Living Lessons contributor Lottie B. Corley shares her poem “Trinkets,” which is based on the sad task of removing her mother’s possessions after her passing.  Opening her mother’s door revealed a lifetime of love in the trinkets her mother kept.

Thus her poem “Trinkets” begins:

                                     Locket’s of hair and baby barrettes.

                                    Among all the trinkets that she had kept…

Although Lottie is a novice with regards to the publishing side of things, she is building her reputation mainly due to her poem “Trinkets.” Many people cry when they read it because they can relate to losing a loved one.

Lottie (pictured above) has been writing poems, songs and producing pen and ink artwork since the age of six.  She attributes her love for writing and drawing from her dear mother, Josephine LoCicero and her husband, Michael Scott Corley who have always encouraged her to never give up and write what you feel, good or bad.  “There is never a moment or event that cannot inspire her,” she said.

She is currently working on her memoirs: Trials and Turbulence, which deals with her abusive stepfather. Snags and Snares describes what she went through as a recovering alcoholic. When Panic Attacks talks about her recent diagnosis of panic disorder and the impact it has had on her life. And Truth is Stranger describes her spiritual experiences.  Lottie is also currently working on her book of 50 poems that address many subjects including child abuse, infidelity and spirituality.

She has had her share of hard times. After surviving two head-on car accidents and an elevator accident, Lottie is glad to be alive and takes it one day at a time.  She has always had to work harder than others to write, due to her dyslexia. Nevertheless, she feels she has overcome many of her obstacles through her writing. In addition to writing books and poetry, Lottie has also written and recorded several songs.

Lottie is now retired after working for several companies in the technology field.  She has also worked as a volunteer EMT and had her picture appeared in several magazines for radio control enthusiasts.

Lottie has a huge heart for animals and spends a lot of time rescuing them. On one occasion, she rescued two opossum babies after their mother was shot by a neighbor.  One, whom she named “Sweetie Pie” for her sweet and affectionate nature, became her pet and was even potty-trained.  Lottie has also rescued birds, dogs, moles and cats, just to name a few.  She doesn’t belong to any organizations. “God just brings them to me to care for,” she said.

If you are interested in sampling some of her work, go to http://www.poetshaven.com and type “Lottie” in the search field.