Here are some ephemeral things about me, outside of writing. I’m a traveler and a beach aficionado. I appreciate good coffee, chocolate souffle and authentic sushi. I marvel at those who can cook, build and repair things.
Occasionally, I binge watch and even more occasionally, binge exercise. I am a dog person and have loved dogs since I was a child. My life has been bettered by all the dogs that have graced my life. Standard poodles are my most beloved.
I am impressed by straight shooters especially those who care about what is happening in our world and are moved to action. For this reason I suppose, I am drawn to realists, other artists and change makers.
Among my all time favorite books are those written by Malcolm Gladwell, Cheryl Strayed and Jeannette Walls.
I never have enough time to read all the books I want to read and usually have at least two on the go at a time. My greatest passion is writing. Unlike so many writers, I never grew up wanting to be a writer. It wasn’t until I was in my late twenties that I saw writing as anything more than a pastime. I am in awe of those who understood their calling as children.
I believe in predestination, humanity and the prevalence of good. I do not believe in divisiveness and inequality.
All of my closest friends share some common traits. They are ambitious and adventurous. They revere nature, justice and we share an infinite desire to learn. My family is modern, broad-minded and spontaneous.
I dream about living in Paris, Hawaii, and remote places in the north.
I have a black belt in judo. At the 2018 Judo Ontario Kata Championships, I was the provincial gold medalist in Juno Kata (tori); The bronze medalist at the 2017 and 2018 Canadian National Judo Championships held at the Olympic Oval in Calgary.
My husband and I met at a baseball game in the Fall of 1989. I had just returned from an exchange program at Oxford Brooks University. Since then, life has never been the same. We’ve been married for over twenty something years now. Our house sits in a quiet urban neighbourhood and our lives are run by our two university aged boys. Although we appear unruffled and picture perfect to our neighbours and coworkers, I assure you that we, like so many others, have our share of struggles, heartbreak and incredible turning points. I will always share these stories in my writing.
Please stay close and keep well my friends.
Monica