Lifestyle
The first book I wrote won me a Young Authors Award. It was titled "I Don't Want to be Kangaroo Anymore." I came up with the concept. Wrote the words. Heck, I even illustrated the dang book.
That was in 30 years ago... I am still working on my next one ;)
Somewhere in between I've managed to get a bachelors in business, a masters in journalism, find true love and create two amazing little humans. I'd like to think I have a decent amount of life experience, but the truth is, just like every other human on this planet, I am forever in "school" - learning and discovering as I go. Seeking knowledge to propel me forward; hoping to share that knowledge with others through words.
I've had jobs as banker, bartender, waitress and laborer at a construction company. I've written stories about the circus, businesses, environmental nonprofits, and small-scale farms. Each step along the way I've gleaned valuable knowledge allowing to me to tell someone else's story, introduce a new business or promote a fantastic brand through storytelling.
Lifestyle
Lakewood Ranch turned 25 this year. Given its success and current growth forecast, we see no reason for it to have a quarter-life crisis. The 31,000-acre community, with roots in both Sarasota and Manatee counties, is considered the master-planned community to which all other master-planned communities are compared - ranked No.
Phillippi Farmhouse Market Tents filled with seasonal and fresh produce; artisans showcasing their crafts; the smell of freshly fried doughnuts wafting while live music fills the air. These are the sights, smell and sounds of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, which takes place every Wednesday, October through April, rain or shine.
Milkin'It The cows of Dakin Dairy Farm seem quite content. There is no prodding going on as the ladies stroll to their milking stations. As they exit, it seems as if they are chatting around the water cooler-er, water trough. Some chew their cud and observe farm tourists while others gladly accept a little pat on the head.
From brick-oven pizzas to sonorous family banter, a dinner with Italian cuisine restaurateurs the Solorzano family is everything I imagined it to be. The moment I walk through the wrought iron gate into Franca and Carlos Solorzano's courtyard I am no longer in a deed-restricted Gulf Gate neighborhood.
After an accident left trapeze legend Pedro Reis grounded, he and aerialist Dolly Jacobs- now his wife-created a new circus act, "On the Wings of Love." Although his "second act" was successful, Reis found himself unfulfilled. "It really wasn't my passion," says Reis. "I'd always wanted to have a professional circus school."
When Sarasota native and New College of Florida senior Michael Long was a freshman, he traded his 2000 Jeep Cherokee for a 1976 30-foot Santana sailboat with orange sail covers. Thanks to childhood fishing trips with his father, Thomas, the economics and public policy major was "comfortable staying between the markers," he says.
Like 400- to 500-page - NOVELS. Yes, this is new to me. I am - ahem - was a TV girl at heart or so I thought.
The Campbells When Darrin and Emily Campbell built their dream home on five acres just east of I-75, they stayed close to their Christian faith and honored an intention to offer open arms to all who entered. "We value people and relationships above things," says Emily.
Famous Italian chef Marcella Hazan's last teachings may very well be considered her most important. Thanks to husband, Victor Hazan, the culinary world has been granted one final window into the knowledge Marcella so loved to share through their latest collaboration, Ingredienti.
Having a meal with Rosenda Calloway is akin to being a special guest on a Food Network show. She's confident and charismatic as she moves about her Palmer Ranch kitchen filling fresh wontons then frying them-teaching along the way. The youngest of four girls born to Filipino parents, Calloway admits she's never actually been to her parents' homeland.