My mother was a science and math teacher for high school and then later a professor at LSU. When I was in elementary school and did not have classes due to holidays at my school, I went to school with mom and sat in the back of class while she taught. I was very puzzled in her math classes when she placed problems on the board. I could not understand how A plus B could possibly equal C. Since it was clear I could not figure that one out, I made myself busy by designing my own math puzzles and sat quietly in my chair.

During summers, I liked to take things apart and put them back together, build forts, pick blackberries, and walk in the woods a mile behind our house. I was also encouraged to “start my own business” when I was 6. I started with harvesting and selling moonflower seeds in carefully hand designed and decorated envelopes. I made and sold soap, then started a neighborhood newspaper and collected stories from the kids and adults in our small community. Growing up in the country meant you went inside only to sleep and sometimes to eat. I have always loved being outside and enjoy nature above any toy or activity available.

My husband and I currently live on our farm in the Ozark mountains of north central Arkansas. We bought an old trout farm and have been bringing it back to life after 18 years of neglect. My “office” home sits on a hill above 3 ponds and has glass across the entire front of the main room where I work. I get to view God’s amazing nature all day long. Hummingbirds, songbirds, and even bald eagles can be seen from my work chair. We have deer, woodchucks, turkeys, minks, beaver, chipmunks, otters, muskrats, racoons, bear, coyotes, wild ducks, rabbits, squirrels, and even a mountain lion on our property. I cannot imagine a more wonderful workspace for me.

I have four children and six grandchildren. In 2010 I married a man that I adore, and he added three children and five more grandchildren to the family. I really enjoy when the kids and grandkids come for a visit. We catch fish in the ponds and crawfish in the streams, walk through the creeks, ride the ranger across the hills, swim and kayak the Buffalo River, visit caves, and go to antique stores and folk music festivals. The kids love to race around the wraparound porch and play “monster” with each other, all with loud high-pitched squeals and stomping of many feet. Those are some of my most treasured times. Their hugs and giggles keep me smiling and looking forward to their next visit.

I have lived in many places and even in Central America for a while. My happiest time is right where I am, spending time with family, and working with my amazing team.

Larry and me by one of our streams when we were hunting for pretty rocks and arrowheads. The clear cold water flows from one of the springs.

Morning glory is a view from my front window a few weeks ago. No editing or enhancement of colors. It was actually even more intense than the image.

The frost flower is created by moisture slowly seeping from the stem of a weed on a cold morning. When the moisture hits the cold air, it freezes and is continually pushed outward as more moisture seeps from the stem. They are too delicate to touch and melt when the sun hits them. Each one is different. They are an amazing miracle and reminder of our creator’s love and artwork.