Hi. I’m Marsha "Yasmine" Marie.

I was born in Ohio, but was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. At 25, I found myself trapped in a difficult and abusive marriage. Out of desperation, I went against court orders and threw myself into a 22-year-long self-exile in Asia. I ended up in a remote farming village in Pakistan with my two small children in tote---ages three and five. I lived in that incredibly modest farming village for the next 14 years; knowing that I could not return to my homeland in the States.

Although the 14 years in the village was lived out surprisingly pleasant, I yearned for a change of scenery and lifestyle. I then packed up and moved to ‘big city’ of Islamabad. Once there I gained invaluable life experience. For instance, I joined the faculty of one of the most popular universities---teaching English and communication skills. I also trained American Accent to call center agents. I volunteered as member of a human rights committee monitoring jail conditions, and I did lots of voice-over work for local radio. Surprisingly enough, one of the local TV stations even decided to make me the topic of a mini-documentary. (Too funny to watch, really!)

Two years later, I was off spreading my wings again—this time to the United Arab Emirates. It was an amazing experience indeed. There I continued my English teaching studies and received an influential CELTA certification from the University of Cambridge in London. After which, I was given the opportunities to teach in a college, university, in private homes, royal palaces (training sheikhs and princesses). I was also invited to hold classes for the President's staff at his office in Al Ain. The most challenging of all was when I worked as Head of English Department for a year at a K-12 school with over 1,000 students. (Now that was a handful!) Altogether, I taught English writing and communication skills in UAE for about seven amazing years—loving every minutes of it! (Okay,,,,almost every minute of it.)

After upkeeping a few websites and blogs for my students as part of my teaching toolbox, I was requested to do some article writing for a couple of local magazines. They were mainly about English language development and mini-memoir pieces. It was during this time of my life that I fell deeply in love with writing and with its process; and I longed to continue with it. Recognizing that my life's story was unique, I knew that I would eventually write a book; but just didn’t know when. I would tell myself, “Not yet Marsha." 

It was the latter part of my timing in UAE, that a doctor suggested I return to the States for my young adult daughter---for her particular educational needs. But of course that meant facing the awaiting authorities and arrest warrants back home.

I did.

And so, here I am back in Phoenix, finally ready to share my story with the world. My life has been quite a marvelous roller-coaster of a journey, and I take ownership of my bad decisions along the way. I am living proof that it’s never too late to return home and make amends. My life now? Well, still dedicated to my children; but now my writing and my three cats, too. Bangles is my self-publishing debut. (Yea!!! Finally Marsha!)


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More Fun Facts.....
​ 
I have three amazing children --one daughter and two sons. 


​My stomach starts hurting whenever I am late for ANYTHING!  I drive my family crazy because we are always the first ones to arrive at any function.


If I feel that I am being cheated in any store, I won't hesitate to start a fight with the employees.  Thus, my shopping vocabulary mostly consists of "May I speak to the manager, please !" 


My favorite historical figure is Cleopatra. 


I sneeze just like my mother, about ten times in a row.  ....thanks Mom!


The dictionary is my favorite book of all time.  Thanks again Mom!


Most kids are playing on the playground in the first grade.  Not me! I was playing 'teacher' and making my friends take tests. Sorry guys! 


Yes, I'm really from America.
(You'd be surprised how many times I get asked.)


I cried the first time I saw my pictures of the last photo shoot, because I hated my eyebrows --no, really, I still hate them!