Not a single malt, but not half bad.
Jacket flaps and “About” menus are an absolute fascination to many after reading an author’s words. A quick peek into the lives of someone who held our attention for either ten minutes or ten hours can leave you scratching your head or itching for more.
I’m often awestruck by folks who have a string of accomplishments that take longer to read than the amount of time it takes to catch a fish in your bathtub. I cringe at the thought of having to come up with my own bio. Nope, I’m not an award winning screenwriter, folklorist, or congressional historian. I’ve not advanced science or medicine while brushing shoulders in the lab with MIT professors and pharmaceutical giants. And I’ve not opened any gastropubs, cupcakeries, or food hubs for local farmers.
My life is pretty plain Jane and average Joe, which suits me fairly well. I’m in charge of full bellies and clean underwear—tasks I take with an element of humor and pride. I’m doing my utmost to find success in small places, whether that be getting through a yoga class without making a mental grocery list, or reading at least the first chapter of a long anticipated library book before it’s due back at the branch because fifteen of them came in from my hold list all together.
Every day that I haven’t killed the plants in my veggie patch is one to be celebrated. Each furry nose that reaches in the direction of my hand for a comforting touch brings a velvet present. The fact that my children occasionally still make eye contact with me when surrounded by their friends is a unique and reassuring gift in and of itself. I may not have an impressive resume of accomplishments, but I’ve managed to collect a few experiences that I’d not trade in for an Oscar, a Pulitzer or the Presidential Physical Fitness award—except I really worked hard for that last one all through middle school, so it might be debatable. I guess I’m still happy I’ve not won a Darwin, but I’ve got a few solid gold plastic trophies somewhere in a box that could suitably fit into a similar category.
My experiences are prolific, my hopes still abundant and my realizations wishfully profound. It is what we make it.
I live on top of a small mountain on the edge of the Blue Ridge in Virginia with my English husband, who grows exponentially more British with each passing day as he attempts to reclaim the colonies and become King of America.
We have two children, who are far less fond of us than we are of them, but I’m fairly certain (and hopeful) that this is strictly teenage territory.
And then there are the other animals. 
Two live inside with us, Haggis, our dog, who is part sheep, part Highland cow, and Smudge, a cat who would prefer that we leave her the hell alone, but is sadly dependent upon us because she cannot work a can opener. 
There are two sheep: big, fat woolly boys named Toot & Puddle, who seem to have a deal on an outside source of food, as that would explain their sudden launch into Pudgeville. Seriously, these fellas could get night work as bouncers for a bar. They’re like short cows. But it could be the way they’re styling their hair. Who knows. And as is commonplace for anywhere that sprouts more trees than people, we have our fair share of winged and four legged varietals that make their way from one end to t’other of the Shenandoah Valley. If desperate for cash, we could probably host a National Geographic special up here, but I figure, in truth, we’re the interlopers. Surely they got dibs on the place before we started pounding in our stakes.
I live to write, and in fact spend every spare minute not assigned to something else absorbed in the act. I have three finished novels all YA and middle grade. The first is called Dear Opl, a story about a cheeky, overweight thirteen-year old girl who struggles with surviving loss everywhere but on her body. The second is YA historical, The Freemason’s Daughter, the tale telling of a sixteen-year old Scottish girl involved in a deadly smuggling operation during the early 18th century with the intent to help James Stuart reclaim the British throne. And finally, The Selkie’s Gift, a humorous story of a nosy teen-aged fairy, who is determined to save the world by claiming the title, “Nancy Drew With Wings.”
I cook with fervency, and hope to share the bountiful ideas that come my way as a result of an overflowing garden and my unquenchable thirst for the healthiest, smartest and most enjoyable way to live.
And speaking of unquenchable thirsts, I challenge anyone to stay awake and look interested as I wax lyrical on all things whisky related. My twenty years of learning are coming together as a collection of essays; a manuscript in the making. From tasting the finest spirits, to visiting the land of their births, my journey is ongoing and the research keeps me steeped in smoke, brine and peat. Three scents I would like to be buried with.
Lastly, I’m still fairly determined to churn out two young human beings who, after being released from their illusory cages, will be capable of balancing their checkbooks and paying their taxes.
Life is good. Whisky’s better. Amen.
~Shelley
Posted by Craig on January 14, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Shelley….you have so much to share! We wish you well and will follow the journey! Look forward to seeing you again soon. Best, Craig
Posted by ILOVEYOUOFTEN (@ILOVEYOUOFTEN) on January 15, 2012 at 6:58 pm
High school friend, Tom Eagan is our conduit. There is nothing plain Jane, or Mary Jane Lunchbox, about you. Great wit…compelling bio. Jennie and I left our bio blank. You’ve inspired me.
Look forward to reading more!
Posted by Mike H. on January 21, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Sir Sackier sent me your way, and I must say it was worth the trip! Thank you for the entertaining snippets and tidbits about spirits. I’ll admit I’m novice about whiskey, wine, cheese, and just about anything that has been around longer than about 5 years.
)
Jonathan has been so kind to help me with a summer teaching assignment the last two years, among many other helpful endeavors (notice, Jonathan, no “u” in that word), and I always enjoy time with him. Now I feel I’m getting to know the better half, indeed.
Thank you, and looking forward to more…Mike H.
Posted by Anya Goldberg Wolfenden on January 23, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Great bio!
Posted by S Munoz-Price on January 29, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Jonathan was right. He married a smart and sassy lady.
I enjoyed the bio.
Posted by Maura on February 10, 2012 at 4:21 am
Arguably the best written bio I’ve ever read! Glad to learn more about you!
Posted by peakperspective on February 10, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Then I shall tred softly when revealing further secrets. I don’t want to tarnish the shiny surface I’ve fabricated … I mean forged.
Posted by Gary K. "Doc" Rogers on February 27, 2012 at 4:57 pm
I enjoy your wit immensely. What a great bio. Please keep writing and sharing.
Take care,
Doc
Posted by peakperspective on February 27, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Thanks, Gary! As long as there are one or two eyeballs out there willing to read my drivel, I will keep creating it. Cheers!
Posted by Lisa Drake on June 4, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Shelley!
I sat next to your husband and you at the Hill n Holler dinner at Morven – and Linda just sent us your blog!
I had long since forgotten your last name and had not gotten around to finding another way to find you!
And here you are!
Great picture of you…..
touch base and would love to get together…….lisa
Posted by crazytraintotinkytown on June 25, 2012 at 10:37 am
Seriously glamorous photo! Loved reading your bio and laughed like a dray! This humble shelf stacker thinks your blogs rocks – write on dear whiskey drinker!
Posted by ep vaughn (@epvaughn) on September 3, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Excellent bio. It’s a classic understatement to say that milady has a way with words.
Posted by peakperspective on September 3, 2012 at 8:04 pm
More often than not it’s the wrong way.
Thankfully, the word police have not clicked on any of my links, so I’ll keep churning them out (fingers crossed in the right order).
Posted by Boomdeeadda on October 13, 2012 at 12:17 am
I’m impressed and intrigued, you surely were born to write. We’ve actually been to Virginia, I got engaged in Irvington while staying at ‘The Hope & Glory Inn’ (gorgeous). We took the Shenandoah Skyline Drive and enjoyed it so much. Looking forward to following along. PS, Haggis is a great name.
Posted by peakperspective on October 13, 2012 at 9:25 am
Virginia is a slice of heaven with a side dish of Scotland. It cannot be more perfect in my mind. And having the hairy beast at my side is the frosting that makes it the sweetest life possible. Thank you for reading!
Posted by Lauren on November 5, 2012 at 8:51 pm
I just wanted to say I really enjoyed reading this! I’m glad you discovered my blog, and I look forward to following along with yours.
Posted by peakperspective on November 6, 2012 at 8:45 am
Scouring the Internet for food for the mind is like a drug addiction. There’s so much out there to read and learn, and finding yours was a pure delight. Write on!
Posted by duncanr on January 1, 2013 at 6:55 am
That’s the best, most entertaining About page I’ve read in a long time – and a lass that likes whisky as well
I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog !
Posted by peakperspective on January 1, 2013 at 9:15 am
I truly appreciate you taking the time to read. Here’s to a new year of finding many more words to tickle your fancy — and a good dram to keep you company while reading. Cheers!
Posted by stephanie cavanaugh on January 19, 2013 at 10:11 am
Just found you on a twitty route… sometimes these rambles pay off.
Posted by peakperspective on January 19, 2013 at 10:17 am
Whether you’re referring to a jaunty skip down Twitter Lane or my nonsensical blethering catching your eye (it’s okay, I’ve been acused of worse), I’m very grateful to find you at my doorstep. Wish I could offer you a cup of Joe. Guess it’ll have to be a virtual one. Regardless, thank you for reading! Cheers!
Posted by stephaniecavanaugh on January 19, 2013 at 10:21 am
Where are you? I often make the trek from DC to a friend’s place near Sperryville/Culpeper. Gorgeous country.
Posted by peakperspective on January 19, 2013 at 10:36 am
Ah, Sperryville and The Inn at Little Washington! Such mouthwatering views and victuals. We’re not too far from there. Little more than an hour south, but well worth the drive.
Posted by Lesley on March 5, 2013 at 3:29 pm
I’m looking forward to your whisky and food posts…and anything else you aim to wax poetically about. I too have cats that, much to their chagrin, cannot work a can opener so we have that and food in common, And whisky. Cheers!
Posted by peakperspective on March 5, 2013 at 10:05 pm
Same brain, different body? Apparently, we’re much alike. Long may our interests collide, and I hope that whatever subject I get carried away writing about each week will be worthy of your time and eyes. Thanks for reading, Leslie.
Slainte!
Posted by Jerry on March 24, 2013 at 12:06 am
WOW!! You are real. Wanna be friends?
Posted by peakperspective on March 24, 2013 at 12:23 am
Possibly. If you have chocolate … absolutely.
Posted by gabrielablandy on April 25, 2013 at 12:11 pm
What a gorgeous about! I loved ‘I’m often awestruck by folks who have a string of accomplishments that take longer to read than the amount of time it takes to catch a fish in your bathtub.’
Posted by peakperspective on April 25, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Tis true. There is an abundance of first tier talent in our world. With such high achievers all around us, I’m astonished anyone is successful in getting their laundry done.
Thank you for taking the time to read! Cheers.
Posted by jaschmehl on April 25, 2013 at 6:53 pm
I don’t pretend to understand the whys and hows of the Freshly Pressed system, (some of their picks are down right odd) but because of it, I discover lovely blogs like yours!
A well written bio, but I must disagree with you on one point: three completed novels count as three mighty accomplishments from my perspective! As do two almost-grown human beings. Congrats on all counts!
Posted by peakperspective on April 25, 2013 at 10:11 pm
What lovely sentiments, Jill. You are so kind to say these things. Yes, I believe sometimes we find ourselves the recipient of an errant arrow when others were lined up in the cross hairs and at other times we were the intended target. Whatever the reason, I’m grateful you were thrown toward my little bull’s eye.
Cheers!
Posted by dreamzandclouds on May 3, 2013 at 1:10 am
Thats the awesomest (!) bio i have ever read…. and I have to tell u that in between everything u do, managing to bring out 3 books is a Herculean achievement, at least from my perspective…..i definitely look forward to be friends with you
Posted by peakperspective on May 3, 2013 at 8:02 am
Aw shucks, what a lovely thing to say. And at this point in my life, getting to READ 3 books is a Herculean achievement. Life gets in the way of living sometimes.
I’ll set aside some time to make room for your reccomendations though, so, many thanks for those. And of course, I look forward to reading your words as well. Cheers!
Posted by Sherry Smyth on May 9, 2013 at 5:32 pm
Love your style and your perspective!!
Posted by peakperspective on May 9, 2013 at 9:54 pm
It is a rare day when I hear those words, and usually (right after I gush with thanks) I realize the compliment was meant for the person directly behind me. I have looked around … it’s just me and the dog on this side of the computer. And although he does walk with an enviable swagger, I’m going to say many thanks for the lovely compliment, Sherry.
woof