Mary Heaton grew up in Livermore, California, with her six siblings, and, as her mother used to say, "There is never a dull moment!" These memorable childhood experiences presented Mary with a great deal of writing material from which to choose. Mary is a retired Montessori teacher, who has an innate love of learning, which she has shared with her children and hundreds of students over the years. Mary's passions are her five amazing children, writing in the wee hours of the morning, gardening in the shade of her sycamore trees, singing to hospice patients, practicing yoga with enlightened friends, swimming for miles, and hosting Chinese international students in her home. Mary is a published author of short stories and poetry and her first book, Rambling Through the Emerald Isle.