I've lived in southern New Hampshire all my life. I live with my parents, older brother, and my Maine Coon cat Ella whom I adopted from a local animal shelter. (Actually, I think she adopted me! I felt something very special when we locked eyes!)

Like most children, I had art class in school. However, this didn't benefit me much, as good drawings were rare. I didn't start drawing well until towards the end of my senior year in high school (which was my only year of art class during those 4 years). Sadly, I let go of my talent & stopped drawing -- probably due to lack of time. This is something I later regretted very much! About 15 years later, I wanted to start drawing again, and found I couldn't do it anymore -- I could barely draw stick figures! Luckily I met an artist at work, and we became friends over the years. I told her one day that I wished I could still draw well, and she recommended a terrific "how to" book. Thus began the process of teaching myself to draw well, and also discovered other wonderful authors/teachers of "how to" books. The rest is history! I don't draw much these days - just got too discouraged since I wasn't able to sell any of my artwork (except for 3 commissioned pieces).

As far as my photography goes, I've never taken any classes for this. I've been taking pictures since as long as I can remember. I've had several people tell me over the years that I have a natural eye for it. This is a real plus when I'm taking reference photos for drawing! My "photographer's eye" is always looking for good photo opportunities around me.

Like many little girls, I was horse crazy from a very early age and always asked Santa for a pony. You'll find my horseback riding history on the Horses I've Known page. I'd been told that many horse lovers don't get their first horse until they're in their 30's, but many times I gave up hope that I'd ever fulfill my life-long dream of owning a horse. Finally, in October 2003, I bought my first horse at the age of 37! His name is Cody -- you can see him & read about him on his page.

Best adviced ever received -- there are actually two:
1. A fellow artist named Claire who used to work in my building often used to say to me, "UBU (You Be You)" -- in other words, be yourself!
2. In the book "The Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers, Joseph frequently said "Follow your bliss".
I have been following these two bits of advice for years now, and am a much happier person for it!

Here are a couple photos of me having fun during a day trip to Salem, MA in the summer of 1999: