I was born to a small ranching family in North Texas and grew up in Jack County. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a journalism degree in 1972 and did graduate work at the University of Houston. I'm married to David Canright who has two degrees from UT Austin. Our daughter, Lindsay, was born in Galveston but grew up in Austin. She is also a graduate of the University of Texas Austin. Now, we all live in Galveston; David and I in the East End ... and Lindsay on the west end. Early in my professional career, the first decade, I worked as a writer for newspapers and magazines. Later I was the communications manager for the Texas WIC program and then for many years, the director of communications for the Texas Department of Health. I was recruited by the University of Texas Medical Branch and served as their Media and Communications director until my retirement -- one year AFTER Hurricane Ike. Now I write stories for the Galveston News, Coast Magazine and Houston House & Home Magazine. I have two big dogs; seven cats, all rescued; and two chickens.