Mid-lifer, navigating the empty nest. Christ-follower. Mom of three young adults, longtime adjunct professor, former Human Resources Manager and Analyst. Sharing life in words and images on her blog Tales from a Mid-Life Mama. Poetry first-timer. When the kids were young, I published local newspaper opinion pieces, magazine articles, a novel, other academic writings. Like many, work and parenting took over. Returning to writing during this empty-nest phase.