Laura grew up in Chicago, Illinois, but, since 1974, has spent most of her summers in St. Pete Beach, Florida. She earned her first BA from Columbia College, Chicago in English/creative writing. Sh...view moreLaura grew up in Chicago, Illinois, but, since 1974, has spent most of her summers in St. Pete Beach, Florida. She earned her first BA from Columbia College, Chicago in English/creative writing. She subsequently earned her teaching degree from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois, then went on to earn an MAT from Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois. She is semi-retired, living in Florida full-time now after 20+ years of teaching mostly 4–5th grades, but she still teaches remotely. When she’s not gardening, painting, reading, or cooking, she dips her toes in the surf and watches sunsets, birds, the stars, and writes. Of course! She is currently the Education Chair of St. Petersburg, Florida’s chapter of Audubon Society.view less