About Me — Vera-Marie Landi
I may be one of the oldest writers on Medium, but that means lots of stories
I’ve had a very interesting life and lots of adventures and experiences. I love to write — I always have, but never published a single story until last year, and I’m having a blast.
NEW!! In addition to my publications called ‘Digging Up Bones,’ which highlights older stories and ‘Dancing My Way Through Life,’ — I’m adding another one called ‘Women Who Use Tools.’
More of my life
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., I went to Catholic school when the nuns still wore those huge habits that made them look as if they were about to take off with the wind and used pointers to hit our hands with.
We then moved to New Jersey, where my Brooklyn accent made me a target for bullies.
But I was a smart kid, with a higher than average I.Q. supposedly, and luckily I always enjoyed reading a good book and minding my own business.
Throughout my life I’ve had trouble sitting still if I wasn’t reading, working on a craft of some sort, or crocheting, so I started walking for miles and miles to calm my body down and tire me out.
Some of my hobbies and interests include baking, dancing, hiking, walking, spending time with my family, writing, and gardening (for fresh veggies). In my younger years, I was on a women’s volleyball league, roller skated weekly, sang in a band, our church choir, and the school chorus.
I should mention, since I was a child I also had an interest in construction, tools, and working with wood. As an adult I took several courses at a nearby Vocational-Technical school and learned carpentry and electric wiring. This led to many projects — from putting together dog houses to building decks and porches.
Over the years, I’ve had many jobs (secretary, typesetter, proofreader), several careers (cost accountant, senior systems analyst), earned Associate and Bachelor degrees in Computer Science, a Masters in Business, and retired early from a major pharmaceutical company.
During college, I tutored English Composition and Algebra.
In my 70s, I earned a degree in culinary arts and worked in the food industry for 5 years as a cook in a cafe, a line cook at a hotel, and then as a gluten-free baker. I am now retired again.
I’ve been married and divorced twice, raised two sons, almost married again but thankfully did not, and moved at least 10 times.
My second husband and I honeymooned in Tahiti, took a trip to the Bahamas, and made it to Las Vegas once. I’m not much of a traveler, even though I’d like to visit Italy before I croak.
Another career
While working full-time and studying dance for years, I became an instructor eventually opening my own a dance studio, which I kept for 16 years — then COVID-19 came along, and the rest is history.
During my dancing years, in addition to teaching and choreographing for weddings and a few quinceañera, I had seven different dance partners, danced competitively in the International Division, and taught dance at a local community college for 14 years.
As I’m still dancing when I can, when the arthritis isn’t too bad, I teach senior aerobics classes, mostly for fun, exercise, and to keep the joints limber, as I’m not one to get on the floor or do yoga.
Writing adventure
Started sending stories to various outside publications, had four published, but mostly rejects which almost made me quit writing. Then discovered Medium publications where it’s easier to figure out what a publisher will accept, became a partner in September, and, as of this writing, have had several boosted stories.
Being from a large Italian family, they gave me tons of ammunition to write about — lots of humorous escapades — and, myself, of course, free-spirited, speaks-her-mind, and gets into trouble with it.
I’m actually not good at the new technical stuff and have problems using Twitter and such. Heck, I still have a flip phone like they used in the old Star Trek shows, which I still watch when they run them.
My three publications
- Dancing My Way Through Life, so I can keep my dance stories separate from everything else I write about. LOOKING FOR WRITERS. if you dance, have danced, know someone who dances, and you have a story to tell, ask to write for my pub in response below. Guidelines. I’ll take already-published stories and highlight them, too.
- Digging Up Bones, where I ask others to dig up old stories to be highlighted and read once again. It’s worked out very well, and I’m having a blast. Always looking for more stories. Guidelines.
- Women Who Use Tools, in the works. Stories about women and girls who use tools. Many stories to tell with all the items that turned out well to the mistakes. LOOKING FOR WRITERS. If you’re a woman or girl and you love to build with tools, here’s a place to tell your story. If you’re a guy and know a woman or girl who loves to build with tools, please do send it. Guidelines. I’ll take already-published stories and highlight them, too.
Things I love and/or wish for
Besides my family, I love a good sunset and cheesecake with cherry topping. If there is a heaven, I would want the weather to be warm, between 65 and 80 degrees, without bright sun, and with a little breeze in the air.
A spot to stare out at a lake would be nice, a place to walk after dusk with amber lights and sidewalks, knees that could withstand any activity I put on them, a large dance hall, a partner to dance with, and to be able to eat as much as I want without gaining weight.
Well, that’s it for now. Feel free to respond my my story.
And, don’t forget if you wish to be a writer for my publications, please let me know in the comments section below.
