It’s what everyone looks for, right? The big love of your life, that man or woman who will complete you, light your fire, be that person you can’t wait to come home to. There seem to be a lot of “singles” out there… in fact, the 2010 census found more single or divorced heads of households than married couples for the first time in census history. So the percentages are in my favor. Ahh, if only it was that easy.

Sometimes I wonder if the reason there are more singles/divorced heads of household is because — perhaps — married people really aren’t as happy as they’d have us believe. There are certainly a lot of relieved divorced people walking among us!

There are a lot of married people out there who seem to not even like each other, much less love. Many of my married friends say they rarely make love with their spouse, and in fact, barely seem to tolerate them. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for the joys of wedlock. On the other hand, I know some married couples who have that ‘glow’. You know, almost an aura about them, where they look at each other with a sort of heat combined with humor and affection that arcs between them like an electrical current. They flirt with each other and seem to find their spouse captivating in a thousand different ways. They are the lucky ones.

For me, I’m looking for that special person for whom I’d be willing to give up my wonderful singleness. To share the remote, the bathroom, and the closet. Yikes. I fully realize I may be too deeply rooted in my happy single life to do all that sharing… and yet something drives me to find that person.

So, having recognized the need — or at least the desire — I had to make a plan. How to meet Mr. Magic Man? Would my friends introduce me? Should I place an ad? Join a dating service? Have a serendipitous meeting in the produce aisle?

The first thing was a change of attitude. I look people in the eye, smile more, gauge their reaction. Were they open, friendly, maybe searching themselves? I don’t go to the store in pajama pants (not that I ever did), and try to slap on at least minimal make up before venturing out in public. I try to be open to the possibility of meeting someone. I interact with as many men as possible. And by interact, I mean talking, finding common ground, laughing. Turns out I’m fairly good at this.

So I’m prepared for my quest. I begin with an open heart, an inquisitive mind, and a boatload of common sense. And if Mr. Magic Man never appears, I know I’ll be just fine, just as I am. That’s not a small realization!

I already know some truths. My life is fully livable just as it is. I sleep very well right in the middle of the bed. I can afford my house and car, and most of my bills if I don’t go crazy. I have hobbies, interests, and many wonderful friends. I can entertain myself. I actually enjoy some solitude, and find peace and renewal in setting my own schedule.

This blog will likely contain some snippets about some of my dating experiences (for lack of a better term), as well as other life observations. I hope you check back soon for an update. I mean, you want to see what happens, right?

I’m a mid-west girl by birth, then was transplanted to California shortly after high school. My work history included a self-employed stint, starting and growing a telephone answering service, then work at two different publishing companies. In 2001 I relocated back to Michigan, finding a home I love, a job I appreciate, and some wonderful friends.

My love of writing goes back to when I was old enough to pick up a pencil. Creating characters and plots is second nature. I’m dedicated to publishing my two mystery novels in the near future, and have also written some short stories. Stay tuned for more good things!

My years at the two publishing houses has made me appreciate the value of proof reading… to both find the right words to tell your story or sell your product, and to make sure your reader (or customer) isn’t distracted by spelling errors or bad grammar. If you need help with proof reading a manuscript or a menu, my rates are reasonable. Just send me a message.

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll be updating my blog from time to time, writing on varied topics. I hope you enjoy it!

A Marin County Murder

Set in quirky Marin County, north of San Francisco, and a world away from the bustle of a big city, Angela finds a dead body in her garage. Talk about a bad Monday! And even worse, she recognizes the dead woman. Her predictable life changed in a moment to a world of lies and half-truths, where no one can be trusted. Her 17 year old son is the prime suspect, and Angela realizes she will have to do whatever it takes to solve this crime, even if it means a tentative truce with her ex-husband. With backdrops from Carmel to Calistoga, this story follows Angela on her quest to find the truth about who killed the woman in her garage as well as about her own relationships, past and present.

Another Marin Murder

Set in San Francisco and north in Marin County, disgraced cop Jason is driving across the Golden Gate Bridge when a horrible accident happens right in front of him. To his shock, he finds the driver has been shot. Then he learns that this murder may be linked to an incident in his past, and possibly even his present. At the same time, Cassie, who worked with the murder victim, comes to realize something is not right where she works, and she believes someone in the company may have killed her friend. Cassie and Jason eventually cross paths, coming from different directions to focus their combined efforts on identifying one very nasty murderer… hopefully before one of them becomes the next victim.