Who is Highwind

Thank you New Year,New Ideas,New... for the beautiful trophy that now
adorns this piece.

To start from the beginning I am a daughter. Mostly my mother raised me for the first thirteen years of my life, until she married my stepfather when I was thirteen. We were the typical middle class family. My biological father was not around much. Although occasionally my twin sister and I did see him from time to time, until we got older and then we kept in better contact with him until he died ten years ago. I'd have to say that my stepfather was the first person who had taken an acute interest in being a father to my sister and I. He provided all the necessities as well as support and love. I had a good life growing up; a very attentive and loving mother who has always been there for me in good times and bad. I never lacked for anything; more than anything, I was spoiled rotten.

When I got to my high school years, I changed dramatically. As so often, I fell into the wrong crowd and started using drugs and alcohol. I put my poor mother through hell during this phase; it was an extremely trying time in my life. I look back at it now, and realize I was searching for myself but didn't realize I wasn't going to find in at the bottom of a bottle or in a line of cocaine.

After this period in my life, I got married and had two children; a son, Tyler and a daughter, Alexis. I was married to Tom for twelve years, but they were turbulent and rocky years. He was very controlling and an alcoholic as well. I left him when Tyler was eight years old and Alexis was five. I moved in with my sister and got my life together. Shortly after that, I got with Richard and we married in February 1996. After four years of married life, we found out we were expecting a child. What a surprise that was! Thus, nine months later, Caitlin was born. For the most part, we have a wonderful life. I am able to stay home with Caitlin and enjoy being a homemaker and mother.



I am a twin. Although my sister and I were extremely close growing up as twins often are, we have drifted apart through the years. Not because I've wanted to, or because she wanted it that way, but because she is an alcoholic and drug addict. Our lives are totally the opposite, and I find it very trying to deal with her anymore. I miss my sister, the one I grew up with before the alcohol and drugs took over her personality. However, after years of trying to help her, I've come to the conclusion that I can't save her as much as I want to. She has to want it for herself, and sadly enough, she doesn't want to change.

I am an Aunt to two beautiful and talented nieces, Nicole, and Ashton, who more than anything, are like my own children. I'm so very proud of them both, despite the obstacles they've both faced in their short lives, both have come out on top. They are both beautiful, strong and independent women. Although they both live in LA now, we are still close and talk on a weekly basis, if not more. There isn't anything in the world that I wouldn't do for them that I wouldn't do for my own children.

I am a mother to three beautiful children who in essence are my life. I'd say out of all the jobs I've had (and yes, being a parent is a full time job) this one has brought me the most joy of all. Although, I'm sure that I've made numerous mistakes, I think they are good kids. However, don't ask me about that after I've had a trying day with Caitlin. Out of all my kids, she is the most dramatic and spunkiest one yet. More like a seven-year-old going on seventeen. I'm sure growing up with an older sister and brother hasn't helped any. She is without a doubt, a handful and many times I get extremely frustrated with her, although, I couldn't image my life without her. There's never a dull moment when Caitlin is around, that's for sure.

I am a writer, and published author of numerous short stories. Most of the time throughout the day, you'll find me at my desk, my haven from the world, fingers typing away. Writing.Com is my home away from home. I've met some wonderful friends and have found a massive amount of support here. I enjoy being a Moderator as well as run a few monthly contests among other various things.

I am passionate about photography and recently have opened up my own photography business. You can check out my work here:
http://kpetersenphotography.com
and follow my photography blog here~
http://kellypetersenphotography.blogspot.com

If anyone is interested in using any of my work as a signature, please contact me and I'll have something made up for you. All my work is copyrighted so please do not use without permission!

I am a friend. And I try hard to be supportive, loving, and giving. Friendship should be treasured, and never taken for granted.

I am a Grandmother. Three weeks ago, I became a grandma to a beautiful baby boy, Kaiden.
I was there for the birth and the whole experience left me in awe. It is a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I struggled hard tp hold back the tears that threatened to ensue, but one look at my son with tears rolling down his face was all it took, I cried like a baby. Now, my daughter, Alexis is also expecting a child in July. It is so exciting to be able to share this joyous time with her. It was quite a shock when she told me she was pregnant for the simple fact that she is only eighteen. But what can we do? As a parent, I may not always agree with my children's decisions but I will always be there to offer love and support.

In a nutshell, this is me and this is my life!