Look and Listen

Biography

Award-winning author, entrepreneur, great-grandmother … I am one of those rare creatures – an independent woman who has been quietly happy staying married to the love of my life for over 30 years. A former techie, I worked with engineers in the Aerospace industry for over fifteen years. When I left that world at 46, I decided to complete my MBA then, rather than re-enter the world of large corporations, I chose to follow my heart. I founded my own business, CJM Communications, in 1991 and began writing press releases, articles, marketing materials … any words other small businesses need to succeed. Over the years, as I published a variety of articles under my clients’ names, I acquired a taste for seeing my words in print. With the business established and successful, my own creative voice began clamoring for attention and I began writing more and more for my own expression. The result was Peeking Over the Edge. I have won awards for my creative essays, been published in a variety of national and local publications and edited other authors’ books, including Joy Malumphy’s creative memoir When Irish Eyes are Lying as well as “Yes, No, Maybe”: Chronobiotic Nutrition and The Eagle by Marcella Vonn Harting. For more, visit www.CathyMarley.com.

Inspiration

After spending a lifetime learning how to love myself, I grew into my own power after I turned 50. My whole life’s experience came together for me and I saw everything filtered through a more positive light than ever before. When people responded with tears and gratitude and laughter to a small column I was writing, I discovered a depth of thought and wisdom I never suspected in myself. And I realized my words could inspire others to see the greatness in themselves and in the quiet moments of life. Life does not need to be brass bands and bright klieg lights. It can, instead, be a succession of small rewards. That is what I knew I had to write.