Patti Zona

I was fortunate to have three sisters and two brothers. I would be the youngest of three or the oldest of four. Growing up would not be an ordinary experience for any of us. Yet, amazingly we persevered. I believe all of us were determined and chose to do and be better not repeat the same mistakes. Memories of our mother gentle and loving but frail and medicated too often. Our father instilled fear for he never was taught or shown real nurturing love himself. Later, we would all understand the dynamics of both our parents and we would forgive. My dreams were to be a singer, dancer, artist and missionary one day. I have done it all in some small capacity and on borrowed time. I would marry while a junior in high school and have a son on my husband's birthday. Then, we were young and in love and determined to defy the odds. We would have three children and achieve incredible financial success during the process. But, in the end I would be sacrificed and my husband rewarded. Divorced, appealed and annulled. I was compelled to write my first book, my story, for understanding and to make a difference.

I was fortunate to have three sisters and two brothers. I would be the youngest of three or the oldest of four. Growing up would not be an ordinary experience for any of us. Yet, amazingly we persevered. I believe all of us were determined and chose to do and be better not repeat the same mistakes. Memories of our mother gentle and loving but frail and medicated too often. Our father instilled fear for he never was taught or shown real nurturing love himself. Later, we would all understand the dynamics of both our parents and we would forgive. My dreams were to be a singer, dancer, artist and missionary one day. I have done it all in some small capacity and on borrowed time. I would marry while a junior in high school and have a son on my husband's birthday. Then, we were young and in love and determined to defy the odds. We would have three children and achieve incredible financial success during the process. But, in the end I would be sacrificed and my husband rewarded. Divorced, appealed and annulled. I was compelled to write my first book, my story, for understanding and to make a difference.

I had already written three books in a tumultuous time of my life. I was compelled to write feeling the importance of my experiences to be known. For I knew I was not alone and did not want history to repeat itself. We live and learn, but only if we know and understand the importance of addressing issues instead of suppressing, ignoring or simply not knowing. For so long, problems grew, simmered to boil, then spilled over into the pandemic affecting everyone. How could I possibly write in these times? Then I realized, "how could I not?" Then I decided to incorporate these times in my art book. For we have become a nonstop world. Not enough time to stop to listen, see or feel what is going on around us. From the beginning of life, we have been given gifts, talents and abilities that are innate. But, for many have remained hidden, untapped, never released to explore their possibilities or potential. We all have these God given talents as a gift to be used for the good and a source of inspiration. Through all these years of challenging times, maintaining and awakening my creative side in more areas than I ever knew. Brought more depth, empowerment, enjoyment, building confidence too. I want that for you too. A quality of life that is your right when healthy in mind, body and spirit. For we never stop learning. Remember that.

I had already written three books in a tumultuous time of my life. I was compelled to write feeling the importance of my experiences to be known. For I knew I was not alone and did not want history to repeat itself. We live and learn, but only if we know and understand the importance of addressing issues instead of suppressing, ignoring or simply not knowing. For so long, problems grew, simmered to boil, then spilled over into the pandemic affecting everyone. How could I possibly write in these times? Then I realized, "how could I not?" Then I decided to incorporate these times in my art book. For we have become a nonstop world. Not enough time to stop to listen, see or feel what is going on around us. From the beginning of life, we have been given gifts, talents and abilities that are innate. But, for many have remained hidden, untapped, never released to explore their possibilities or potential. We all have these God given talents as a gift to be used for the good and a source of inspiration. Through all these years of challenging times, maintaining and awakening my creative side in more areas than I ever knew. Brought more depth, empowerment, enjoyment, building confidence too. I want that for you too. A quality of life that is your right when healthy in mind, body and spirit. For we never stop learning. Remember that.

This would be the third book that I have written. Same as my first book, I was compelled to write about my experiences before and after. My purpose was for understanding and enlightenment to know the importance of transparency and knowledge what goes on behind the closed doors that will create a difference or the end result of business matters and every day occurrences. We live in a time of disconnect that is created for a purpose that will benefit a select few. Unfortunately, at the cost of the majority of all of us. Integrity and honor were thrown out the window years ago. Designer rules and regulations amidst shady operations joined the mix to make possible the nefarious transactions be put in place. Now all thenecessities in life would become profitable for those who desire control of their own destiny at the cost of others. Knowing the importance of knowledge to build a secure foundation for life and the future for all. United we stand. Divided we will continue to struggle and fall. We can do and be better. It is time. Our children deserve a promising future. Together we can do the impossible when we understand our real purpose in this life time.

This would be the third book that I have written. Same as my first book, I was compelled to write about my experiences before and after. My purpose was for understanding and enlightenment to know the importance of transparency and knowledge what goes on behind the closed doors that will create a difference or the end result of business matters and every day occurrences. We live in a time of disconnect that is created for a purpose that will benefit a select few. Unfortunately, at the cost of the majority of all of us. Integrity and honor were thrown out the window years ago. Designer rules and regulations amidst shady operations joined the mix to make possible the nefarious transactions be put in place. Now all thenecessities in life would become profitable for those who desire control of their own destiny at the cost of others. Knowing the importance of knowledge to build a secure foundation for life and the future for all. United we stand. Divided we will continue to struggle and fall. We can do and be better. It is time. Our children deserve a promising future. Together we can do the impossible when we understand our real purpose in this life time.