I have a license in clinical social work and have counseled families and couples since 1979. My first memory at the age of 3 involved trying to patch up an argument my parents were having. Perhaps counseling is my destiny.
When I was eight my mother bought me a Girl Scout diary. Writing in it gave me a passion for writing. In 1988 a pyschic told me that I had been a writer in the 1600's in England. Looking at the whole picture, who knows how a soul grows.
In 1972, I read all of Anais Nin's diaries. Since then I have written daily and have written more than 86 journals. Combining my counseling interests with writing, my books evolved. I found writing an enormous benefit to mental, physical, spiritual and relationship healing. Anyone faced with a mental, physical or spiritual health issue will benefit from my books. I have walked the walk. I have overcome serious health issues and life obstacles. My books are a must read. Within the last three years I have explored fiction and its requirement to stretch boundaries in the creative process. As a result I wrote my first novel, Kate's Way. www.createspace.com/3498926 Kate's Way is about a middle-aged woman who unexpectedly faces an unwanted divorce, packs up and leaves town, arrives in Maine and starts a new life.
During the writing of Kate's Way an intuitive asked me to sit on my five acres in Lamy, NM with pen and paper because the spirits there wanted me to record their stories. Voices From the Land tells those stories, although it took me two years to finally attempt such a request. Voices should be out by the end of May 2011. Go to: www.createspace.com/3552509.

In addition I also write The Basket Weaver. And yes, I was writing three books during the same three year period because I never do one thing at a time. The Basket Weaver is about Randy and Alana who go on vacation to the Yukatan to help save their relationship. After they encounter some strange visions, Randy goes back home but Alana stays, meets a healer and winds up discovering the healer she is meant to become. The Basket Weaver will also be out by the end of April. Order at: www.createspace.com/3553668.

Of course having the time to write three books came at a high price. In my relocation to NM I was unable to find full time work as a family therapist. Now I facilitate groups in both mental health and writing topics, edit manuscripts and try to enjoy every day as I continue looking for work. I can honestly say that following my intense passion for writing has saved my emotional, mental and physical life not to mention strengthening my spiritual beliefs.

Please contact me with any comments, questions or requests for help with your writing or mental health issues at: www.awareliving.net

Chemical Sensitivity -- I must say a word about the toxicity of our environment and the impact it has on every aspect of our being. The reason I left California, which was my home for over 30 years, my community, my private practice and my family, was because after having been overexposed to toxic mold I developed an acute environmental sensitivity. I was very ill and had to find my own way, because although five doctors told me I was the sickest patient they had, each one of them admitted they did not know what to do for me. I left California with nothing more than what fit on the back seat of my old Toyota. NM brought me many horrific, traumatic and disturbing experiences. However, it gave me time on my exquisite land to write and learn more about the healing process and all it takes to explore the self and bring it to balance. If you are chemically sensitive and need help, counseling or advice -- contact me through www.awareliving.net. My fee is small considering the cost of health care. And for heaven's sake, learn about the chemicals in your environment. Get a toxic blood screening. Toxicity leads to illness. I still react to certain chemicals but I function well.
I wish great healing for our planet and ourselves.
Jan