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Susanna Barlow 2009 - Marie Nielsen Photography

I was born and raised in a polygamous home. I left the community/group when I was twenty one years old. I was abused and spent many years overcoming the effects of abuse. I am married to a wonderful and supportive man and together we are raising six children. Being a mother is an important and valuable part of my life.

Having been denied an education, I have spent my adult life educating myself. I have a passion for history and the importance of understanding the past as a way to understand ourselves. Reading, plays a vital role in my life. I don't read as a hobby or even for fun. I take my reading very seriously. I have an insatiable curiosity and there are few subjects that I don't find fascinating. I am always on the lookout for new books to read or classes to take to expand my knowledge.

I am a true animal lover and currently have a gorgeous German Shepherd to call my friend. My first dog passed away in 2011. I can't imagine life without a furry friend to share it. I love all animals and animals love me.

Spirituality has been an important aspect of my life. I searched many religions after leaving the polygamous community and found that there are many paths to many understandings of God. Self-awareness and the development of the human being is the foundation of my own spiritual practices.

In 2007 I published my first memoir, What Peace There May Be. It is a coming of age story that also deals with polygamy and child abuse. I am currently working on second memoir about marriage in the polygamous culture and leaving one's tribe. Play-writing and poetry keep my skills as a wordsmith, sharp. I hope to become a full time novelist, poet, essayist and short story writer, sharing a body of work for the world and for myself. In addition to writing I also paint in watercolors, oils and acrylics as well as create graphite drawings. I look forward to trying out sculpting, pottery and possibly playing a musical instrument. I enjoy cooking, traveling and learning new things.