Lorraine K. Vail
Raised on a dairy farm in New York's Hudson Valley -- a childhood of cows, apple pies, and Butterick patterns. As a child, I conversed daily with my imaginary characters, Spry and Silver Dust, two names I heard while listening to the radio with my grandmother. My not-in-school hours were spent working in the barn, the fields, riding my bike or my horse. Moving from the farm to fashion, I studied design and merchandising at FIA in Atlanta. Notable success: a ruffled sundress with criss-crossed back strap appeared in the NY Times Children's fashion supplement. After two years, I returned north, worked in NYC's garment district near the Chelsea Hotel. Sadly, I never met Leonard Cohen.
I have lived in small towns, hip cities, and the four corners of the US (NY, GA, AZ, OR) but never the heartland, though I have crossed it by car 24 times. Most unique residence, the Ashokan Reservoir spillway, which does not fit any classification but remote and undeniably cool.
After twenty years in the corporate world, I hugged co-workers and said goodbye. I wanted to pursue something new, so waitress, secretary, fashion designer, merchandiser, teacher, college administrator, marketing manager, and software architect were not possibilities. Plus, I wanted an endless learning curve. Something that held my interest for a long time. Writing fiction and glass blowing rose to the top of the list. As it turned out, I found a writing coach before I found a glass blower. Now, I divide my time between my writing cottage and being on the road with Ed, my husband, and Luca, our Miniature (not in his mind) Schnauzer. We find out-of-the-way places from Labrador to the tip to Baja to make camp. Together, we've logged thousands of miles, climbed tiny mountains, paddled lakes and peaceful rivers, followed cow paths, hiked forest trails, slept in tents by the sea, conquered sand dunes, and made new friends. Over time, we've upgraded from backpack/tent to the cozy accommodations of an SUV, and finally, a 17' Casita trailer. We are blessed with good health and good friends.
