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Wendi Aarons
Wendi Aarons is an award-winning humor writer. She graduated with a degree in film from the University of Oregon and previously worked in the movie business in Los Angeles, and also as an advertising copywriter. Aarons lives in Austin with her husband and two sons. She is currently working on her first book and also writes for wendiaarons.com and mouthyhousewives.com.
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and reading and can usually be found at the 50% off rack at Target or at the
Alamo Drafthouse.
Would you say having two sons can be hectic at times?
Yes, having two sons can be hectic, but they’re both really good kids. The hardest thing is getting them out of the house in the mornings.
What are some things you and your family do to spend time together?
Our family loves to take trips together; we’re going to Hawaii in August. Some other things we also like to do are hiking, swimming and going to the library.
How important is family to you? And what forms can it take (conventional or unconventional)?
To me family is as important as the air I breathe, and it can take any form. Family can be found anywhere.
Mary Gordon Spence
Mary Gordon Spence grew up in Brownwood, TX. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in education and sociology. Several years later she received her M.A. in intercultural education from the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico.
A master of diversity, Spence has lived in Latin America, taught students from kindergarten to college, directed statewide environmental programs, written Texas history materials, drafted legislation and worked for President Lyndon Johnson. For the past 10 years she has worked as a freelance writer, commentator and keynote speaker, engaging and entertaining her audiences through the power of storytelling with lots of wit and wisdom thrown in.
Do you have any special children in your life?
Thanks for asking about my loving, gifted, talented and beautiful grandchildren, William Spence and Caroline Rose Newby. What a joy it is to be their grandmother! William spends every Friday morning with me, and we’re always involved in some phase of growing tomatoes; we also explore Austin’s parks and play the piano, drums and ukulele together. It won’t be long before young Caroline joins in our fun.
How important is family to you?
That’s kind of like asking “how important is breathing to you?” Any answer I give would sound trite. Let me just say that I’m mighty connected to my way-above-average son and daughter and to my equally way-above-average daughter-in-law. And it’s still a full-time job being the daughter of Roy Spence, Sr.!
What do you feel brings your family together?
Since my children and I live within a five-mile radius of each other, it’s easy for us to get together often. We’re always celebrating things – from major and minor holidays, birthdays, elections (if our people win), the Westminster Dog Show – and now, we celebrate everything Caroline and William do.