Kathleene S Baker

I was born and raised in Augusta, Kansas, a small town just east of Wichita. I was the youngest of three children and the only girl; I was also a tomboy, to my mother’s dismay.

If Dad and the brothers would allow, I always tagged along on fishing trips. Being in the country I learned how to entertain myself, whether it was reading, hiking, climbing trees, or attempting to ride young calves!

After high school, I attended and graduated from Wichita Business College. If I had been as wise then as I “think” I am now, I would have gone to college and become a veterinarian. Nonetheless, my education served me well; and I had some wonderful jobs over the years.

While growing up in the country, I always thought I wanted to live in the big city. Be careful what you wish for! I have pretty much been stuck in one since that time. My years in Kansas City were wonderful, and it’s a fantastic place to live. However, I have now been in Dallas, Texas over 20 years; and cannot say I love it. It is too big, with too many people, too many freeways, and summers that are entirely too long. In contrast, my husband, Jerry, is a Texas native; and thinks it is heaven.

I enjoy cross-stitch, needlepoint, gardening, and I have a deep passion for animals. Our home is never without one dog, usually two. I cannot imagine a home without a pet of some sort.

Now, as to this business of writing. One would have to say I am an “accidental writer.” Truly! I have Josey to thank for that. No, she isn’t a friend – she was a cherished pet. I was not dealing well with my grief after her sudden death; and by surprise, I found myself at the computer writing a poem about her. I was grasping for anything that would ease my pain. A bit of time passed before I shared it with anyone, but those two friends insisted I do something with it. I was aware of the Petwarmers ezine so I held my breath, submitted it, and that very evening it was published! My inbox began filling up, and I cried like a baby with each note I read.

Never had I considered writing! Even so, here it is nearly three years later; and I am still giving it a go. Moreover, I’m continually amazed at how many of my stories/poems have been published various places. Last year I was asked to write a column for an entertainment magazine that serves five northern states, and just recently I sold my first few stories. Whoa --I admit that was quite thrilling! I guess what surprises me the most is discovering that I love to write. Who knew?

I do have a mentor, and now dear friend, to thank; or I might have stopped with the one poem about Josey. She contacted me after reading it, stayed in touch, and began pushing me to write again. She also contributes to OurEcho, so I think I’ll be very mischievous and leave you with something to ponder. Just who is she?

Story ID:	574
Written by:	OurEcho Admin (bio, link, contact, other stories)
Story type:	In The Spotlight
Location:	Plano Texas USA
Year:	2006
Person:	Kathleene S Baker