Hi. Welcome to my website! I hope you enjoy browsing through my photos and handmade cards.
I am a retired teacher and librarian. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science.
My career was rich and rewarding. I taught 3rd grade for 5 years, worked for The Chicago Public Library and The Chicago Public Schools. I loved my job, the children and communities I served. I loved sharing my love of books, pairing the right books with readers, especially kids who said they didn’t like to read.
I have always been a “crafty” and creative person starting at a young age. I enjoyed art classes in elementary and high school. At the age of 16, I began teaching Arts and Crafts at the local public library where I began my first job. For 5 years, Friday afternoons was art time for my 3rd graders, showcasing all of their work all over our room and hallway. I was responsible for decorating bulletin boards and window displays during at the libraries and schools.
Photography was always an interest to me but my passion really took off in 2007 after two amazing women, Connie Reider and Betty Adler held a 2 day photo retreat at the Wellness House in Hinsdale. I had been in remission for about a year. The workshop was called The Light and Dark Side of Cancer. They were amazing! I can’t thank them enough for making photography a part of my life and a part of my healing. I primarily take nature pictures which allows me to be surrounded by the beauty of God’s Art and activates a lot of endorphins!I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2006. I’ve had chemo 4 times since then, recently completing the 4th course. My CT scan this week shows no evidence of disease after 6 months of chemo. It’s a miracle that I’m here writing this! God is good!
As I rode those unpredictable waves of chemo over the years, I had to find outlets to immerse myself in creativity, so I would take pictures and create greeting cards. I’ve also been part of a wonderful watercolor painting class at Little Company of Mary Hospital for cancer survivors. Carole Wilson, my teacher taught me how to replicate photos into paintings. I miss my classes which had to end due to Covid. And I owe the love of homemade greeting cards to Bonnie Schmitz who had classes in her home, and Karen Rossiter-Kulver, who sold Stampin’ Up! and taught me how to “stamp”!
I also volunteer for Imerman Angels, which is a one on one support group for people with cancer. I try to provide hope and support for women who have ovarian cancer.
We sold our home 3 years ago and bought a 5th wheel RV, in which we now live full-time in Seminole, Florida. Two years ago we took a spectacular trip around the U. S.! I took so many pictures that I broke my camera! Lol.
Retired life has been good with a few curves in the road. I’ll be writing my blog as often as possible, sharing our excursions in Florida along with photos. I hope to post some books worth reading, interesting facts and who knows what else!
My photos are posted here for your enjoyment. Put on some peaceful music and scroll through nature as if you were present in that moment. Be mindful of the colors and feelings they promote. I hope these photos provide you some enjoyment from whatever you may be facing in your life right now. I pray that you all stay safe.
If you see any photos or cards you would like please text, email or call.