

"His Brain was 'Gone Fishing'" (Lifeguard) 2nd place

"That J is a Hook" (Gone Fishing) 4th place

"Making a Difference" (Sport/fitness) 1st place

Other Favorites:

"Rose Tree" (Tree)

"Jamestown Winter" (Winter)

"A Walk Across the Sea (Escape) retitled "A Walk to Remember"