Marlene Marchaesi

The author still lives in her hometown of Rochester, New York. She has many times ventured to other places, but is grounded here. Proud of her liberal political views and liberal lifestyle in general, one would think it odd that she has spent so much of her life working in the conservative field of law - being a legal secretary for over 25 years. But it paid well and put her son through college. Prior to being a legal secretary, Marlene was a hair stylist, utilizing the artistic side of her personality. I loved doing hair, but when my son was born I needed to have a job with a more consistent paycheck and better benefits. I felt like a prostitute though, giving up a job I truly loved ... that interaction with people and the ability to be creative. However, once my son entered into my life I put all of myself into being a good mother and the dividends from that has been much more rewarding.

My son is the best thing that ever happened to me - he gave me life, and when he was little I got a chance to revisit my childhood, but much better this time around. He is a certified personal trainer now in New York City, and he sometimes competes in Strongmen competitions. He has grown to be a funny, beautiful person. We have similar tastes in movies and both share the love of travel.

Happily single and when not working, she travels as much as possible. Visits to her grown son in New York City allow her to indulge in her passions for shopping and Broadway plays while connecting with her son. She had her first tattoo at age 60 -- it s the Kanji symbol for "dream".