Shake, Rattle & a Cinnamon Roll

Who would have thought, at 2:18 AM. on November 24, 1953, I wouldn''t be a normal bouncing baby girl? I''m a published poet, yet never used an ink pen. I love to dance but not on my feet. I''ve faced my fair share of adversity, yet am still going strong. If doctors institutionalized me, as if I was a snag in a silk blouse, I would never be a finalist in the Miss Wheelchair of Ohio pageant in 1978. If it wasn''t for that snowy night, I wouldn''t be here sharing of my triumphs, with the anguish of saying good-byes. Never judge my book by its cover. Come see what you''ve been missing all your life.

Shake, Rattle & a Cinnamon Roll is about a woman born with severe Cerebral Palsy, told in fictional form. She was born when people really didn''t understand Cerebral Palsy and wanted to put her in an institution. Thanks to her parents that didn''t happen. She also wrote Shake, Rattle and a Cinnamon Roll to inform people that, in spite of her limitations, she still leads a very productive life. She was born in Toledo, Ohio; raised in Battle Creek, Michigan; and spent time in Warsaw, Ohio; yet now reside back in Toledo. Someone asked her once, "How would you sell yourself?" In reply, she simply replied, "Take a look, and see what you will miss, if you don''t read my book." She is certainly not rich, well educated or famous. This is my story and these are my verses. Take it or leave it. The choice is yours.