Monika Mayhem

I'm the girl with the glasses sitting directly to the right of the teacher. I loved school and never wanted to leave. Today, I long to return.

The one thing I remember most about first grade was the wonderful biographies I read about Helen Keller and Babe Ruth. Books amazed me, especially books about real people.

Photo by: Monika Weise

My daughters brought some badly needed stability and love into my life. Raising both of them was a privilege and a joy. Corina, my oldest, lives in Missouri with her husband and my two grandchildren, Morgan and William. Gwyn, the youngest, attends college and plans on being a teacher when she graduates.

My poor girls have had to tolerate a mom who knows more about computers than make up and fashion. I hope I gave them a vision of a woman who was strong and yet loving, able to make her own way in the world. I want my daughters to believe that they can achieve anything if they work at it.

Photo by: Monika Weise

First came Bogey, my gorgeous green male, follow shortly by Bella, my beautiful blue baby. Parakeets have a sweet twittering that keeps me good company when I'm writing. Watching their little birdie dramas always makes me laugh.

Photo by: Monika Weise

I added Dusty and Sammy to the flock because of their cute little cheeks. Dusty came first, from a home with issues. He warmed up to the family quickly, though. He's still the crankiest of the birds, but he's gotten sweeter as time has passed.

I got Sammy for his cheerful disposition and his talking ability. He chatters all day, sometimes even saying something I can understand, like "pretty birdie" or "I love you".

Right now, I think my flock is the perfect size. In the future I will add a conure, but for now, my flock Is complete.

Photo by: Monika Weise