Hi, I’m Maria.

I was born in Madeira Island, Portugal. I lived in an orphanage until age five when I went to live with my grandfather up in the mountains.

At age 10 I embarked in a life-changing voyage to America to be adopted by a childless couple. The husband was my godfather at my baptism, I was never adopted. My life was filled with struggles and hardships, but I survived and made something of myself through hard work and perseverance.

My school years were a struggle for me. Not being able to read, write, and speak English, I was tossed into third grade to either sink or swim. I decided to swim. Determination kept me going forward.

The couple I lived with did not have a regular income, so I was made to start working at age 12 doing yard work to earn money to support myself and later the household. I still managed to keep a smile at whatever work I did.

Eventually, I got involved and become well-known in the Portuguese community in Santa Clara and San Jose, California. I barely graduated from high school and got married to get away from the situation. However, the marriage was on the rocks from day one. You can read about my life in Amalia.

I have a passion for wild life and domestic pets. I currently have a little dog named Peppi (that’s his picture on the page), and he is a great friend and companion. I enjoy doing community doing work, assist friends when I can, and I stay busy with my grandchildren’s sports.

I always had a dream to write my life story and in my mid 60’s, I decided to give it a try. Now I am hooked. I discovered I love to write, and I’m currently entertaining the idea of writing children stories.