Just let me introduce myself.

Hello... my name is Nessy.

Well, that's the adult manifestation of the childhood nickname I hated with all my being. I. Could. Not. Stand. It. Nessy, the other spelling must from this moment be forever put away, was the utter delight of the bane of this litter sister's existence... the previous baby girl's jealousy. That's an entirely different story. I had what I thought was a typical childhood. Two parents. Six siblings. Grandparents. A dog. A few Ill-fated tadpoles. Neighbors that I loved... and still miss... in a hamlet called Wyandanch on Long Island in the 70's. I was THAT kid... at least until 1977. There's a few stories behind that, too. Isn't it ironic how much those kids annoy me now? (insert snort)

My family moved to Cleveland, in 1977. We lived with my paternal grandmother in the two bedroom downstairs unit of a two family while my parents looked for places. I missed home. I missed playing with my friends on Little East Neck Rd. I missed listening to "Grandpa John" aka Mr Maniscalco while he made those amazing peppermint leaves I loved so much... almost as much as I loved him. I missed my godparents allowing me to sing on stage when I was 5 and convincing me that I really could be the next Lola Falana when I grew up, like my grandmother used to say. I hated Cleveland. I hated everything about it. The kids dressed and talked funny and had the nerve to get mad at me when I couldn't understand half of what they said! The water tasted like metal... I was used to natural spring water. I was precocious and had a great sense of humor so eventually they all decided they loved me. And, surprisingly enough, I've learned to love Cleveland. Cleveland thought I was weird. Still does.

Why am I rambling? Is there a point? Yep... indeed there is. I have a unique perspective. MY own set of memories, experiences, the dating stories alone will make knowing me worth it. I get a little preachy but I'm a grandmother so it happens. I've always been confident in my voice, I've just finally become self impressed to the point where I believe more people deserve access to it. How incredibly cheeky of me. (insert laugh) I've tried this before... had a nice little following in my AOL and Myspace years. I even had an Author's Den page. I have a few things to get off my chest and this just seems like a good place to do it.

Enjoy the ride!

Nessy