Name: Laura Dawson, aka Rose Richards

Age: 62

Town/neighborhood: Apache Junction, Arizona.

When and why I moved here: 1973 from Detroit, Michigan. We moved here for warmer weather for one.

What I like most about living here: The warm weather and the beautiful scenery. Lots of land and open areas.

What I do: I am a retired office manager from a wholesale flower shop and was a homeschool teacher until my last two kids finished with a diploma from high school, was a bank teller and currently I am an ordained minister and a notary. Now I write, since the pandemic has arrived, and attempting to finish all of the books that were waiting for me halfway finished as well as new projects.

What I like most about what I do: I love books and share that interest with one of my sons who is my illustrator for my books. I am happy that I have the time to share with him and both of us can make something productive that will be here when I am gone someday.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: What I would like most in my city is a place where concerts and venues of a large size can be seen, where big name artists or bands can do shows. Been waiting for that dog park to open. Something for the young people too, like a bowling alley or drive-in theater or both walk-in and drive-in theaters. More volunteer opportunities for us older folks.

Favorite community cause & why: More volunteer opportunities since I tried to volunteer but was rejected due to having a pot card. That should not be something to get rejected for when you are in pain.

My family: My three sons live next door to me, which makes life better all the way around. Had a brother who died under extremely suspicious circumstances in 2005. I have a German Shepherd, Starr; and a Golden Retriever, Bowie; and a cat named Dusky.

My interests and hobbies: Books and turning my books into an audiobook. Foraging and edibles in the desert. Shooting guns. And dogs; my dog is part of The Dog Aging Project. When it becomes safer to travel again, I would like to see the parts of the U.S that I have not seen yet. I write poetry and love all kinds of music.

The trait(s) I admire in others: Honesty, integrity and empathy. People who are not afraid to try new ideas. Nonjudgmental.

People who inspired me (and how): My parents who accomplished more than many other people I have known for the poor upbringing they had to endure. My father taught me so many life lessons and good advice and I miss them both dearly.

My guiding philosophy: To try and turn the negative in life into the positive. To stay positive in the worst of times and be grateful, always. There is a higher power and karma can really happen if you are patient enough to wait and see.

My books are sold on Amazon and they are:

• “War: World’s Animal Recruits and Conflict Companion” by Rose Richards. Hardcover, paperback and ebook.
• “Open for Christmas” by Rose Richards. Paperback and ebook.
• “Dogs: Faithful Travelers” by Laura Dawson. Paperback and ebook.
• “7 Years: The Broken Mirror: Memoir of a Broken Family” by Rose Richards. Paperback and ebook.

What books I am working on: Now working on a follow up to “7 Years” as well as two other books, one poetry and a new type of dog story book starring all of my dogs in my life.