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uberanne Is a Vibrant Nation General User subscribe to this blog

I'm a calorically-challenged Aphrodite with an unshakable fervor for life. I live on the Central Coast of California with my husband, two Labs and a few chickens. On my walks into the hills I have encountered the occasional mountain lion, coyote, black bear and rattlesnake along with interesting people--all endless ingredients for my writer's stew. My two memoirs, BRANCHES ON THE CONEJO: Leaving the Soil After Five Generations and ORDINARY APHRODITE reveal my deep roots to the soil and to connection with other women and my inner self. I write about issues of growth and fulfillment. I'm currently working on my sixth novel, each yet unpublished Women's Fiction, although that may be changing soon with the advances in e-publishing. www.readanneschroeder.com . I'll be blogging soon. My husband and I have celebrated over forty years of marriage, three children and a number of dogs, although I hold the line at two at any given time. (Sorry, no cats.) Here's a quote from ORDINARY APHRODITE: When I sit astride life's moral fence, the grass seems to grow greener on the forbidden side. Part of me want to offer succor to the universe, but the other part tells me to cinch up my corset and be a lady.
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  • Is a Vibrant Nation General User
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my VN interview

How did you get to where you are now?
ATTITUDE. I was the second of seven children from a Central California farm family and I moved irrigation pipe until the day I left for college. I graduated from high school at the very start of the Social and Sexual Revolution and earned my degree at Cal Poly University with a toddler, a husband and a part-time job. My mother-in-law taught me to negotiate for what I needed, to be brave, to be decisive. My mother taught me to be honest and loving. My husband taught me to be fearless and to question authority. In my career I took these lessons forward, especially the nearly twenty years I worked with teens in my take n' bake pizza restaurants. I began writing at 12, and have had nearly 100 short stories, essays and articles published. Overcame a crippling fear of public speaking and now speak to groups about motivational topics related to my books and writing. Facing one's fears is a mantra for success, imho. Humor is another. ORDINARY APHRODITE, my baby boomer's memoir speaks of the value of living in the moment and making a big life from whatever ingredients life brings us. It's worth the e-book price if you want a zany way to explain the last 40 years to your daughters and granddaughters.
How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?
I've found my Authenticity, which for a writer is a powerful tool. It means finding life's purpose. And standing tall without having to step on (or over) anyone else to do so. I'm happier in middle age. Healthier, too, having discovered an intolerance for gluten and sugar. I walk 12-15 miles a week and don't obsess about exercise the rest of the time. I love my hammock and local wines. I love my husband and our life together. I'm quietly faith filled and it resonates from my words and actions.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully writing, publishing and changing lives, one woman at a time--starting with myself! I love readers who tell me how my writing has changed their lives. I hope this never changes.

a postcard to my younger self

Okay, Sweetie, so you weren't an early bloomer. So you were a chubby child. But you were an open and honest child of the light and people loved you. Let go of the "shoulda's, they weren't that great anyway. You did good, honey. You studied hard and pushed yourself to become a better version of yourself. The world likes you and you like it right back. Keep up the good work. Travel, Laugh and Do Your Fair Share.

my role models

Mother Teresa Dr. Tom Dooley St. Francis Various authors, writers and speakers who have set me on an inspirational path of growth. I have four quotes over my computer: "I know you'll succeed in this business because you've got what it takes." Catherine Ryan Hyde "Your writing moves me to tears. You have a God-given talent." Patty Bangle "We pray that the Holy Spirit uplifts your writing, especially 'Spirit Garden'." Fr. Ray Roh "Anne, how will we live without you?" My mother, when I left for college

my posts

my comments

Response to: How to Save Money on Your Groceries

Comment posted on September 19, 2011 at 8:04 pm:
"When I was in high school, my home-ec teacher made us follow our moms around for a week and write down everything they prepared and the cost of the meal. Our family of nine ate for $20 a week (1966) because we canned, froze, butchered, kept chickens ..." (read comment)

Response to: Getting back on track isn't easy

Comment posted on September 19, 2011 at 1:45 pm:
"I know what you mean about getting off track. But fighting the good fight feels so good, especially after 60. I hate the gym and I live way out in the country where the road goes up a steep hill about a mile from our house. I used to think of it like..." (read comment)

Response to: All We Need Is Love?

Comment posted on September 8, 2011 at 4:05 pm:
"I married at 19, have been married 43 years and counting of an amazing marriage. If my husband died, I'd have so many rings of growth to work through. "Everyone" made a good point about providing for a loved one with her pension. That was a generous ..." (read comment)

Response to: The New Golden Girls

Comment posted on July 28, 2011 at 1:51 pm:
"I will share my house when the time comes--I think it's a moral imperative, given the fact that I will have a government pension thanks to my husband while my sister and many friends will have only Social Security. One problem I foresee is that older..." (read comment)

Response to: Writing With Camera in Hand

Comment posted on July 23, 2011 at 12:32 pm:
"Will do. I love Mt. Hermon, but my novels haven't received much support from the CBA. Two publishers rejected them as being "too Catholic" and I don't know how to overcome that. One suggested I make them "more fundamental," but I need to look beyond ..." (read comment)