Valerie is my good luck charm. She has been at every reading I’ve ever given; either in my pocket or on the podium right next to me. If I’m in a play, I carry her onstage in my purse. She was with me when I walked across the stage to collect my MFA, tied into the sleeve of my graduation gown. Nothing goes wrong when Valerie’s around. I carried her on my wedding day and even brought her on my honeymoon!