Judy Vorfeld Editorial Director
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, in the beautiful city of Bellingham, Washington. Both parents were educators, which meant all four children had to have decent grades…or else! We didn't dare shame our parents.
One of my strongest childhood memories had to do with my shameful behavior. In the early 1940s I walked past Mrs. Hermann's home to and from Sunnyland Grade School. In those days, everyone hated Adolf Hitler, and anyone with a German accent was fair game. I can remember walking past her neat, clean little home, and joining my friends in shouting, "Mrs. Hermann the German! Mrs. Hermann the German!" We thought we were so clever.
Mother discovered what we were up to. She cornered me, and explained how the poor old widow-an American by choice-must feel at such cruel treatment. Her words broke my heart. Then Mother gave me a choice. I decided an apology was more painless than a spanking, so I rushed to the corner store, bought some Milk Duds, and headed up the street. I knocked on the door, explained why I was there, and handed her the little box as a peace offering. Mrs. Herman accepted my apology, and invited me in for a cup of tea. What a lady. What a lesson.
Mother was a music teacher, and an incredibly gifted musician, and encouraged all four of us to become involved in the world of music. In grade school, I began playing French horn, and continued playing in marching bands and orchestras through two years of college. Fun! Dad often took me camping. We fished, hiked, and took photographs. He was an excellent teacher.
After a year of college, I married Ron Simpson, a college student studying to be a music teacher. Following his graduation, we moved to Chehalis, Washington where we lived for ten years with our son and daughter. We moved to Hawaii, and later Ron and I divorced.
Five years later, I met Jack Vorfeld and moved to a sugar plantation. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Two years later, he retired from Oahu Sugar Company, we ended up in the Greater Phoenix area. About the time we were married, I became interested in painting, and took lessons for several years. I did quite a bit in oil and acrylics, but once I started back to work, I set my canvas and brushes aside. Later I became interested in freelance writing and renewed my interest in photography-and remain active in both areas.
Through the years, I've worked for many different types of companies in a variety of positions. Those experiences are one of my strengths as I analyze people's businesses from a marketing and presentation perspective. Words and their usage became increasingly important. Once the Internet hit full force, I took my home-based business, began networking in cyberspace, and my business changed from primarily local to primarily global.
Throughout my life I've been a dedicated reader. Written words have been a consistent thread throughout my life. Loved the local libraries, and always had books around. While I cherish historical fiction and many other writing styles, I thoroughly enjoy action, espionage, and suspense novels.
 Peoria, Arizona March 26, 2002 Click here to email me.
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