I began experimenting with art while in college where I pursued a BFA degree with a major in fashion illustration. This interest was put aside after graduation when I married and settled into my role as wife and soon as mother.

In 2006 I retired and embarked on a project that caused a breakthrough in my life. One of my favorite quotes by Anais Nin, And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom, inspired me to take a risk and blossom. I decided to delve into a new artistic medium and prepare a booklet of watercolor paintings. The theme of my project was the stages of a rose from bud to bloom. My appreciation of art and of myself grew during the process, and I plan to continue exploring the surprises and spontaneity of watercolors.

Journal writing is an important tool in negotiating the twists and turns one faces when fighting a life-threatening challenge. Since cancer has touched millions of lives including my mother, a dear friend and my own, I intend to publish a journal titled, "A Journal for Reflections" to help raise money to benefit the Catherine Boulay Foundation. Started in 2007 by Dr. Richard Boulay, the Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, and his wife, their mission is to support cancer survivors and their caregivers with information on day-to-day living with and beyond cancer.

Bringing this to fruition has been a gift to me, and in that spirit I would like to share the blessings with others. My hope is to partner with non-profit organizations and allow them to reap some of the profits from sales to benefit their organization. It is my hope that "A Journal for Reflections" can help others to cope, grow and bloom.