Hello Dear Friends,
We all have a story.
I started out as a sensitive little girl who grew up with a love-hate relationship with words. I was painfully shy, taught to live up to the expectations of others, and struggled with dyslexia before it was a ‘thing.’
Back in grammar school, each child had to jump through an academic hoop in order to be able to go out for recess, so most of my play time was spent inside the classroom. To pass the time I would help my teacher, a nun, decorate bulletin boards, and I was entranced watching her do amazing lettering. By osmosis I learned calligraphy, and gained a love of art that led me to my Bachelor of Arts degree.
I was the first in our family to finish college which made my dad proud, especially since his formal education ended when he punched his principal in the nose. However, with nothing but good intentions, my dad suggested that I might now want to find some other way to support myself since I would likely never make a living as an artist. So, I went on to achieve my Masters in Education and Doctorate of Psychology.
My life changed direction in that instant.
My art was demoted from a life’s-calling to a hobby. The artist and word-smith in me became demoted and well-disguised as a mom, teacher, psychologist, speaker… anything but an artist…
Until now.
I finally have the courage to embrace my art as a powerful way to heal hurting hearts, make a difference, and it is now a vital part of who I am.
I treasure most my innate gifts and the hard-earned life lessons that taught me that I am enough, that even the bittersweet moments matter, and that I am stronger than I think.
My life’s twists and turns, a near-death-experience at 17, and my gray hairs have made me aware of the legacy I want to live now, that love is the answer to every question and that every moment is precious, even the challenging ones.
My grandkids know me as ‘Tutu’. They know that they can count on me for unconditional love and can trust that my words and actions will match.
Rather than only embellishing return envelopes as a hobby before mailing off my bills, or doing kitchen table art with my grandkids, I now confidently share my lettering skills to make a meaningful difference.
It is my intention to use my creativity, curiosity, courage and caring to make life just a little bit easier for us all.