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"I was born Jennifer Gordon-Russell in Sunderland , England , after my mother was dragged behind a bus on an icy road in the bitter winter of 1947 ----so you will now know my age !! Coming from Shetland+Scottish+South African +English ancestry and raised in a senior boys Approved School ensured that originality of thought, tenacity and totally annoying behaviour started early.

Writing poetry began with the ability to write, read and sing. NO ruled with many of my inherited abilities. NO, I would not take the scholarship to study singing in London . NO, I would not accept the offer to train for the British Olympic Fencing team for the 1972 Olympics. NO, I would not stay in England . YES, my parents despaired of my decisions but nothing stopped the poems popping up in my head and those I wrote down survived!!

I married twice---first to an English anthropologist and then to my present, long suffering Swedish economist husband and have two daughters.

Life took me to Iran , West Indies , Thailand , Sweden and the Philippines and in all these places, I mingled with and learnt from the locals, taught, sang and wrote poetry. I also contributed to use my skills to give to the host country as best as my talents permitted.

In Iran , I collected and classified items for THE QASHQAI EXHIBITION as part of the 1976 ISLAMIC FESTIVAL OF GREAT BRITAIN.

In St.Vincent I trained local youths in craft skills and marketing and my dancing reputation was commemorated in the calypso, SUGAR BUMBUM!!!!"

Moments to Share can be purchased for £3.00 plus postage directly from the author, who can be contacted via email at jennywallum.747@gmail.com. You can also visit her charity website at www.evacf.org.