To start, I’d like to thank Karin for shocking me out of my normal, everyday life by inviting me to do a guest post here. I had no idea that she would consider me worthy to grace her blog. But I’m grateful because I haven’t really written anything in a long time–unless you count lesson plans and student infraction sheets–and it’s nice to have more to say than what’s required by my job.
Some of the names I go by are Mom, Mimi, and Ms. Van Winkle. Mostly though, I’m just Paula. I was born into an Air Force family, the last of three girls, and enjoyed a childhood of living in five states (California, Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, and Texas) and two countries (Japan and Germany) while visiting several other places, including Illinois, Austria, and Switzerland. I’ve since visited over half the states in the Union and have collected spoons from each of them. In 2001, I married the most wonderful man on the planet–argue with me if you like, but you won’t change my mind!–and moved to Pennsylvania. Together, we’ve lived in Virginia and Nevada, but we’re glad to call PA home once again! We have five beautiful children and six-and-a-half grandchildren: 4 girls, 2 boys, and another boy on the way. Can’t wait for February!
Once upon a time, I used to write stories. If you read Twific, you may know me as ladyrip. I have to thank Karin–again, and publically this time–for supplying the plot bunny for one of my favorite stories ever: A Ray in the Dark. Even though it’s not finished, I think it’s one of the best stories I’ve ever written. Someday I hope to get back to it. I love writing on it collaboratively with wuogkat who happens to be my “sister by choice” in RL! I’m also proud to say that I actually managed to win something in a contest: Popular Vote, Second Place in the Fanfic My Fanfic Contest (Tropic of Virgo). As I recall, ToV is actually how Karin and I “met.” In case you haven’t read it yet, I wrote “Skeleton in My Closet,” which is Tanya’s POV of OG and D_88. Poor, messed up girl!
Lately, my life has been wrapped up in teaching 6th grade ELA (I’ve taught every grade from 6 through 12 now); being a wife, a mom, and a grandma; playing piano and leading music in my church (not at the same time!); knitting scarves and crocheting dishcloths; and being OBSESSED with Starz’s Outlander series. Right now, I’m re-reading the entire series by Diana Gabaldon. I’m currently on The Fiery Cross and have seen all three seasons of the show, MULTIPLE times. (I told you I was obsessed.) Luckily, I’ve managed to rope my husband into watching the show with me.
Someday, when I have time, I will return to my scrapbooking, sewing, writing, and traveling.
Top on my Bucket List is to visit the United Kingdom, which we’re planning for our 20th anniversary. That’s only three and a half years away. Woo hoo!
Happy Holidays to you all! {{hugs}}
Another Piece of Me 
Hehe, glad to be of service 😉 And thank you for being my guest, sweets.
Ah yes, I remember that little bunny I rehomed 😉 I enjoyed the heck out of what you and wuogkat came up with.
Where in the UK are you wanting to go?
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