My family's roots extend to a small, mountain town in Idaho. We'd take trips to visit during the summer, and I got the opportunity to explore the woods, local creek and the little town, itself, unescorted. There were the old fashioned sodas from my uncle's gas station, the deer in the field, large labs to play ball with and all the polenta and stew I could eat. This was the *only* time I ever was served polenta and stew; my aunt tried to show Mom how to make it, but it didn't work out.

I was also given free reign at the library and book store, which had its benefits and negative aspects. I read a lot of adult fiction that left me with a sense of loss, and no one I felt comfortable enough to discuss it with. On the other hand, I visited locations all over the world through books, every time period imaginable, even other-worldly lands.

Some things I try to avoid, as a parent, are yelling (my mother is a yeller) and being caught up by unconventional appearance. If my son wants to have a mohawk, I'm good with that. If my daughter likes hot pink and zebra stripes, that's fine. What's more important to me is the quality of their character, which is not defined by hair styles or fashion.

I work at being approachable---have fun and laugh more. I don't always succeed, but I try. I think it's important to be silly sometimes.