I was browsing in Litchfield Books with my good friend June when I got a text informing me that an article about Eve’s Sisters was in the local newspaper. I put the copy of Julie Peterkin’s Scarlet Sister Mary back on the shelf and excitedly punched in the address of the newspaper. I don’t get my name in the paper very often so this was one of those moments, the kind when you’re feeling jittery and excited at the same time.

Within a minute, I was reading the article and feeling pretty good about it until I read the part about my desire to be branded as a religious writer. My heart sank. Why? Because I DO NOT want to be branded as a religious writer. Upset, I dropped my phone into my purse and picked up Peterkin’s novel again. Reading about Mayee’s heartache when her husband left her put things into perspective. Which is worse? A broken heart or a misprint?

Still, I don’t want to be branded as a religious writer. Why not?

• I can’t have a hissy fit or a temper tantrum. I can’t even get into a snit (great word, huh?).
• I can’t be selfish. I must always be selfless and put the needs of others above my own.
• I can’t gossip.
• People will think I’m a prude or a Ms. Goody Two Shoes.
• I can never say a “bad word.”

But wait, is that so bad? I need to learn a little more self discipline and rein in those snitty episodes. I can still be somewhat selfish. How can a person have compassion for others if she has none for herself? And the gossiping? Well, I shouldn’t be doing it anyway, especially since I don’t want people doing it about me. About the so-called bad words, I need to enhance my vocabulary if I have to resort to using the H word, the D word, the S word, or the F word. Besides, using foul language is unattractive for a female.

So maybe being branded as somewhat of a religious writer wouldn’t be so bad as long as everyone realizes that I have tons of stuff to say that has nothing to do with religion. I want to write about love, relationships, the beach, teaching, being optimistic, living a full life, taking chances, and saying YES. I’m currently working on an e-book about what it takes for community college students to be successful, and there’s not an iota about religion in it.

So here’s the bottom line. I’m not a prude or religious fanatic. At the same time, I’m a spiritual person who loves life and its mysteries. I’m fascinated by people and their stories, and I’m gung-ho about helping my students succeed. I’m also a beach bum, an avid reader, an exercise enthusiast (daily walker), and a mother who fiercely loves her children and grandchildren. I believe in the nurturing and teaching powers of Mother Nature and savor the moments when I can hear birds singing, brooks babbling, and breezes rustling.

When you see me coming, don’t feel that I’m going to judge you or tell you how to live your life because I’m not. I’m too busy living and loving my own!