Franklin Academy, formerly Franklin Elementary.  If you listen closely, you can still hear me running in my snow suit, nearly risking a six year old heart attack!

FEATURED IN:  “A title we held with distinction” and “Ghosts and Rats”

The East Chicago Public Library.  I cut my literary teeth here.  The walk from Franklin school seemeld like miles (really about 150 feet but I was little and walked funny.)  Halloween came to life here as did my love for the written word.  LOL!  All at the ripe old aga of six!

FEATURED IN: “A title we held with distinction” and “Ghosts and Rats”

East Chicago Central High.  I am a Cardinal and proud of it.  Class of 1993!  Every time I hear Naughty by Nature and see beach balls, I think of our graduation!  And my chicken pox!

FEATURED IN:

This is my city, East Chicago.  I was born and raised there.  Not only is it the backdrop for Black Parakeets Only Hatch in December but it is also a character itself.  It's an urban city that is often noted only for corruption and crime but it is truly a place of good people.

VINTAGE East Chicago Washington High School.

*Picture courtesy of Linda Skaggs

These are the train tracks that taught me that a Mercury Cougar could drive on two wheels.  Val could talk.

FEATURED IN: “Faster than a Locomotive” and “When Clouds Rained Wood”

VINTAGE Washington Elementary - 1979-1980.

* Picture courtesy of Linda Skaggs

ZEL'S.  BEST FOOD EVER!

FEATURED IN: “A title we held with distinction” and “Ghosts and Rats”