Kurt Sipolski

My writing background began in Sydney, Australia when I worked as a reporter for Rupert Murdoch's Daily Mirror group. Since then, my pieces have appeared worldwide, including The Desert Sun, Palm Springs Life magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the International Herald Tribune, and many others. I also founded and published San Francisco Gentry magazine. But my proudest accomplishments are twofold: The memoir on which "Flowers" is based has been published from Palm Springs to Peoria to Paris, and Onfire Films has optioned screen rights to this novella. I am honored that beautiful actress Ksenia Solo will produce and star. This is a saga of the struggles and triumphs of my late mother, Iris, beginning when she left home for Washington, D.C. at age 18 in 1940. It follows her life. When I was struck down by polio at the age of 2, she dedicated herself to years of daily exercizes to strengthen my weakened leg, and also to bolster my physical and social confidence. While in braces, Iris taught me that everything is in reach, but I just have to reach higher than most boys. She inspired me to explore all that life offered, and to see the world. Many years later, I was to return to give her the same kind of comfort and encouragement at the end of her life as it came full circle. I hope readers will be inspired by this lovely, rare woman.