ABOUT

I have worn many hats over the years—teacher, fabric artist, author, illustrator, designer, mother, and grandmother. Although each hat is unique, they are all stitched with a common thread—connections to the ones I love and their importance in my life.

I was a special education teacher for 15 years. After leaving the classroom due to the return of ovarian cancer, my husband, youngest son, and I moved to West Michigan to spend time with my husband’s family. To help make ends meet, I wrote instructional material and stories for several trade magazines such as Doll Crafter, Doll Reader, and Soft Dolls and Animals. Eventually, the magic of West Michigan motivated me to put pen to paper and record the stories inspired by my treks up and down the shores of Lake Michigan. When my stories were requested by magazines and a private publisher, I felt encouraged to take the plunge into the world of children’s book publishing. My first book, Chipo’s Gift, is a tribute to a friend that had emigrated from South Africa.

When my grandson was born, my incredibly understanding husband and I returned to Virginia to watch the new ‘little one’ in our lives grow up. Sadly, shortly after we left Michigan, we lost our beloved Ella, the best mother and mother-in-law anyone could hope to have. This great loss encouraged me to publish my latest literary offering—Sometimes Snow Falls in the Summer. If you happen to read this book, look closely at the framed picture hanging behind Nana’s chair. The cross-stitched artwork contained within the frame was created by my dear mother-in-law Ella.

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Chipo, an inquisitive mopani worm from South Africa, takes a chance and follows her dreams. As her curiosity leads her down an unexpected path, Chipo learns a valuable lesson. She is whisked away from the comfort and safety of her home and family. Although she dearly misses her family, Chipo learns to see the positive side of this change in circumstance and is rewarded by the story’s end. Chipo’s Gift teaches children that we cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these books are donated to Beautiful Africa, an organization that supports needy children in Africa.

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Excitement? Worry? Ella Louise feels a little bit of both about her first solo trip to Nana's farm. However, excitement prevails as Ella discovers how Nana's special magic can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Join Ella and Nana on their trip into the imagination. Yes, snow can fall in the summer.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these books are donated to the Robins-Starr SPCA in memory of Ella, a friend to animals of every kind.

Thank you, Robins-Starr SPCA in Richmond, Virginia for being a ONE!

 

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON: Link

The companion book to Sometimes Snow Falls in the Summer, Rainbows to Snowflakes provides creative and memorable extension activities to use with children in kindergarten through third grade. Detailed lesson plans that include relevant vocabulary, a supply list, and objectives are provided for each of the 13 activities that address language arts, math, science, and physical education.

Fun activities plus education-based objectives—a delightful way to enrich your curriculum.