I grew up in a very tiny town in the northeast corner of South Dakota. I had two hard working parents that created a very stable environment for my older sister, my older brother and me. We learned the value of a dollar at a very early age and started doing odd jobs that brought about the funding necessary for treasures like mood rings and clock radios purchased at the tiny little "general" store that was a two minute bike ride away from our house. As time went on we entered adulthood and the odd jobs became full time jobs that paid bills and bought homes that provided a sense of security and wellbeing we once enjoyed under our parents' roof. After graduating with honors from high school I probably should have gone on to college but decided not to. Instead I worked some part time jobs, married the wrong man and learned that life is full of choices and challenges. I learned that the challenges present some very difficult decisions and the choices aren't always as clear as we would like them to be but at the end of every day, if we're paying attention, there is always something to be thankful for. About 5 years ago I started jotting down a few thoughts and over time those thoughts turned into walks down memory lane, strides through difficult times, reflections on aging parents, commentary on customers, marches through marital bliss and every thought that transpired helped me to realize just how unique we all really are. We look different, we talk different, we have different opinions and that seemingly unending thought is, in fact, unending. It wasn't long before I realized I had developed a passion for writing and when shared, I learned that my choice of words tends to invite readers to go right along with me and my thoughts. My inspiration is sparked sometimes by the smallest details included in the credits of an ordinary day while other times it's ignited by experiences brought about by circumstances a bit more unusual and unexpected. Bevitized! is a collection of short stories. They're not in any particular order. There are stories that transpired before my parents passed away, whimsical humor from my childhood days, revelations from marriage number one and marriage number "I finally got this right" as well as a great assortment of inspiration that took root and grew while I managed custom frame shops, inspired creativity at fabric stores, sorted mail and managed post offices, worked as a florist, managed a c-store and booked reservations at a hotel. My life has not been boring. I've met a lot of interesting people and not one of them fit into the "cookie cutter" mentality we're forced to be a part of when we make our way into the world! I so hope you enjoy this journey. If I did, indeed, accomplish what I set out to do, you will laugh, be inspired, shed a tear and realize you may not have wrinkles on your forehead just like I don't or have a big sister that couldn't spell "blood" in third grade just like me or hated weeding a mile long row of green beans just like me but that you are "You-nique" just like you and you're worth celebrating!