I am 52, in a 'starting over from scratch' phase of life. I have been a writer and a journal keeper most of my life, going back to the age of 7 when I won a third-grade writing contest. I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps., avidly volunteering in my local American Legion post and elsewhere in my community of Huntsville Texas. I love horseback riding, gardening, cottage industry (I am in the process of taking over a small, freeze-dried candy store) and I have two dogs that are my family and my world; Tucker is my red heeler (Australian cattle dog), she is my best friend, and I have Kip, my male Dalmatian, he runs the household! I have wanted to pick up competitive writing for a while, but I always doubt myself. This writing challenge is me pushing myself out of my comfort zone and doubt and giving a good try in a safe writing group!