Hi Lynne and mornin' Celtic, just reading the posts is making me grin broadly. When Celtic remarks on how lucky she was and is.... I am awakened to just how proud I am and was during the time of study on the Ma Hons. I was given the privillege of proof reading and spell checking that work, how lucky was I?
In my formative years and due to my shyness and family problems...I beleive I was saved from further trauma because I hid in books. My uncle was well read and would encourage me, lending me his books...many of which were 'classics'. My verbal and written skills soon outstripped my classmates and my older siblings(I am the youngest). I was bullied by both and told to'"shut up and talk right" if I used words with more that three syllables. I also learned very early on to write poetry as a way to express my emotions and disguise a world of pain. It got to the point where I had to read and write in secret for many years.
I write and publish now and speak as I speak...even though I would still be told that I am a 'know all' sometimes. I can shrug it off now with relative ease with the knowledge that it is their ignorance and not my problem.
I could not imagine a world without the ability I have had for a long time and know I am truly blessed.
This has been a realy good and thought prevoking post and further threads. Thank you all Ladies for your insight and input.

Keep Sweet.

Popea