Toni Giarnese

What fun to meet so many talented folks living the writerly life! I take joy in the community called OurEcho. What a lucky discovery for me.

I have been writing more since I retired from teaching. I really had no business leaving so early but my husband supported my decision and, by June, he had hopped that same fence. So together we started down the road less taken, albeit a familiar one, since we have shared holiday and summer vacations during our many years of teaching and really liked it. Practice makes perfect and this retirement gig is just that!

I have the luxury of time and appreciate it every day. It wasn’t always the case, so it is doubly precious now. I now have the opportunity to write and have published in a variety of genres and magazines. Poetry, creative nonfiction, literature for children, travel and memoir have all found their way into print. Through the process I have met so many wonderful people (editors included!) that have taken the time to teach and encourage me. I enjoy attending classes at UConn that feature authors who also come to read, talk and share their expertise. I was fortunate to take a writing course with Lary Bloom that was so illuminating. He is an amazing human being and a sharp-eyed yet gentle critic. His words sing. I also belong to a writing group and a book group of remarkable women.

My family is large, Italian, loud and loving. My son and daughter-in-law are expecting their third son. Nate is a writer and photographer so we have collaborated on a few pieces. Very sweet! How did I fall into this fortunate life? My parents gave me the tools, my teachers gave me confidence, and curiosity took over.

These are days of great contentment for me. One reason is OurEcho and its continuing posts that are such a source of pleasure.

As Garrison Keillor so wisely says, “Be well. Do good work. Keep in touch.”

Story ID:	1193
Written by:	OurEcho Admin (bio, link, contact, other stories)
Story type:	In The Spotlight
Location:	New Hartford CT USA
Year:	2006
Person:	Toni Giarnese