I started my adult life in a very "linear-logical" mode. Everything had to be proven by science. It was all about physical reality but I have also had a very strong sense that the Universe is an intelligent being--governed and shaped by intelligent energy fields--call it spirit or God or nature.
After losing so many loved ones that shaped me and my life, my old identity was lost. "Who am I now?" "Is there still a reason for me to be here?"
I spent a number of years so focused on those questions. meditating...praying....reading....watching...crying....laughing...
One day in the summer of 2001 when I was attending our Celebration of the Arts here in Midland, I stopped by the booth for our local gem and mineral club and started talking about jewelry. It had always interested me. To make a long story short, I bought a torch and some tools and started to teach myself silversmith and then goldsmith. I have no formal schooling of any kind in the arts. As I mentioned, my career choices were very science-oriented, having been a registered pharmacist for 25 years!
I have always had the traditional "soft" feminine hobbies that have brought me some pleasure---painting, knitting, sewing, quilting, beading....nothing using "hard" tools like torches, saws, screwdrivers, and hammers.
After playing with my new tools and some metals and stones, I swallowed the hook! It is incredible to take raw materials and watch them develop into something beautiful. And it is never a product of my thinking. It just happens and I am lucky enough to be its channel.
Here are a few honors that I've received in the last couple of years since making my jewelry a "public venture:"
**Best Display in the fine arts division, 2003 Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, Denton, TX
**Best Jewelry display, 2002 Midland Gem and Mineral Show, Midland, TX
**Best in Show, 2004 Septemberfest, Midland, TX
**Two years Second Place in the Crafts Division, Celebration of the Arts, Midland, TX
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Other Interests:
I am passionate about animals and from time to time I write articles about pets or wild birds. Click here to see a list of some of my articles.
Other interests are politics, learning to separate reality from ego stuff, good books, good movies (click here to read some reviews I've written), knitting, sewing, quilting, and the list goes on.