Stefanie Tatalias

When I was young, and people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d shrug my shoulders, hiding my truth. I wanted to be Johnathan Livingston Seagull. I wanted “My Side of the Mountain.” I wanted Adventure. But how? As an archeologist? Then I’d be tied to academia. A biologist? Too much data crunching and reports. Oma declared I’d be a lawyer, because I knew how to argue. I think that was a compliment. At least I took it that way in true Capricorn fashion. But this Goatling didn’t want Corporate America. Or a cubicle. So I set out on to explore—the physical stuff of life as well as my heart. 

Wherever I’ve gone, I’m always asking what’s the meaning of this piece or art, this conversation, this experience? How do they fit into the big picture of life? And what is that? Why does anyone care?

For me, the questions, even more than their answers, makes life worth living. And it’s why I write for young people.

Because wherever you go, there you are. With yourself. And late at night when your heart and mind goes sideways, when the world looks ugly or you feel you are and maybe you weren’t the best you at the party and you don’t even know who that is “when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you”—-it is my sincere wish that there are stories to guide you. 

This is why I write. And adventure. So I have something meaningful to write about. 

I dare you to make your life an Adventure.