A woman who chooses to remain anonymous contributed The Heavy Metal Door and the piece that we came to actually name "The Sacred Purse." Jessica Langston, a graphic design and fine arts student at Drury University in Missouri did the layout and design for TSP. Her cover design was chosen out of a possible 35+ designs from an assignment completed by the students in Misty Ware's first year class. When we received the designs, we were astounded at the artistry and depth of each person's perspective. We spread them all over the desks in Pam Racine's classroom, walked around, "ooh'ed" and "aaah'ed," and fell silent when we came upon Jessica's approach. We knew it was sacred, and we knew it captured what our writings were all about.

Cindy Dragas was born in Norfolk Virginia MANY years ago. Her family roots in the area are traced back to 1640. She has a BS in Education and is currently a substitute teacher and volunteer at a local school. Cindy is married with three (gulp) adult children who are her daily inspiration. Her hobbies include painting, reading, gardening and writing. For the Sacred Purse, Cindy wrote No Sisters, Downsizing and Letting Go. Cindy extends much love to her family and the Yo Yo's!

Jessica Langston is a Graphic Design and Fine Arts student at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri. Jessica enjoys typography, drawing, and photography. In her free time, she likes to watch movies, listen to music, hang out with her friends, and talk on the phone with her mom (at least every other night). Jessica hopes to attend graduate school and either work for a company publishing books, music, and movies or become a college art professor. Jessica designed the cover and inside layout for The Sacred Purse. Thanks to those who make me the best artist I can be: Mom and Dad, Dudley, Todd, Noel, and Misty.

Originally a proud native Texan and graduate of the University of Texas, Pam Northam fell in love with the Tidewater area of Virginia. She currently resides there with her husband and two children. She has been very involved in pediatric health care issues, and after years of practicing Pediatric Occupational Therapy, she is now happy to teach science to elementary school children. When not promoting science and environmental education, she fancies herself an amateur archaeologist, writer and kayaking enthusiast. Pam wrote Kayak Lessons.

A career teacher of Latin and the humanities, Pam Racine embraces adventure and sampling other cultures. She has resided on both coasts, lived in Japan and Italy, studied in Switzerland, and is intrigued by sacred sites around the world. Her next quest will be to visit some of those sites. For The Sacred Purse, Pam wrote A Moment of Grace, Purple Pages, Beloved Daughter, A Contained Life, The Lilac has Survived the Winter, Today I Bought a Yellow Purse, and Outside at Last.

Selden currently lives with her husband and three children. A deeply devoted mother, her background is in finance and real estate.  Selden graciously hosted many get-togethers for our writer’ s club.  She contributed My Mom.

Judy lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Gil, and her two sons, Jon and Nick. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and worked for the last eight years at the joyful job of being a library assistant. She now does book talks at local schools. Judy has always loved writing and published her first picture book, Goldy's Baby Socks, in 2005. Please check out her website: www.goldysbabysocks.com. She was born in Michigan and went to Western Michigan University and Tulane University for her MSW. Judy's family still lives in Michigan, and is the inspiration of many of her poems. Judy has loved being in the writer's group and finds the members zany and fun. Judy wrote the following poems for The Sacred Purse: Courage; Friends by the Ocean; My Heroes; Nighttime; Similar; A Face in the Mirror; Aromas; Looking Alike; More Alike Than I Think; After the Storm; Gone; Waves; Rose; Fun at the Beach; I Love Him; Stay; I Gave Away My Name; The Game

Though a Michigan native, Jean resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, kids and pets. Jean was blessed with a happy, adventuresome childhood. As a part of her studies of English Literature at the University of Notre Dame, Jean lived in London, and traveled throughout Europe. The majority of her literary work is for children. In addition to writing “Nightingale” and “Crying in Color” for The Sacred Purse, she is the author of Rockin’ Roly Poly and Little Tucker Two Sticks.  It is her hope that, in reading her books, children will learn to look toward the miracles in nature and in life.  Check her website: www.jamsbooks.com for more information.

Debi currently makes her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, Glenn, three children and pets.  A Michigan native, she has lived in Washington DC, Boston, and New York City along the way.   A tried and true beach lover, her travels have included beautiful cities in Europe, Central America and New Zealand.  Her hobbies include gardening, reading, yoga, cooking and kayaking. Debi compiled the writings, coordinated production of the book and produced the website in her spare time away from her marketing and copywriting business.  Visit her website at www.lightsourcemarketing.com.

She is tickled pink to say that the birth of “The Sacred Purse” took place one sunny afternoon at her kitchen table over coffee and sweets.

Her contributions to The Sacred Purse include: Gertie’s Purses, A Brother for Us All, Sisters in Spirit, The Legacy, Sweet Precious One, A Singing Bell, Musings on Work, Who am I?, A Free Ride, Walk with Me, Buds, The Flow, To Create, and A Golden Ticket. Deb’s other writing ventures include a novel and a children’s book.

Anya Wolfenden has a Master's Degree in Wellbeing Education and Consulting geared to supporting the creative voice. She is a columnist for various local magazines, and author of an upcoming novel, and a food and conversation cookbook. She lives with her husband, their two daughters and one feisty dog in Virginia Beach. Anya wrote The Artist’s Way.