I am originally from Jacksboro, Texas, a small town an hour west of Fort Worth. I grew up in a town where everyone knows everyone, primarily because we've all been there for generations and are related either by blood or marriage. It was a wonderful way to grow up, despite our feelings as young adults! I was a child of the town in the best possible way; I still hear, "You look just like a Fitzgerald,” quite often. (Fitzgerald was my maiden name, and I usually still go by it when I go home. It is just easier.)
Growing up, I spent more time outside than in. I was use to getting up at 5:00 a.m. to exercise my horses before school, and mucking the barn was not a chore but just a regular Saturday activity. We didn’t have allowances because we worked together as a family, and we really didn’t even ask for it. I’m sure most kids now would think that is crazy! If you ask me, it was the best childhood ever.
Describe yourself as a reader.
I have evolved as a reader, from a lover of books in my childhood to a student of the written word. In all honesty, I cannot say that I love reading the same way that I did before my M.A. program. Now, I find myself analyzing constantly, even if the reading is not required literature. I sometimes wish that I could just read for pure enjoyment again. I still enjoy reading, but I cannot seem to disconnect my brain from analyzing the work.
Describe yourself as a writer.
I am also constantly evolving as a writer; however, I am still striving to reach a point where I am satisfied with my work. Also, I write best late at night, and I have the habit of eating while I am writing. This is a very bad habit that I am attempting to break!
What are your goals for this semester?
I absolutely love primary research. I can see how it probably relates directly to my upbringing and my need/desire for personal connection. My primary goal is a goal of discovery. I am interested in finding those hidden gems of everyday life.
Describe the worst class or the worst teacher you have ever had.
Well, let’s just say that teachers should shower at least a week before the first day of class (one would assume that this type of behavior would be learned in the process of achieving tenure), should probably not say that they are uncomfortable being around people, i.e. graduate students, and should most definitely not have a nervous breakdown during the middle of the semester. And, that’s all I should say about that!
List three books that have deeply touched your life.
Isn’t that like asking a parent to choose their favorite child? I do not know if I can pick just three. Let’s see, this summer I was into spiritual reading: Captivating, The Bible, anything by Beth Moore. In the scholarly sense, Uncle Tom’s Children shook me to my very core, as did Iola Leroy and Love in the time of Cholera and Like Water for Chocolate and the list can go on and on. Basically, I love every book until I read the next one that then becomes my new favorite. I am so indecisive on this issue!
I should note that all of my books are currently in storage, and my favorites change on a rotating basis based on mood. This has now prompted me to dig through my books once I get them back in my possession. (Literally, the book boxes totaled 500 lbs. Many hours of book collection = very unhappy movers.)
List three things that you know about the US during the years 1770-1830.
1) 1789 – George Washington is elected President.
2) 1792 – Publication began with the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
3) War of 1812
Tell me three things that I ought to know about you.
1) I have two Shih Tzu fur babies, Miss Elizabeth and Bentley. They are quite spoiled and rule our house. If this is any indication of my parenting skills, we are in trouble.
2) I have an eighty-nine year old pen pal, and we’ve written letters weekly since I graduated from high school.
3) While my husband was in the Army, we moved five times in five years. I do not recommend this to anyone!
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