My name is Christina, though I am known to many of my Internet friends as "Chrissy". Of course,
I went through stages of hating my name, but I guess it's back to Christina. LOL This photo of me was
taken celebrating my last birthday (2004).
I live in a suburban community of Penrith, New South Wales (NSW) in Australia. I was born in Penrith
and grew up in a place not far from here, where my wonderful parents still live.
I'm 3....er....33 as of last birthday which is New Year's Eve. No, don't say it ~ it's a horrible time to
have a birthday. Everyone is too busy partying the end-of-year celebrations to remember someone
they've known most of their life is having a birthday. When I was younger I remember I asked my
mum if I could "move" my birthday to the middle of the year so people would actually be around to
celebrate it! LOL Yes, I really did. Her answer? No. So, New Year's Eve is still my birthday.
I am in my second (and last) marriage to a wonderful guy, who certainly has his moments. *grins*
Still, I wouldn't be without him. My first marriage ended after 15 months due to abuse, something I
am very passionate about and hope that no one else has to endure also. I met Jeff when I moved to
Melbourne upon escaping my first husband. We married on 30th May 1998, and this year (2005) will
be our seventh wedding anniversary. Most of my love and romantic poems are written for or simply
dedicated to my wonderful husband.
My two greatest passions in life, apart from my hubby, are reading and writing. My favourite authors
are psychological thrillers and mysteries written by Val McDermid (author of "Wire in the Blood" later
made for TV), Peter Robinson, Mark Billingham, Karin Slaughter, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell,
Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman,James Patterson, Elizabeth George, Lisa Scottoline, Linda
Fairstein, Minette Walters, Joy Fielding, Mary Higgins Clark....and the list goes on. When I feel like
something light there's always my growing collection of Danielle Steel. I always have something to read!
My other great passion is writing. Although I have been writing since a young girl, it wasn't until I
endured my first marriage that poetry became a real tool of expression for me and great therapy.
I began my first poetry website around March 2000 after my father gave us our first computer for
Christmas in 1999. It was through my website I made a lifelong friend on the other side of the world in
England, who is also a member of Serenity (hi Graham!!), and it expanded my interests as well as other
friendships.
I have a variety of websites ~ an Abuse site, Christmas pages, Easter pages, Valentine pages, a
previous poetry webpage ~ but my main focus continues to be on my poetry site "Reflections....A Poetic
Journey".
I have no children though we have a dog who is my child, and I love her to bits! She is a Staffordshire
bull terrier cross Australian Red Heeler and she brings such joy to our lives. If I had my way I would
her live inside with us, but hubby says that a dog's place is outside....*sniff*
I love movies, though I haven't seen any in a while. Too much time spent watching my programmes on
TV, reading my many books, writing poetry or tinkering about on the computer or my website. I love
many crime TV shows (who would have guessed?) such as all the CSIs, SVU, Criminal Intent, Medical
Investigation, Desperate Housewives, Crossing Jordan, Cold Case, Without a Trace, Wire in the
Blood (BBC), Waking the Dead (BBC), Silent Witness (BBC), Inspector Lynley Mysteries (BBC),
A Touch of Frost, Midsomer Murders (what can I say? I love British crime and mysteries!!) and of
course The Bill (another long-running British TV show)!!! Hubby and I love to watch real-life crime
documentaries such as "Real Crime", "Body of Evidence", "The New Detectives" and
"Medical Detectives".
Anything else, please feel free to stop by one of my website. I'd love to hear from you and meet you all.
Cheers to you all,
Christina
My name is Brenda (Brynn to my friends) and I hail from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, on what is known as
"The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" in Russell County, Castlewood, Virginia. We live on a 110 acre farm in what some would consider the "boonies"...but I love the solitude and
tranquility.
I am married to Butch, who is my soulmate, and we have four of the most wonderful children on earth.
Their names are: Marc, Matthew, Autumn, and Ethan. Ethan is our "baby", and is the only child at
home...so we are quickly becoming "empty-nesters". I am also "Granna", to my beautiful granddaughter,
Llylianna Karasu.
I am of Greek/Irish descent, which is evidenced in my passion for life and the things I love. I have a love
for poetry, and have written many poems throughout my lifetime (starting in the eleventh grade). I have
been fortunate enough to be published, and am now writing my first novel.
I love the internet, and have made so many lasting friendships here. It's amazing, isn't it...people from
different ends of the world are now able to forge lasting bonds and unite together in heart.
I'd love to have you drop in for a cup of virtual coffee and friendship.
With love,
Brenda "Brynn" Ball
