I have always loved to write, but I tend to set my passions on a back burner in my life … something to do when I’ve completed all of my responsibilities.  However, unless I’m being paid for a writing or editing job, I tend not to write for myself.  I am looking to this blog to serve as a responsibility … one to myself.  Setting aside time to write about my experiences and thoughts.

If anyone should happen across this blog and wonder who I am … here’s a bit of background.

I’m a native Angelino, born in Hollywood, CA to a Mexican Indian mother and Irish American father. Most of my childhood (I’m an only) was spent shuttling between my parents’ house in Orange County, and my maternal grandmother’s home  in south central Los Angeles.   I adored my grandmother – she and I were very close all of my life until her death in 2003 at the age of 100.

Life when I was with my mother was erratic and dispiriting.  She is a narcissist.  I have often heard adult children of alcoholics or manic-depressives state that when their afflicted parent was in the up-mode, life could be interesting, albeit downright frightening.   I experienced the terror … without the amusement or even a modicum of mental or physical stimulation.  My mother had a child for the sole purpose of caring for her numerous needs.

My psychotherapist persona

Went to college where I studied photojournalism … had a number of very interesting jobs, including having worked in the record industry as a manager, publicist, and producer  … fell in love … actually a few times before eventually getting married … had a kid … went back to college … figured out that said kid has Asperger’s Syndrome, so I homeschooled him … started a small education consulting business … received a graduate degree in community/clinical psychology … authored a book (published by Random House) … practiced psychotherapy … felt like crap … ceased practicing.   In early 2009 I was diagnosed with lupus … not exactly a revelation as I’ve been aware that my body hasn’t been functioning normally for a number of years.  But,  I try to work with the shortcomings of my muscles and energy-level.  My consulting remains as my “day job,” but I also find time to pursue interests and lend a hand to friends who have writing, publicity, and other planning/organizational needs.