One of my favorite stories from childhood was Frederick by Leo Leonni. It’s a story of a field mouse who sits on a stone and watches through spring, summer, and fall while his peers gather corn, nuts, wheat, and straw for the winter that always comes. His peers don’t understand why he only watches and does not assist in familiar ways. But deep into winter, when all is gray and bleak, and supplies low, Frederick shares what he has collected: descriptions of sun rays to warm them, colors to make the dark days brighter, and poems to inspire and connect them. Now, I’m not saying that I make the dark days more bearable, nor am I saying that I have sat idly by, but having spent much of my life observing and absorbing, I’m ready to share what I’ve gathered.

Self-taught nearly everything, it took a ridiculously long time to admit there’s room for that type of artist (person) in the world, too. From a little backyard studio, my visual art ranges from custom pet portraits to abstract explorations. Alternatively, my writerly endeavors produce fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry (and creative content for business). I have an aversion to lanes, so I fully expect to continue experimenting with art in as many mediums and techniques and platforms as possible for as long as I’m able. My creative mission: a) remain open; b) play; c) let nature fuel me; d) give everything careful attention; e) be brave even when terrified; f) share my gifts generously; g) reveal even the not-so-pretty colors.

Minnesota made, I remain in the Twin Cities Metro (where the winters do come hard and are indeed long and often gray) with my family and perhaps the world’s sweetest dog.