About

The following bits and pieces are what currently inspire Part-Time Sunshine’s Backyard Views:

Blogger Name – Part-Time Sunshine

Nicknames – Sunshine, Sunny D, Donna D-Light, D-Money, and D

Real First Name – Donna

Alter Ego – Dammit Donna, my sassy, critical, cynical side. I try to squelch her with sunshiny methods, but she still shows up.

Muse – Ladonna, the fancier, funnier, creative spirit within me

Born on Date – 9/23/72 = Middle Age. Celebrating each passing year and embracing each day.

Expiration Date – I don’t know, nor do I want to. Just trying to make the best of each breath. Carpe diem!

Marital Status – Have been on a honeymoon with my one and only since 10/11/97 — I’m still wild about Harry!

Parental Status – Mother to two amazing adult daughters old enough to jump out of airplanes, get tattoos, and embark on their dreams.

Pet Status: Dog mom to two retrievers, part-time cat mom to our indoor/outdoor tabby; reptile nana to a tortoise and leopard gecko.

Indoor Plant Status – After years of committing plantricide, I’m growing a cactus.

Career – Teacher – Secondary English/English Language Arts (ELA). Since 1995, I’ve taught 7th-12th grade literature, composition, creative writing, film studies, and journalism. I love learning with my students and exploring my favorite subject matter: words, language, and stories.

Part-Time Writer – My first (and only) traditionally published eBook came out in 2017, so it’s hard for me to add author to my list of jobs. Maybe, when I retire from teaching, I might become prolific enough to make it a full-time gig. For now, beyond lesson plans, I write poetry, blogs, personal essays, and short stories.

Education – I earned degrees in the following: MFA in Writing (Lindenwood University 2023); Master’s in English (Slippery Rock University 2002); Bachelor’s of English Education (Indiana University of Pennsylvania 1995). I am a forever student who is still taking courses and attending workshops, conferences, and retreats.

Creative Inspirations – Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Alfred Hitchcock, Lucille Ball, Snoopy, Shakespeare, Poe, Dr. Seuss, David Sedaris, Erma Bombeck, Julia Cameron, and Madhu Bazaz Wangu.

Peace Thieves: Phonies, liars, bullies, blamers, cheaters, hypocrites, racists, sexists, and narcissists.

Current Afflictions – Depression, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, tinnitus, menopause, moon-o-pause, ADHD, OAB, arthritis of the neck and big toe, and ugly elbows. Each is managed with holistic healing remedies, natural supplements, and/or medication.

Daily Activities: Reading, writing, walking, talking, praying, and playing.

Hobbies – Books, blogs, jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, music, exercise, board games, card games, yard games, and video games.

Non-Hobby: Cooking – I’m a complete culinary klutz with very few specialties: Jello shots, lemon water, and spinach salad. Thankfully, Harry is an amazing creative in the kitchen.

Shopping – I am a self-professed coupon queen who values all discounts. My favorites are shoes, clothes, and books. I love filling online carts as well as thrifting at garage sales, flea markets, consignment shops, and The Salvation Army.

Best Quote – Have a day you dreamed of, composed by my oldest daughter when she was ten years old.

Shine on! Have a day you dreamed of.