: About Me

Hello everyone!

I am a writer/artist/Mom living in the wilds of Wisconsin with my wonderful husband, two small boys, and a herd of pets.

Growing up, I camped with my parents and brothers across the United States, including Alaska. The delight in traveling and exploring, both of the physical and of the intangible, has never left me. I am fascinated by all the sciences, especially biology. These interests inspire many of my articles here at Helium, such as "How Animals Recognize each other", in the Zoology channel, "How to Give Your Children an Appreciation of Nature", in the Conservation channel and also a humor piece called "The ins and outs of Camping Etiquette", found in the Camping Channel.

I wrote my first "book" when I was nine. As an adult, I have completed two books. The first is a fantasy adventure with a 17yr old protagonist thrown into a dangerous situation as she discovers hidden truths about herself. The second book is set in our time and world, but quickly introduces the concept of sentient portals that allow travel to other worlds and dimensions. My group of four friends get caught up in the strangeness that follows as they are menaced by odd shadows and befriended by a guardian of one of the portals.

My third book is a work in progress. It centers on a family of birders in a fantasy world, in which the legend of a white eagle brings hope and fear, death and life.

I graduated from Penn State University with a BA in art way back in 1983, and have since sold my art on commission. I am an accomplished photographer, enjoying the challenges of nature photography. I garden, collect old bottles, feathers, rocks and minerals, shells, teapots, fossils, swords, and the occasional comic book/graphic novel. I love animals, insects, reptiles, forests, fields . . .you get the idea! All of nature, in every mood.

Please feel free to explore all of my articles here at Helium.

My passion is ...

living my life to its fullest potential

My childhood ambition ...

To be an artist or writer or veternarian

My favorite memory ...

Of the time we traveled in Alaska and all the amazing scenery

Why I write ...

If I don't write, I'll explode! I love creating stories that touch people's hearts and spirits, and I love writing articles that bring a smile

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

"Leaving the Saints" by Martha Beck, Thea Sabin, "Ask and it is Given" by Abraham-Hicks, "His Dark Materials", the new season of Doctor Who, oldies from the early 70's, Enya, Loreena McKinnet

My first job ...

Detasseling corn in the wilds of Pennsylvania!

My best moment ...

When I broke through a paralyzing fear and got my driver's license

My inspiration ...

All people who aren't afraid to be themsleves and grow.

Creative Writing > Humor Humor: What I learned growing up around animals

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Animals. What would life be like without them? A lot more predictable, less fuzzy, but boring. Hey, who needs predictability anyway? Quit waving your hand in the air! I like animals. My whole family likes animals. My parents are directly responsible for my obsession. I happily grew up in a house that had a rich assortment of every kind of creature; fluff balls and scaly things; creatures who squeaked or chirped, affectionate pussycats and, for too short a time, a grumpy pony. All creatures, great and small. (Hmmm, note-to-self, that would make a great book title) In time I realized my fami...

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