Renee Howard Cassese is a retired Special Education Teacher/School Administrator who grew up on Long Island and after 67 years moved to Southern California where she presently lives with her husband Frank. Renee has published short stories, personal essays and poetry and has taught creative writing to adults and children. Her poetry collections, “I am My Mother’s Only Poem,’ and “Like a Lotus” and short story collection, “Looking through Windows,” are available on Amazon. Renee is currently seeking publication for two poetry collections. In addition to writing Renee creates mixed media canvases and art journals. Her present passion is watercolor florals in both botanical and loose styles.