Thank you so much for stopping by today. If this is your first visit, you probably want to know who I am and why you should read or listen to anything I say.
My Beginnings. . .
I grew up in the sunny paradise of San Diego. I attended San Diego State University, where I was awarded a degree in Journalism the day before my first child was born. I’ve been married to my best friend more than a quarter century. We have four great kids with three still at home, keeping us on our toes. There is nothing better than spending time with my family.
When I’m not busy with the camera or computer, you’ll find me experimenting in the kitchen, working on a home improvement project, or out exploring beautiful Colorado—or farther afield, when I am so fortunate.
I have always been a writer, teacher and entrepreneur. Ever since I read my first book at the age of five, I’ve known that words would be a big part of my life. I cannot remember ever not being driven to write. I began a journal at age 12 and still continue. Someday I’ll make it into a hilarious novel–probably after all the guilty parties have passed on. I received my first camera as a teen and fell in love with photography. I was an editor on my high school paper where I learned the power of combining words and pictures and it was quite the adventure.
And since everyone always wants to know the really juicy details, here is my Top Ten List of interesting and completely irrelevant things to know about me:
- My eyes are two different colors. Sometimes it is so obvious that strangers stop me on the street to ask about it. It is not because I forgot to put in one of my contacts–I don’t wear any.
- I think popcorn is a food group. So is Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
- I love to shop at the thrift store. It’s always my first stop for anything we need.
- I am a band geek. I LOVE school bands, especially marching bands.
- I once fell off a cliff into the ocean during a portrait session, but climbed back up and finished the session. Yes, it hurt and for years I thought my ego was the most badly bruised part of my body. Now I am older and the shoulder I landed on lets me know I was mistaken. But it hasn’t slowed me down, so we’re good to go.
- I love to watch the sunrise and photograph it when we travel. Trail Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park at sunrise is about the best place to be on the planet.
- I am not allowed to drive on road trips with my husband because I make too many sudden photo stops. What did he expect? I was a photographer before I married him.
- San Francisco is my favorite city to visit. Manhattan is second, though I’ve only been there once. I’m ready to go back anytime–well, maybe not winter again, but any other time. San Diego is also high on the list, but I grew up there, so I don’t consider going back “visiting.”
- I love murder mysteries.
I Became an Entrepreneur. . .
My entrepreneurial leanings emerged when like most teens, I started babysitting. During my high school years, I made macramé pot hangers (now you know how old I am!), tutored math and languages, taught private swimming lessons and cleaned houses.
At 19, I became a professional photographer and worked first from my home and then in my own studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I worked my way through college as an advertising copywriter and as an assistant to an editor at Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I’ve been creating newsletters and advertising copy for different organizations and companies since high school. I worked as an editor after college and have published articles and photography in national and regional magazines and newspapers.
After a brief foray into the corporate world, I realized that I wanted flexibility to be home with my family and the creativity and challenge of entrepreneurship to keep me happy. As a small business owner, I created many of my own marketing campaigns out of budgetary necessity and studied and developed my graphic and marketing skills for my business, for other businesses and for other associations and groups. I also began incorporating my love of organization and time management into classes and workshops.
And Here I am Today. . .
We moved to Colorado in 2010, achieving my lifelong dream of living in the Centennial state. With the move came the opportunity to re-evaluate my direction and shift gears back to a focus on writing and teaching business, social media, wordpress and organization. And yes, you’ll still see a regular series of posts on photography. Drawing on nearly 30 years of entrepreneurial experience both online and in-person, I help people organize, become more productive, and develop marketing & business strategies to improve their businesses, homes and lives for greater success and happiness.
Let’s Connect. . .
I would love to connect with you and know how I can help you on your journey as well. Use the buttons below to connect with me around the web.
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