Janine Cooper Moren:  

Life Once, when I sent one of those dumb emails out asking friends to use just one word to describe me, someone said "Opinionated." Hmm maybe that's true? I seem to have this annoying habit of having a story for every situation, which often supports my "opinion." Later, the same person asked if they could change their word to "smart." Maybe I'm neither... you decide Just when I'm feeling smart, I find myself in the company of people who blow me away with their intellect and wit and I suddenly feel very simple and foolish. The older I get, the more "really smart" friends I seem to acquire. If you can't beat 'em; join 'em - right? I'm probably not what you'd call a shy person, but I am not comfortable in front of crowds either. Most people find me friendly and maybe even bubbly at times, but that's only on the surface. Few people ever know me on a deeper level, which is where most of the good stuff lies My parents taught me more than I could appreciate when I was younger. My dad passed on his technical and mathematical knowledge and my mom instilled the finer arts and language skills. Both parents were from musical backgrounds and my dad took up playing the bagpipes in his 40's and joined the local pipe band, which ultimately became like an extended family to us. It also provided a lifetime of fond memories. In our house, it wasn't a matter of *if* you will play an instrument, it was "what" instrument you will play. So... I tried several instruments (guitar, oboe, clarinet and violin) before settling on the flute. I became quite good and it's a gift my parents gave to me that I will always be grateful for. After barely graduating high school, I followed my (now) ex-husband down to Los Angeles...Expand for more