I was born in a small town in California near the Air Force base to which my father was assigned. This makes me a military brat, which basically means I have no home town. I was raised all over the world, and have trouble answering the simple question, "Where are you from?".
I currently live in South Carolina with my husband, Gary, my son Mike, and my step-son, Wayne. My oldest son, Dusty, joined the Air Force in October 2001. We share our home with five cats, one bird, a giant bunny, and a German Shepherd, Pippin (see below).
Gary and I have known one another for almost six years. We met, of all places, on the internet, in a chat room we both frequented. Neither of us were looking for a relationship, but quickly became close friends. After two years, we met face to face, and it didn't take long for our love to bloom.
We were married on October 28, 2000. I had my dream wedding, and I don't think it could have been more perfect. Imagine a gorgeous Autumn day, with Fall foliage and an incredibly blue sky.....The ceremony took place on a pretty, wooden bridge in a park near our home. My sons gave me away, which made the day even more special to me.
I bought my wedding dress, brand new from eBay, for $15. I decorated some new Keds-type shoes, since I couldn't find the Victorian-style boots I wanted. I made all the wedding flower arrangements, since I didn't want roses. I'd never made bouquets before, but I was very pleased with the results. I found some silk Autumn leaves, fall-colored flowers, and added ivy (Gary and a special friend of ours in Texas think I'm an ivy nut...they're probably right). I also made all the wedding favors with some help from my step-daughter, Michelle. I didn't spend a lot of money to acheive the wedding I'd always dreamed of, and I wouldn't change a thing. To see the results, please have a look at my wedding page.
When I was 15, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythmetosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This didn't stop me at the time from being very active in outdoor sports, including running track, hiking, camping and rock climbing. Over the past ten years, I've had numerous surgeries on the bones in my legs, due to curving that has puzzled my doctors. However comma, none of these surgeries have been successful...hence the chair. I try not to let the chair slow me down, though. In fact, I've scared a few people in my attempts to be self-sufficient and independent. Okay, I admit it; sometimes I even scare myself... but wheelies are fun (when you don't land on your back)!
This is my Service Dog, King's Pippin Squeak (Pippin). As of this writing, she is 1 1/2 years old. I got her when she was six weeks old, and trained her myself (rather, we trained one another). Service dog programs are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but they can be VERY expensive, and the waiting list is interminable. We've both learned so much. She works hard for me and does such a wonderful job, though she's a little flaky at times, due to being so overprotective of me (and the fact that she's just SO friendly! Did you know that most establishments don't recognize service animals, except for seeing eye dogs? Store managers, owners, and employees need to be made aware that anywhere I'm allowed to go, Pippin is also, according to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Association of Attorneys General. Please read the FAQ concerning service animals in places of business...it's enlightening. And, please remember...if you see a Service Dog (or any other animal) working...please don't make "kissy-noises" or pet the animal without asking permission first. Distractions like that make it difficult for the animal to focus effectively on their tasks.
I'm not currently working, due to the Lupus (unfortunately, I'm just too sick to work, though I miss it immensely). I was employed as the Administrative Director and Contractor for the Genesis Center, a non-profit program that offers training, employment, and medical benefits to the handicapped until October 1999, when I was hospitalized for blood clots in my lungs, among other things. I do my best to be an active advocate for the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). I've been really surprised to discover how many places are inaccessible to the handicapped. If you've ever been to a cluttered flea market or antique store (the best kind), and have had trouble getting around on two feet, you can probably imagine my frustration at not being able to wheel around the places I love the most. After all, I am NOT a mall-type person.
In the past, I've been an elementary and high school teacher, a book seller, and have worked in virtually every capacity (graphic design, photography, layout, editing, typesetting, writing, darkroom, etc.) for various newspapers and other printed resources. I've also been the foster mom to over 50 kids, so if you see my page and recognize me as that crazy lady you lived with for a while...the one that used to crank the stereo and make you sing along with her...please let me know how you are and reassure me that I was a positive influence, however small, in your life.
My hobbies include reading, collecting antiques, and participating in outdoor activities when I'm able (such as camping). Music is also important to me. I play the piano, and listen to a wide variety of music, with 70's being my favorite, though I also enjoy ambient, techno, new age, industrial, etc.
Another of my hobbies is painting what I call "Rockoons" (raccoons painted on rocks). My father-in-law, who lives in Washington state, brings me the perfect rocks to paint...ovals and rounds, worn glassy smooth by ocean waves. He told me, "All my life I've looked for someone who would be happy with a box of rocks, and I finally found her". I'm lucky to have a father-in-law who was a friend to me before he became family...he's my old buddy. ;)
My Raggedy collection, updated on December 17. I haven't counted them in a long time, but my husband tells me he counted them a while ago to see how many I had. He stopped at 200. I hope that number increases ever so slightly on December 25...nudge, nudge, wink, wink, know what I mean? God help me, I've started collecting teapots, tea cups and saucers, and other tea paraphernalia. Donations are kindly accepted; the proceeds will go toward supporting my habit. ;)
Just for fun, I've added a page of assorted pictures. This page is graphics intensive, and may take some time in loading... you've been warned.
