How would you have set out on your life’s journey had you endured a less traumatic childhood?
I have thought about his many times, actually! Although I cannot imagine thinking in ways other than how I used to think as a child, when I observe little girls whose developmental path appears to include strong boundaries, respect for their bodies and healthy self-esteem, I admire the freedom of expression they display! Had I enjoyed that particular type of freedom of expression,
I’d imagine that my journey would have included continuing with music lessons, singing and dancing.

Also, I might have gotten an advanced degree as I had planned. But, I know this for sure—I would have wanted to boldly sing like Janis Joplin, or to sing and shake my groove thing on stage like Tina Turner, or be a profession- al cellist. Having said that, I wouldn’t change one thing about my life’s journey given: (a) the peace and joy in which I now live, and (b) the amazing gift it is to be my son’s mother. It was all worth it! Khalil Gibran wrote, “The deeper sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain.” I have discovered that this is the case.

Would you mind sharing a story or two of those whose lives have been transformed by knowing that they are not alone in their experiences?

Certainly! Transformation can be instantaneous. Whenever light hits the dark- ness (i.e., the portions of our- selves that remain hidden out of shame, pain, fear or hurt), it is forever transformed. It’s like exhaling – when you realize you’re not alone, or have even the slightest break- through about something, it opens up a type of optimism,
or embracing the idea of new possibilities that did not exist previously.

For example, a woman shared with me that by sim- ply reading about the concept of Neutralization in Lemons, Lemonade & Life, she was able to immediately shift her perspective on an issue she was having with her son, and it totally freed her! She and her son now relate in a way that is refreshing and new. In another example, a gentle- man let me know that he actually finally admitted that a particular experience really did impact him and when it came time for him to do the anger release exercise in
the book, he was surprised and shocked that it actually worked for him! So, knowing that you are not alone in your experiences allows for new possibilities.

What do you think of Inglewood and would you ever return?
I LOVE Inglewood! Inglewood is my home, and I take it with me wherever I go. I remember the oil fields and Inglewood Little League behind Darby Park; the vacant lot before Jack Kent Cooke built The Forum, RG’s liquor store on Manchester and 6th Avenue, the 5th Avenue and Academy movie theaters, Market Street, Sears (where the Vons mar- ket is now). I salute the ways it continues to evolve.
Inglewood is my home town! The home in which I was raised remains in our family. I have dear, loved ones who still live in Inglewood and I visit often!

What are your future plans regarding life goals?
Healing Soldier Publishing is the name of my publishing company. I am currently writing a healing emotional eating workbook to accompany Lemons, Lemonade & Life, and I am jotting down notes about book number three.

Paul Shepherd wrote, “There is a secret person undamaged in every individual.” I have been able to reconnect with my undamaged self via emotional healing, and it is my passion to assist others in reconnecting with their true self. I plan to promote and encourage healing via the written word, music, programs and workshops on the internet, and live events here in Southern California elsewhere. When we are ready, one person at a time, to respond to our lives in a way that honors us and ultimately honors those around us as well, I want to ensure that there are resources available to support those who find themselves attracted to the perspective that I bring to the healing journey.