Biography

Several people have told me that I need to include a bio and picture on my book, as well as my website, as people will want to know who I am and what I look like. Just to let you know, I take an awful picture. I think I took fifty of them before I decided on this photo, and even this one isn’t that great. I’m tempted to draw a moustache and horns on it to make it look better.

Anyways, the revelation that someone would want to know about me was a foreign concept. I’m one of these people who doesn’t relish being in the spotlight. Even at my wedding, when all eyes were on me as I walked down the aisle, I was tempted to tell everyone to sit down and stare straight ahead. Of course I refrained from doing so, which my husband was grateful for.

So now I have to give you my bio. I wasn’t sure what to say so I said a lot. Hey give me a break I’m a writer so I tend to go on and on and on and….well you get my point. So here it goes……..

My home is Kitchener, Ontario where I’ve lived for most of my life, except for the eight months we lived on Vancouver Island. For those of you who know of, or have visited the historical Joseph Schneider Haus Museum in Kitchener, I am a relative of Joseph Schneider, seventh generation. I was told my ancestors were hard workers, which describes me. When there is work to be done, I put my head down and just do it. I also read their children didn’t go to school that often, as they had to work to help the family. Now that would have suited me just fine as I was not a fan of school. In fact, when I was in Kindergarten and grade one I used to run home all the time. I was a sneaky kid. I used to put my hand up to go to the bathroom then make a run for it, and at recess I would wait until the teachers were out of sight then bolt. It took me awhile, but I learned that there was no getting out of school no matter how fast I ran. My favourite subjects in school were English, as I love to read and write, Vocal Music, as I love to sing, Lunch, as I love to eat, and free time, or what we called spares, as I love to be free. Somehow I graduated from high school, which I credit my sister for. You see my mother died when I was a teenager, things at home weren’t going very well, so my sister kindly took me in and I lived with her for most of my high school years. Life was good until I told her I’d had enough and wanted to quit school. She threatened to ship me back home if I did this. Since I wanted to continue living with her, I opted to stay in school. I thanked her later, or I believe I did.

I’ve worked at various jobs over the years. My first job was at a gas station, from there it was fast food, then I advanced to insurance doing various jobs. I was even an Insurance Broker. Eventually I got out of insurance and worked for my brother in his office. After that, I decided to become a Certified Reflexologist and had a few clients. Later I became a manager at a portrait studio and then I got a fun job at Mad Science, where I became an instructor teaching at lunch and after school science programs. Once the school program was over, they hired me on as an Equipment Supervisor and boy did I have ball! I got to order toys and do an occasional show for the children, which was a blast. Mad Science puts on great shows! I was in my element there as I have a little girl in me who still loves to play! I worked there for three years then quit.

Once I become unemployed my husband encouraged me to finish writing my first book, The Vision, which by the way had taken me six years to complete. The reason it took so long was my husband decided to go back to college and become a nurse. He was interested in psychology so he went into the mental health field. He credits me for his choice of profession. Not that I’m nuts, honestly, I just have issues (Don’t we all!). Anyways, while he was going to school someone had to pay the bills, so I worked while he studied. During that time I tried to fit in writing, but anyone who works and has a child knows that there isn’t a lot of time in the day to fit in personal stuff. (That may sound lame, but I’m sticking with that excuse.)

By the time my husband finished school and started working, I still needed to work to help pay off the student loans and get us back on our feet again. We still don’t have the student loans paid off and are still trying to get back on our feet, but at least my book is finally done.

It was an interesting transition going from working outside the home to working at home. I had a hell of a time parking my butt to finish this book, due to the obligation I felt to help support my family. My husband, being the supportive guy he is, told me to shut up and write (of course he meant that in a totally loving way!)

Throughout the course of my employment, I’ve written letters, instructional manuals, but writing a story is much more fun. I’ve always been accused of having my head in the clouds (My husband says it’s up my as…well we won’t go there!). While I’m up there wonderful stories come to me and once they start they don’t stop. I also keep my eyes and ears open and listen to what’s happening around me, as life itself can spin a good story.

Talking about life, it’s been an interesting ride. A few years back a relative was murdered, which was difficult to go through, my husband and I have experienced health problems, I’ve had miscarriages, as well as financial problems. Recently, I lost two important people within months of each other due to cancer. My Uncle Bruce, who was a psychic, passed away. He was a cool guy and was there for me after my mom died. Unfortunately, he never knew about my book, or about the weird and wacky mystical things that have happened to me, which by the way are mentioned in my book. I wanted to wait until my book was done before I said anything. I guess I waited too long. Steve, my nutritionist, who suffered with his own physical problems passed away. He was a wonderful person who helped my family and myself.

How have I fared throughout all of this? All I can say is I have a hell of a lot of gray hair, which
my awesome hairdresser covers up so you don’t notice. I believe my gray hair reflects the wisdom I’ve gained throughout these crises. My husband, however, says it’s because I’m old!

Okay enough of the depressing stuff; let’s move onto the blessings in my life. I have very supportive brothers and a sister who, when my mom died, acted like my mom and dad and still do. I thank God for them, as I don’t know how I would have gotten through that terrible time without them. I have a terrific mother and father-in-law who have helped us out through the years. Then there is my wonderful husband and son who are kind, caring and supportive. I don’t know what I’d do without them either. Oh and I can’t forget my dog. She is a beautiful girl who is loving, goofy and has an attitude. My husband says she is a reflection of her owner and blames me for her attitude problem. What I’d like to know is why I am held accountable for this along with everything else? Are natural disasters my fault too?

My interests range from playing games with my son, spending time with my husband, when he isn’t working, walking my dog, writing, reading, and watching my soaps. I also love watching cartoons like Bugs Bunny, The Flintstones and Scooby Doo. My favorite cartoon is Sponge Bob. There’s something about that yellow sponge that cracks me up. I like him so much that I have Sponge Bob paraphernalia, clothes even car mats. I always say if I could live in a cartoon I’d live with Sponge Bob in his pineapple.

So there you go. That’s me in a nutshell, or should I say that’s me the nutcase! Just kidding. Now if you are going to ask me what wacky mystical things I’ve experienced, I probably won’t tell you since you wouldn’t believe me any ways. Besides that weird stuff, I’m just a regular person trying to get through the ups and downs of life, hoping for more ups than downs.

Well that’s the scoop about me, wasn’t it fascinating. Hey do I hear snoring? Okay you can wake up now I’m done. All kidding aside, I really hope you enjoy reading my books, The Vision and M.O.E. I had a lot of fun writing them!

I wish everyone all the best!!!

Linda