My life in recent years has been all about turning negatives into positives and chasing after two lifelong dreams. An incredible sequence of events led to the achievement of both.

I bought a horse ranch in the Rocky Mountains, which is the first dream-come-true. I started riding horses at the age of six, in the state of Texas where I was raised. That involvement with horses continued through the years and is a big part of my life. In 1998, when I suddenly found myself single after many years of being married, I debated whether to sit around with no direction in my life or go after an opportunity to build a horse ranch. I chose the latter. (I was able to telecommute my job, so could work from anywhere.) My home in Boulder quickly sold and I purchased a beautiful piece of raw mountain land near Pikes Peak. I spent that summer going to the "ranch" on weekends, camping in my horse trailer with my dogs, building my own fences with a goal of actually moving in September. In August a horse barn was constructed, including a very small 400 sq. ft apartment that became my temporary living quarters. When September arrived, the horse stalls were complete, but my apartment was not. The contractors were behind schedule. However, I was so anxious to live at the ranch, I moved in despite the conditions of a dirt floor, no indoor plumbing or electricity. The electricians installed a plug on an outside pole, enabling me to run one extension cord for my computer and a light bulb. Each morning I went to the pond and brought up water for the horses and myself, putting one bucket in the sun to provide warm water for the evening "shower". I basically lived the life of a pioneer for about 3 months, learning new ways to accomplish things without the luxuries of power and plumbing. In November, the temperatures plummeted below zero 5 nights in a row. I was wrapped in sleeping bags and awoke to ice on the inside walls. But I survived, and now have a new appreciation for the hardships endured on a daily basis by pioneers.

Once my ranch was complete, including a house, my first goal was to begin horse rescue operations, especially for older horses. I immediately adopted 4 "geriatric" horses, bringing my growing horse herd to a total of nine. Little did I know that my rescue work would open the door and lead right into the achievement of my second lifelong dream of writing a children's book. I love to write, had won several literary awards when in high school. Writing a children's book had long been a goal, but I was still in search of the right message for the story.

Three years ago, late at night, the county sheriff called and said they found a little, lost, ill horse and asked if I would take a look at him. I did, then asked them to bring him to my ranch in the morning, which they did. Two weeks later we found his owner. When she shared the story of this little horse, I instantly realized that the perfect subject for the book I had always wanted to write was standing outside, eating hay in my corral. The problems he had encountered in his life provided great lessons about friendship and bullying along with a drug awareness message.

I proceeded to write his story, which was quite easy since it is based on actual events. After several teachers reviewed and approved of the story, I pursued the publishing process, fully aware that first-time authors rarely find a publisher. I decided to investigate the possibility of independently publishing the book. The big disadvantage, however, was the funding which I would have to provide. It would cost $15,000 to publish the book and produce 3,000 copies.

At precisely this same time, my company decided to down-size, closing its Colorado executive office - my employer. Instead of seeing this as a negative, I instantly realized that the severance pay would be what I needed to fund the publication of my book. At this point, the book became the sole focus in my life. Many of my business-friends thought I had "lost my mind". They constantly reminded me that I was a first-time author with no publisher, and it would be impossible for me to survive financially on one book. My response was that "I so strongly believe in the messages in this book, I would rather try and fail than never try at all, but I do not intend to fail."

The first objective was finding an illustrator. Pat Wiles, the owner of a neighboring horse ranch, just happened to be a nationally-known watercolor artist who specializes in painting horses. After reading my story, she agreed to do the illustrations. Her work perfectly tells the story in paintings; she did a beautiful job.

The book became a reality in August, 2002, when 3000 copies were delivered to me: my other dream-come-true at last.

While the book was at the printers, I spent many hours developing a marketing plan, knowing that schools would be my biggest market due to the messages in the book. I began by contacting every educator I knew, requesting an opportunity to visit their school with my new book. Several agreed. Now schools from around the country are calling me, requesting copies of the book and reserving an author visit. The first printing of the book was sold out in 6 months; it is now in its 4th printing and sales continually increase.

I now visit schools nationally, sharing Lonesome's message about bullying and friendship, plus drug awareness. My school presentation includes an interactive discussion of the messages included in the story. I always ask the students to listen for three lessons when I read the book. After reading it, they immediately identify the messages: first, don't run away when having problems; second, listen to parents and teachers and have the courage to choose right over wrong; third, don't mistreat or "bully" those who are "different". The fact that the book is based on a true story adds greatly to its credibility with youngsters, making it easy for them to relate to Lonesome's experiences. Even though the reading level is approximately that of 2nd - 3rd graders, students through the 6th grade enjoy and purchase the book. Many school counselors are now using the book for programs relating to actions vs. consequences and right vs. wrong choices. The Director of Parenting for the State of Texas Association of School Boards reviewed it in a statewide newsletter, recommending it for parenting and family education.

An unexpected result of my school visits is the fact that I am now known to many children as "Cowgirl Peg", my character in the story. I often receive emails and letters addressed to "Cowgirl Peg". In many of them, the child states that he/she will never bully or do drugs because of Lonesome's story. Knowing that his story has touched lives in this regard is the greatest reward a writer could ever hope for.

Due to the success of the Cowgirl Peg image with children, the illustrator and I decided to write a series of books, each containing messages for young readers.

I often donate visits to inner city schools because those students need to hear Lonesome's messages. In addition to discussing bullying, friendship and drug awareness, I include the story of my dreams, telling the students to have goals and never give up no matter how long it takes to achieve them. As a result of the feedback from inner city students and teachers, Pat Wiles and I created "Cowgirl Peg Book #2." The story, based on an inner city child in search of a dream, is titled Isabelle Lives A Dream and recently received a nomination for a Regional Book Award from the Mountain and Plains Booksellers Association. The third book of the series, Shortstuff Bucks!! also contains a great message for young readers and is now in the publication process.

"Amazing" is the only word that can describe the sequence of events that led to the achievement of my becoming a children's author. Every time one door closes, another one opens. For example: