C.Ann Penning Biography

I was born in 1971 in a small Amish town, Lagrange IN; the oldest of five children. My family moved around a lot between a few of the surrounding smaller towns; if they could get much smaller than Lagrange. I started drawing at a very early age, which soon developed into painting which I was most well known for. Paint became my feelings poured out for all to see. Later as a teen, I developed a love for writing but hid it. I guess it gave me a sense of control when I was living an out of control life. My mother and father divorced while I was very young and my father soon died thereafter. It took years for me to accept it and writing allowed for me to secretly share my pain without feeling judged or ridiculed. As the years have come and gone my passion for writing has drowned my passion for painting, although there are times when it resurfaces.

One of my most favored poems over the years has been 'Blood Stained Feathers and Broken Wings.' It was written for a contest and took first place. I don't enter contests often so this was a special treat. I'm not known for writing in a special form. I guess one could say I tend to take flight and gracefully land where ever my mood takes me.