After being employed in the clerical support field the majority of my work life, I discovered I enjoyed public service. I finished my bachelors degree and graduated the same year as my son graduated high school. I got into union leadership and soon was working for unions. I found myself unemployed in a tight economy with an unwillingness to relocate due to my aging parents for whom I am now serving in the care giving role. Interesting role reversal.

I am a native of Spokane Valley, Washington who has stayed in this area because of the surrounding lakes and mountains. My family has property on Pend Oreille River near Sandpoint, Idaho so it is just not possible to move away from a near perfect getaway. We have privacy and beauty all wrapped into one. I married an Eagle Scout who shares my love of the outdoors and likes traveling to places we've never been before. Step parenting for both of us (we each have a son) was challenging,  but rewarding. We still laugh at my attempts to "blend," and learning reluctantly that it was easier to use our sometimes incompatible ingredients to enhance each other separately and not in one bowl. 

I didn't have to grow old to discover or wear the color purple. I really don't remember ever liking any other color as much. I find I feel powerful when i wear it, so it is a stretch to buy other colors. It is sometimes embarrassing when I travel in my purple coat, with my purple suitcases filled with purple accessories, dragging along my pillow in a purple pillowcase. I have managed not to buy a purple purse nor live in a purple house with purple walls inside. I seemed to always be able to purchase jewelry that would match something I already owned. I started dabbling with Avon, but realized that most of my purchases were necklaces and earrings that went together.

I got started creating jewelry after being unemployed and finding myself in the same town again as my best friend. She invited me to try to find my artistic side. After I laughed hysterically at the notion, she coerced me into trying my hand at this. Since jewelry had always been a passion for me. it seemed like a good direction. I just never thought I had the talent to create anything. To my surprise these short, stubby fingers were able to perform and I found the long dormant artist within. I’m hoping my designs will appeal to women of all ages and walks of life, but I mostly relate to those who have a bit more trouble embracing the feminine within. While my tendencies for perfection are directed to the products of my work, I do find that jewelry can help highlight who we are and how we feel. So welcome to Color Us Purple and join with me in finding out where this passion will take me.