What Inspires Me Most
#1 - MY FAITH
I’m grateful for my love of Jesus Christ. “I wandered the desert” so many years before returning home to my faith and the Church. Looking
back I can see now, how our Lord watched over me, showering me with blessings and performing little miracles for my benefit–even though I took it all for granted. He is my Strength when I feel weak; my Shoulder when I just need a good cry; my Ear when I struggle to work out inner problems or simply want to pray. He is my Always There, the One with Whom I can share the joys and burdens of daily life.
#2 - MY SANCTUARY
Where I create stories is important to me, especially writing historical fiction. My little haven is actually an upstairs dormer, but feels more like a turret in a castle, where the Muses thrive and God inspires my words to flow. I have a spectacular window view of the "moat" outside (a.k.a. the bay) and evergreen forests beyond, and a wrought iron spiral staircase is the only means of access. Sounds very knightly, don’t you think?
Speaking of turrets and castles, a good knight must keep his weapons at the ready to defend his castle. Having Irish-Scottish roots, I love anything Celtic and these ancient weapons, my writing "visuals," hang on the wall by my desk. They include two Claymore swords, a Scottish targe (spiked shield;) a spear, a dirk, even a double-headed mace. I’ve literally got an arsenal at my fingertips, so I'm prepared for any marauders who might try and cross the moat and breach the 
walls. One of my favorite pastimes each year is to attend the Scottish Highland Games in the Seattle area, that include pipe bands, Haggis, and caber tossing. It's also where I've collected my weapons through the years and occasionally I dress up in my Irish Princess costume, so you might see me strolling past the kilts and Irish brogues in my snood, cape, and gown!
#3 - READING
book. I was a bookseller for 15 years, so as you can see I have quite a collection. And though I may never get to read them all, I can still hope! I enjoy so many genres, but my all-time favorite is romance. I love stories that end in happily ever after, and if they show God’s role in bringing two hearts together, all the better!