For as long as I can remember, Painting, drawing and writing have been my passion. Writing Uzzie was a joy because so much of it was from my own experiences. Art and visualizing was how I learned. Everything was a picture or story to me. Uzzie is a combination of me and my daughter, Cassandra. What Uzzie does include is a touch of my son, Gabriel's childhood as well. Her strong will and creativeness were inspired by Cassandra and her antics by Gabriel. But as for me, I have always been patriotic and loved my country. Even at a young age I appreciated what others have given me and all of us, the privilege of being born in America. As far as Miss Hazeleen, well, she was real and lived with my family for a short while. In her own way she had a magic that was so clear to me and the rest of my family. She had the ability to demonstrate true love without saying it. All that she did was in a giving nature. I will remember her and all she taught me forever. Look forward to other Uzzie books coming your way. You can expect more of her special gifts that she wants to share.
