That is, who am I in addition to being someone's daughter, sister, ex-wife, wife, mother, step-mother, grandmother and friend!

I want, and enjoy, trying to juggle being all of that, to all of those people in my life, yet, feel an ever increasing need to retain just a little corner of my soul where I can just be MYSELF and pursue my own interests! I finally realize that's not being selfish! What progress!

I have a background in the construction and real estate industry, plus, have held various administrative support positions in a variety of fields. My favorite of which, was the hospitality/convention bureau industry.

I am, and always have been a "people-person"... whether it's actually interacting, or just sitting back and taking it all in by doing a little people watching!

I love knowing what makes people in all walks of life tick!

At the present time, and for the past couple of years, my occupation has been as an in-home daycare provider for discerning parents of infants/toddlers ages 0-18 months.

The things I love besides family and friends, are, my little Papillion, "Sadie", as well as most dogs :). My husband and I love to dance to country and western any chance we get, and I personally love most music with a fondness for "Golden Oldies", C&W and gospel. I can belt them out too!

I enjoy watching wildlife, and just touching my old red '63 Massey Ferguson diesel tractor as my husband works on it mechanically, or just watching him when he actually uses it in clearing land. It had been my father's, and we bought it from him, when he had to give up his cattle and farming due to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

I have a pretty extensive doll and half-doll collection, and my husband can match it piece for piece with his hobby that involves not only guns, but competitive shooting and "cowboy action" shooting....and all the equipment that that requires to reload bullets, and compete, etc.

We do battle over closet and other space for our various hobbies, and also glare at each other when we have to admit that one of us spent $$$ we shouldn't have, to buy something that will only add to the ever growing problem that makes our otherwise spacious home too small for 2 people!

He constantly urges me to sell some of my stuff on Ebay, and I in return try to goad him to sell something of his on Gunbroker.com. It wouldn't do any good. Both of us would just go out and buy something else to replace what we'd sold. :) Grownups and their toys! Gotta love us!

I have a fascination with vintage pocket and wrist watches, as well as learning about gemstones and crystals, and I absolutely love learning more about strange phenomena to include well,....the kinds of stuff the majority of you don't believe in, while snickering at those of us who do!

You'll find me at home amid an ecclectic mix of contemporary glass and chrome, antiques, and a little oriental and victorian thrown in for good measure, as well as some whimsical pieces. Sound weird? Yep, but so am I! But it's so much fun!

Here on Epinions, you'll find me in the kids and family section...'cause that's my life-style! My world revolves around my family; they are my universe and keep me grounded...yet just a little crazy at the same time!

Who knows,....I may sneak in a few product or appliance reviews....or even a movie or book, especially of the kiddie variety! :)

You'll find all of my writing, both reviews and editorials, to be delivered in a folksy, chatty style when voicing my Epinion! So, pull up a chair, and sit a spell!

I'll be venturing into the writer's corner a bit...just experimenting! It's been a long time since I've done any writing, and I'm rusty! I enjoy this creative outlet that Epinions has provided for frustrated writerwannabes! I consider it my form of cheap therapy as I search for myself through whatever words I bring to you!

I'm also spreading my wings a bit and attempting something new at the encouragement of my friends and hubby! I'm gonna attempt to build my own webpage!

I have the bare bones structure started already! Lots of things still under construction! Don't expect miracles because my time is limited, and...well hey, it takes old dogs a little longer to learn new tricks! LOL

My web of trust is like a treasured charm bracelet to me.

I view the people I add as treasures I've found when I visited their reviews, and thus surround myself with a momento of these new friends.

I don't always agree with every point of view of those I trust, just as I don't agree with every point of view of those I haven't yet added. However, the ones who interest me when I read a review or editorial, I add to my alert list so that I can catch any new work, and get to know them a little better before I make a decision.

Whether you are on my WOT or not, just know that I respect each one's right to their views or opinions, and admire individual and different styles, whether or not it's something that's compatible with my tastes or not. I don't have to agree with you on every point to trust and value your worth as a human or a creative individual.

And...I read and rate according to that same philosphy! :)

I love commenting as long as I know the person, or something about what they've written well. If it's out of my league, I shy away. I've never seen a Star Wars or Planet of the Apes type movie, it's not my thing, but many of my favorite writers are crazy about those type. I read and rate, 'cause I can tell whether or not the review is well written, and detailed. But I normally don't comment!

The same is true of other areas, such as technical or tool reviews! I'm out of my league here! :)

I do try to leave words of encouragement to newbies, or others who may have really laid their hearts open for inspection in the form of a song lyrics, or poems, or editorials.

It's been a pleasure! Hope you'll drop by more often! I'd like to know as much about you as you now know about me!

:o) Connie