Noticing Newbies

Hi! My nick is Garden Gloves, but I am other wise known as De. I am 37 yrs. old, married with four children ranging in age from 8-18. I am an assistant teacher at a preschool and I am attempting to get a college degree in the field of education....ATTEMPTING being the key word here!
In my free time (cough) I am an avid reader and I love to be creative whether in my writing or in my gardening and scrapbooking. I enjoy most all outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, canoeing and camping. This is the first time that I have written anything with structure since writing poetry for myself in High School, and I am shocked that I have actually posted an essay on the day I became a member here. My college professor for English Comp is encouraging the class to "branch out" and go beyond our comfort levels to increase creativity.....so here I am.
Please let me know how you like any of my material (only 1 item currently) and I will try to do the same. This place is enormous......and the posts are many, so it may take me some time to get the hang of being here.
If anyone has any tips or tricks to help with my writing or with navigating this sight just let me know.... I have read most of the help tips though.

Nice to meet everyone and I hope to hear/read of you soon!