About Me

Although some would argue otherwise, I claim “country,” coming into the world below the Mason-Dixie line, but not by much. Born in DC and raised in suburban Maryland, professional opportunities brought me to South Florida in the mid-1980s, and family brought me to the High Country of western North Carolina in 2007. An extensive background in administration, public relations, marketing, customer service, HR, business operations, and, of course, writing and editing, formed the foundation of a 35+ year career overseeing nonprofit organizations. A journalism degree, a business minor, and a public relations certificate from the University of Maryland provided the springboard for a career I wrapped up at the end of 2021.

My mind, my heart and my conscience are inextricably wrapped up in my rock, my soulmate Debbie. No one who has ever met Deb quite understands how I was tapped as her lifeline. I categorically out-punted my coverage … and my world has been a blessed one since she came into, and became, my life.

We live in Linville, NC, along with the rest of our pack — three “extreme” Yellow Labrador Retrievers, currently children numbers 10, 11 and 12.

Thanks for stopping by. If this is your first visit, check out my Welcome page.

Lee Cooke (aka LSomerbyCooke)