Meet the Authors

Does anyone’s life ever follow a straight line?  Mine certainly hasn’t!  Through many twists and turns of opportunities, relationships, disappointments, sorrows, and the whims of fate, I have managed to survive into this new chapter of my life at 70.  And I find myself sharing the same feelings and experiences as many of my friends – I want to feel like my life has meaning for myself and those I love; I want to feel relevant and I want to intentionally choose how I design my life into the future.

However, learning how to be comfortable on my own journey and trusting my instincts, has at times, been a challenge for me. Perhaps that search and experimentation to find a way forward in my own life led to the unfolding of this book. Several years ago, Patty and I collaborated on a book about retirement and creativity, and then our lives were turned upside down by the deaths of our spouses in the same year and having to find some sort of balance again. We needed time to grieve, time to heal, and time to restructure our lives in new ways.  I can honestly say that I have lived each chapter of this book and know that I am guiding my own journey with some very powerful insights.

Throughout tumultuous times and upbeat times in my life, I was pulled to using my own talents, strengths, and creativity not only for problem-solving and self-expression, but also to figure out how to live each day with intention and purpose. The journey is not always easy, but it sure is worth it! I guess you could say that both Patty and I have “walked the walk and talked the talk” of this book.

My experience and expertise as a Clinical Art Therapist, family therapist, art educator and watercolor artist has allowed me to observe the transformative power of creative expression in adults, who are eager and open to developing their own life skills in some creative fashion. And most of all, it is of utmost importance to me to share my abilities and talents with others who just need a nudge and some “inside information” to grow into their future, with energy, wisdom and dignity.

I have spent the last year travelling around the US visiting family and friends and seeing this amazing country that we live in!  I settled back in Ventura, California where I used to live 20 years ago… so familiar and yet so different! But I love being near the ocean, and when I need some mountain serenity and green pine trees, they are not far away. My professional background includes a Master’s Degree in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, as well as teaching numerous watercolor classes and workshops in various community settings and age groups.  I’m also a signature member and former board member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina. And oh, did I mention that I love music?!