Acknowledgments

My father raised me to be a storyteller. When I was a tyke, he engaged me with his original fable about a lion and a marmoset monkey. He encouraged my self-confidence with stories of his early business exploits (catching minnows), warned me against rash judgments by describing the dissolution of that enterprise (one minnow for you, one for me, one for you, one for me. …). And for all the other stories you told me, thank you Dad.

My mother raised me to be creative. I was never allowed to say “I’m bored.” If there was a newspaper nearby it was all I needed to make a pirate hat, papier-maché elephant, or cheerleader pompoms, to name three of a thousand options. She took me to watercolor and oil painting classes, arranged piano lessons and even saved my flute from junior high up until a few years ago, just in case. Because of you I am never bored, thank you Mom.

To my loyal friends Sherry and Brandy Decker, thank you for letting me be your sister. To Casey and Shelby Lake thanks for letting me be your Auntie Net.

To Pam McGrath and Doug Lipman, how could I have survived without you?

To Meena Wilson, I cherish your friendship and am thrilled to see your success.

To Beth and Jennifer, thank you for watching over Larry and Lucy. I sleep better on the road knowing how well you care for them.

To Perry Mandanis, your generosity, creativity, deep understanding, and friendship have been invaluable. Thank you for being my friend.