I love volunteer work and do it when opportunities permit. I also love theater work as a performer, or behind the scenes person. I

The Salvation Army and any worthy organization that simply helps people. Been on both sides of the desk, believe me.

Gospel, Contemporary Christian, Jazz, Classical, Oldies ( especially Doo-Wops), anything old and Motown and selected Country/Western ( Kenny Rogers, Reba, Dolly Parton)

Jeopardy! Some CNN stuff unless its repetitive. Most anything on PBS, TBN and such. I do not like Reality shows, unless they depict what they say. I have not seen one that even tried to be realistic.

Night Of The Hunter ( Robert Mitchum at his scariest), One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest ( Jack Nicholson at his best...BEFORE The Shining), Psycho ( Well, thats self explanatory), Of Human Bondage ( You GO, Bette Davis!), A Raisin In The Sun ( Sidney and Ruby were so real), To Kill A Mockingbird ( Gregory Peck at his most believable).

Uh-Oh..I can never fit them all in this little space but as a child, I loved "Hitty, Her First 100 Years), James Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time" and "Another Country", anything John Grisham and anything vintage that I can find in a dark, musty bookstore just as they call out, "But lady, we have to close now". I LOVE books and words and phrases and the smell and taste of books!

Besides my family, I dearly love Maya Angelou (talked to her via phone on Mother's Day 2005) Cicely Tyson, Bette Davis ( woman was the epitome of what acting is all about), Smokey Robinson, James Earl Jones, Humphrey Bogart

Anyplace near a large body of water. Coming from Chicago, I love Lake Michigan and have found that Lake Superior is good for the times I get those "Sweet home Chicago" blues and need my water fix.

I love em' all unless they fly, bite or slither. That rules out bees, hornets, mosquitoes, biting flys and snakes. Not fond of lizards either, but I do not think they bite. Anything else is something I can live with! But then you asked about animals and not insects. It must be past my bedtime!

What are you buying at the farmers market?

Seasonal fruits & vegetables

Who is the first person you would tell if you won $500?

My kids

Are you saving for retirement?

No, I can't

Who in your life is going back to school?

My grandchildren

If you were a contestant on Jeopardy what would be your dream trivia category?

Hodge-Podge. I don't even think they have that one anymore, and if they didnt, I would take anything that has to do with children's literature. I would, of course...win!

Do you own a cell phone? If yes, how long have you owned one?

4+ years

What is the most important reason for dating?

Find a serious relationship

What is your favorite family dinner?

Turkey with all the fixins!

Who are your heroes?

Anyone who stands for justice and who upholds compassion over logic. Logic will not ultimately feed the hungry.

Are you looking for a new job?

Yes, I like my options open

What kind of trip would you love to take in Italy?

Rent an Italian villa with my friends and/or family

What is your marital status?

Single

What would you buy if money wasn't an object?

Help people in need

Do you think it's a good idea to pay for a child's college education?

Yes, if you can afford it

Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?

Nikki Giovanni. I won a mentorship in a contest for fledging writers. Our winnings included meeting some famous writers. Years before, I had named my youngest daughter after Ms Giovanni , and even she got to meet her and had her to sign an album entitled, "Truth Is On The Way".

What's your favorite game to play at home?

Monopoly or other board games

Now that you are over 50, what are you doing that you never thought you would?

Deep soul searching and re-inventing almost every day. I find that I am finding more of me than ever, and loving it. I am discovering likes and dislikes I never thought about before and having a good time doing it! I no longer take the "down" side in disagreements. I have learned to disagree with some semblance of dignity. I am a better listener. I make no apologies for my past mistakes. I am who I am...and that's COOL!

How many children do you have?

4 - 6

What do you typically do on a Saturday night?

Stay at home and watch TV

What is your educational background?

Some College

What organizations do you belong to?

None that would matter to most people.

Men look most attractive in:

Jeans & T-shirt

How is your garden doing this season?

Garden, what's that?

What is your favorite type of music?

Classical

What is your dream vacation?

Oh, wow...anything near water. I don't mean a puddle. I mean an expanse of water, where I might have a nap without worrying about muggers.

Where were you born?

Chicago Illinois. Cook County Hospital, Ward 51..where I later had babies. October 26, 1947 to parents who were very much in love. They had no choice. They had me!

How much are you paying for a gallon of gas this week?

I bike, walk or use public transportation

What is your favorite picnic food?

Grilled chicken & pasta salad