In several guestbook entries, visitors have asked for more information about me. I'm so flattered! This site has been designed to tell about the pieces of my life and journey including my husband (Hi, Mark!), my interests, friends, hobbies and other fascinating (well, to me, anyway) topics. But I guess it's nice to have information specific to me all in one place. As you read, you will notice that I have included a link to other pages which will tell you more about the topic I may mention here. And who knows, maybe I'll think of something new that I want to create a whole new page for!! On my front index page I have written the vision if have created for my life: Serenity born of confidence Beauty created by a boundless soul Joy expressed by an abundant heart Passion lived everywhere, always These four sentences, and the four qualities that begin each sentence, are my guiding vision. They came about as a result of reading "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" and following the twelve week course The Artist's Way. Both of these books suggested going through a process of learning what is important to me and being able to express it simply and clearly. I had thought about this for a long time before actually writing it, but when I finally took the time to pour it out on paper, it was easy. As if it was there all along. My vision is supported by my priorities: 1) To have a successful and happy marriage 2) To have close and connected relationships with friends and family 3) To live a healthy and balanced life 4) To continually be pursuing my dreams 5) To be an active part of my community When I live by these priorities the result really is a life of serenity, beauty, joy, and passion. How am I doing on this? Better and better all the time. I admit that I am not as consistent as I would like to be. Sometimes I get lost and focus on my "problems" (you know -- all the things I feel I don't have in my life and wish I were doing better at), instead of what is truly important. And since what we focus on expands... well, let's just say it doesn't work. Fortunately I have a lot of women in my life who notice when I am off course and lovingly give me the kick in the pants I need to get back on track. One of these women is my best friend Adrienne and a lot of the other women I met through the Family of Women. I am also very lucky to be able to turn to my mother and both of my sisters-in-law, Jessi and Karen, for love, support and advice. After my marriage, and my son who arrived in December 1999, my most important priority is my friends and family. Although I live several states away, I have made a commitment to see my family once a month. I am the older of two and my younger brother, Jeff, has a sons (Hello, Benjamin and Matthew!). I know how blessed I am to have a great relationship with my family - and even with several extended family members. There was a time when I was somewhat estranged from them (by my choice), and the difference in my world now that we are close is astounding. They ground me, believe in me, encourage me, and love me unconditionally. With them I have a special place to give from my heart and share my deepest emotions. Of all the priorities listed, I think the most challenging for me is #4 - purusing my dreams. This is harder because it is about me putting out there and admitting to myself what my dreams are and how precious they are to me. It can be - it is! - a more vulnerable place from which to live. I know that it is the best way, but it can be tough. Showing what I most want and trusting the universe will respond... whew! That's a lot of trust! There are a lot of times when I would rather give to my marriage and the other people in my life than myself. And yet, I really am a dreamer. I always have been. From the every day fantasies (a beautiful home) to the bold and fantastic (an Oscar for best screenplay!) I think that is why I chose this background for my page. I daydream all the time. Well, not while doing something, but whenever I have the chance: working out, driving, doing laundry, doing dishes.... I have come to accept that these moments, these dreams, really can point me toward what I want. Happy home, family all around, travel, living as an artist. Because not only do I love to dream, I really believe in them and that everyone deserves the opportunity to go for their heart's desire. As the quote says: Aim for the moon. If you miss, you will land among the stars. My mother used to tell me to hitch my wagon to a star... and she was right. So many of us dismiss our dreams as unobtainable, childish, or unimportant. We do the things we think we should do, instead of the things that speak to us. What a great world this would be if everyone was pursuing their goals, dreams, and higher purpose. My biggest dream (okay - I'm really going to put this out there....) is to be a published fiction writer. I have wanted this for a long time, but I have yet to follow through making this dream a reality Why? Well, I think because it is something soooo dear to me that I am afraid to find out that I cannot have it. Up until now, I have not been willing to take the risks necessary to succeed. I would rather wonder and be soul sad then step out onto the skinny branch and find out what might be there for me. But the time has come to take this leap and hope (as she says in the "Artist Way") that the net will appear. I do believe that this happens. When we open ourselves up to possibility and opportunity, the universe answers our hearts. It was just waiting for us to ask the questions. For the past several weeks I have been working on my manuscript regularly - not quite daily, but at least 4 days a week. I have joined two writing groups (the Romance Writers of America and the International Women Writers Guild). And I am in the process of becoming a part of a critique/writing group. I am SO excited. My work is really moving forward. I am taking time to learn my craft and continue to write, not putting off one for the other. It feels great. I am getting support to be consistent and follow through.. What else about me? Well, I'm a hopeless and hopeful romantic and love sharing ideas on how to enchant our lives with this powerful tool. I have even run a small business on romantic consulting helping people bring romance back to their relationships. It is something we all need to practice with our loved ones on a regular basis - not only on holidays or other special occasions, but all the time, whenever the mood strikes! I love birthdays and holidays and celebrating with everyone. Special occasions should never be missed. In fact, I like having fun on the "little" anniversaries such as a first date, the day Mark proposed (May 12, 1995). And I love getting creative about giving gifts. I'm a Libra, ruled by Venus, and proud of it. I am artistic, tempramental, and have the worst time making decisions. Sometimes, I let other people do it for me! My ruling planet is Venus which fits well with my romantic heart. By the way, if you are interested in the books that are mentioned here or on any of the other pages, I plan to create a mini "bookstore" on this site, but for now, feel free to click over to amazon.com (don't forget to come back!) Well, I think that's enough for now about me. The rest of the site will tell you more. Won't you take the time to tell me about yourself and give me the opportunity to visit you and learn about what is guiding your heart? 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