Tina McLean

Tina as we knew her at Reitz

Tina today

Submitted - November, 2000 I have two beautiful daughters, Kayla (KC) -- age 14 and Savannah -- age 6. It has been a real challenge to raise two girls so different in personality! Now I find myself wearing my mother's shoes in the things I strive to teach them! They are my true joy in this life. I have, for the past six years worked as an industrial/commercial insulator. Four years ago I got into the Asbestos Workers and Insulator's union and I love it! After years of searching I finally found where I fit! I think a lot of my brother members and that we stand as one, strong in our beliefs. I am the only woman that is an active member. This I am proud of. The work is hard, sometimes dirty, hot and dangerous. The highest I have ever worked is 125 feet above the ground! The view of the river and the surrounding area was absolutely awesome! I am currently in the process of putting together a book. In April of 2000, I discovered that I have a talent for writing poetry. It is the best form of release and self expression that I have found. In July, I entered a worldwide poetry contest and made it to the semi-finals. The entered poem will be published in the International Library of Poetry book, called Natures Echoes. Even though I didn't win, it was still fun and has opened doors for me that I never knew existed! I still live in Evansville though I have tried many times to "escape!" I actually live two doors down from where I grew up! I have seen many people that I went to school with and have talked to a few. I am still best friends with Kriss Hoffman (Turchiano). She only went to Reitz for our freshman year. She is doing fine too, for those who remember her. My only regret concerning high school is not having enough confidence in myself to enjoy it! I should have been building life memories, but instead I was too withdrawn and absorbed by pain that my memories were not very pleasant. Well...life changes and we all move on! It is interesting though, my daughters go to Tekoppel and Reitz...some of the teachers we had are still there and here I thought they were old when we had them!! I guess that's all...I hope to re-establish contact with the class of '84 through this site.

Paradise... Close your eyes...feel my fingers... lost in Paradise the scent of warm oil lingers Tingling nerves...set on edge by gentle caress lost in Paradise gentle skill...such finesse Senses heightened...simple touch so intense Paradise...mmm... simple truth... no pretense Hearts keeping time...an easy drumming beat Paradise discovered... feathers...candles...ever increasing heat Lost in our world...no light by which to see Paradise dark... our hands know the way...to our desired fantasy Floating just out of reach...our expansive midnight sky Paradise full moon... wing spread backlit by moonglow...hear our freedom sigh Escape...to where we both belong Paradise eternal... peaceful stream of love...caressing us along Souls wrapped around...towering pillar of trust Paradise pure... Sparkling...shimmering diamonds dust Beneath us we lay...on a cool bed of sand Paradise private... quiet love so far...away from life's demands Pulling closer...becoming one lost in our paradise... Life mate...life love...life together...has begun. Copyright © 2000. Tina McLean

Sanity Chilled... in the darkest of night suffer loss of all light look out baby... here I come gone before the rising sun cold fingers...caress your spine frosting breath...your soul is mine tendrils of winter embark wrapping around your most personal part my hands reach inside as your heart and mind divide mouth stretched to a wild silent scream not really here...I am only a dream glistening skin sheathed in sweat lost in lunacy willing to bet sanity chilled...unable to awaken forever tender heart forsaken mine...mine... selfish unkind... engulfed complete evil match you meet everytime you close your eyes I'll be there under ebony skies gleefully awaiting to terrorize clad in lace and leather disguise in your dream...in your dream... I will never be...just what I seem mine...mine...your soul is mine... only a dream...and lust devine Copyright © 2000. Tina McLean

Who says Who has the knowledge, to say what beauty is, could be straight and smoothe hair, or maybe hair with frizz! Who says... what true beauty is, blue or green or brown, the shape of your nose, flat butt or big and round. Is there someone watching us, who deems whats good or bad, that we judge ourselves by magazines, is really very sad. Marring with cosmetic surgery, starving till we're thin... we change the color of our hair, not happy, we start again. Now, I'm no raving beauty, my beauty is within, a genuine love for who I am, tho not without fault, thats a given. Don't fall prey to fashion queens, and expensive, fancy clothes, proudly play the hand your'e dealt, so what if you can't have the cards you chose. It isn't what is outside... that really counts for much, it's the love you have inside... and how many hearts you touch. Copyright © 2000. Tina McLean

Graceful Ease This mountain before her lies shrouded in haze this eagle flies Soaring free above its peak searching soul its peace she seeks This mountain before her built of lies hidden well by cloudy skies A lifetime of pain wrapped in shame wants more from life than who to blame With Graceful Ease she spreads her wings shivers with the coolness mountain air brings The wind lifts her up...carries her away at the base of this mountain she'll not lay Above the stormy sky she's found a sea of blue soaring high, beauty of life found anew Sparkling emerald eyes shine bright forever behold her Freedom Flight Copyright © 2000. Tina McLean