I was born to farmer-gardener parents in a small mud-brick house in a remote, small town in Iran. I spent most of my childhood and teenage years surrounded by farms and gardens. My parents were illiterate, poor and humble, but they had a fantastic memory of Scheherazade stories, Persian proverbs, and folk poetry, some of which I still remember. I wasn't a reading nerd with books under my arm or loaded in my backpack; instead, I wandered around farms and orchards, up hills and mountains, nurturing my imagination. My reading journey began at age seventeen when I delved into a four-volume set on Western Philosophy. This led me to explore motivational books and books related to human nature and conditions. The first novel I read was The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck at nineteen. Although I speak three languages—Persian, Spanish, and English—reading and writing in English have always been challenging. However, I have loved and cherished this challenge. I discovered my talent for storytelling when I started painting seriously at forty-seven. Each artwork I create conveys a story, reflecting my yearning to write in words. I began writing at sixty-eight, eager to share my rich history woven into the tapestry of life experiences. When I don’t read or write, I cook and do home chores. I go walking, hiking, biking, or bowling. A glass of Shiraz makes me hilarious. A bowl of fruit or a mixture of green leaves and herbs makes my day heaven. I love to steal fruits hanging over the fences of other people. I love classical music, jazz, rock, and roll. I love musical and kids’ movies: Mary Poppins is my all-time favourite movie. I love to smell roses. Once, someone saw me smelling roses, and he said I was gay. I said If that makes me gay, yes, I am gay. I am alive. Now.