Hello, I'm MaryBeth DiNunzio, and my journey from a 35+ year career in the real estate and title insurance industry to becoming a writer has been nothing short of magical. I didn't plan to be a writer, but life led me here. My writing journey began when my husband and I moved to a special home, a place that holds a unique magic. This move came 18 months after the heartbreaking loss of our niece, Christina, whom we lovingly raised as our daughter. The synchronicity of finding this magical property when we weren't actively looking marked the start of a series of "God wink moments."  In the midst of my grief, I discovered gratitude journaling, a practice that not only helped me rise above the darkness of loss but also ignited a passion for writing. Simultaneously, I was pursuing certificates in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Life Coaching that empowered me to conquer fears of inadequacy, the fear of being heard, and ultimately provided me with a newfound sense of security in finding my voice. Coming from a large family of seven siblings, I grew up familiar with the phrases, "you may be seen but not heard," and “silence is golden.” These sayings, intended to encourage well-behaved conduct in public, inadvertently instilled a sense of silence and invisibility within for more than 50 years. However, through a transformative journey that involved EFT, gratitude journaling, and coaching, I not only found my voice but also unlocked my creativity. Today, I wholeheartedly embrace my calling as an author. Living in a neighborhood filled with welcoming, diverse, and artistically inspiring people ignited a previously undiscovered creativity within me. I had never envisioned this path before, but it was here that I started embracing my calling as an author. It all began with a dream, a voice in the night that told me I would write a children's book about the magic and people of my neighborhood. Despite my initial skepticism, the signs pointed me in this direction, and I embarked on my official writing journey. Now, I’m delighted to present "Sir George of the Bamboo Forest," the first book in the Naratonia Lights series, a heartfelt tribute to the magical, loveable, and talented individuals in my neighborhood, as well as the cherished friendships that have guided my path and the life lessons I have learned along the way. Join me on this enchanting adventure, and together we’ll discover that it's never too late to follow your dreams, unleash your voice, and share your unique story with the world. Remember, if not now, when? Embrace your passions, honor your journey, and allow your heart's deepest desires lead you toward the extraordinary.