Swanson started writing poetry when she was in her early 20s and wrote a book of poems, “Spirit Within,” which she self-published in her early 40s. She wrote another poetry book in her early 50s, “The ...

She often travels to history events and conferences around the state to read her poetry about farm and ranch life in Montana, among other things.

Long River Review, the University of Connecticut’s literary and arts magazine, hosted a poetry reading and open mic session on March 5 in the Stern Lounge of the Austin building.

She worked as a nurse at a private practice and later at Elizabeth Hospice in Escondido. She lost her husband, Bruce, tragically, in her late 20s . There is a poem about him.