What do you do when “the honeymoon is over”? Well, if you’re a career woman, you leave a small town and move to the big city. And that’s exactly what Adela Crandell Durkee did with her four children after her divorce. Adela was born in Michigan, the second of nine children and describes herself as a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom, G-mom, Writer, Reader, Regulatory Affairs Professional, Weight Lifter, Quality Assurance Expert, Camper, Microbiologist/Chemist, Pest Control Specialist, Trained Tongue, Seamstress, Organizer, Knitter, TV Watcher, Cook, Bicycle Enthusiast, Creative Swimmer, Yoga Practitioner, Zumba Dancer, Environmentalist, Techno-geek, Progressive Catholic, Believer in Love, and much, much, more! After 30 years in corporate leadership, Adela turned a page and launched her career as a writer. She's a photo-journalist for Marengo Union Times and McHenry Chronicle, BlogHer.com highlighted her work as a Voice of the Year Honoree (2011.) Adela has syndicated feature articles on WherearewegoingChicago.com, About.com, and MidlifeBoulevard.com. Her short works appear in print in PKA Advocate, Mosaic (an anthology,) and TribLocal (a section of The Chicago Tribune.) Adela comes from a family of storytellers. Being a little more introverted, Adela puts pen to paper. Adela's first story appeared in The Flint Journal when she was 7 years old. Years later, she received a clipping from her mother, reminding Adela, that it's never too early, and the stories never too short, to have a clear story arch. The thrill of seeing her words in available to the public never pales. She lives in rural Illinois with her husband George. Within driving distance are her four children, twelve grandchildren, and the exciting city of Chicago. Add her vegetable and water garden in the backyard, and two cats on the balcony, and Adela says she has it all. Listen to the episode to learn how she and her four children made the transition from small town to Chicago. Music provided by Purple-Planet.com
