I grew up on a farm in north-western Indiana in the small town of LaPorte.  Many of my paintings are inspired from these early years living in the beautiful countryside.  I had dogs, many cats and a pony named Thunder.  I spent many days riding that pony pretending I was the female version of the Lone Ranger.  My imagination was at work constantly.

 I loved to read as a child and started writing poetry and short stories.  I wanted to become a writer!  Who knew how things would turn out!  I ended up going to college for three years at Indiana University, first for journalism (which I hated) and then psychology (I loved).  During my junior year I got married and had a daughter.  I put my life on hold so I could enjoy those first years with her.  Then I discovered something I would never have guessed...I wanted to continue to be a stay-at-home mom.  Never saw it coming!  I had two more children, sons, and my family was complete.  I loved being a mom.  And still do!  But my kids grew up and didn't need me all the time anymore.   I had to find my own life again....so I started to paint and I was  hooked!   After several years of painting and selling on Ebay, my dream came true.   My art is in galleries!  Gallery 405 in Springfield, MO was the first.  I am now showing my art in the Art OnThe Levee Gallery in Newport Kentucky.  My art is also being sold by Paul Robinson,  http://www.paulrobinsoninc.com/ .

I have written a children's bedtime story, The Sleep Fairy and her Magic Sheep.  A magical tale to help children sleep.  I have an art book, also, titled Enchantment, filled with original paintings.  Both are available through Blurb.com and right here at my website store.            

 My Inspiration

     The inspiration for most of my paintings is my own childhood. My childhood on the outside seemed ideal in the beautiful countryside.  Yet there was trouble within that could not be so easily seen.  My mother struggled with mental illness.  And now I watch my daughter do the same.  Her story is also woven into my paintings, where my story leaves off hers begins.  Almost entwined at times.  A bond of newly discovered self-love and acceptance.

    She is a strong young woman now, but her struggle continues.  She amazes me with her ability to deal with what's been given to her and not complain or constantly ask, why me?  I use that strength and self-love she is learning to have and I paint it.  I try and paint the colors of her spirit as much as I can, to capture that unbridled personality.  She shines much too bright for me to ever do her true justice.   I will continue to paint of hope and love and all the ways I wish the world would be.  She and my inner child will guide me.