In the winter of 1998 I had dropped to a size 12/14. I don't do bathroom scales. I think they put a negative connotation on the diet impaired. Today, (2004), I fluctuate between a size 14, and a size 18. It depends on how I am feeling physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I keep this photo gallery kind of up to date as a reminder of where I was, where I am, and where I am going.

I am an adopted person. Mom and Dad are both gone now. Mom passed away in 1975, and Dad went in 1990. I have one brother from this family named Ron. He has 3 children: Jason, Justin, and Heather.

My birth mother is Norma. I am one of eleven children born to her: Beth, Louise, TJ, Me, Pat, Bill, Mike, Dave, Ellen, and Barbara Jo.

My mother in law will always be my mother in law. Her name is Grace, and she is an absolutely wonderful person. She will be 87 August 2004. The best part is; she's still going strong, and doesn't look a day over 60. I am reminded of Naomi and Ruth when I think of my Gracie. "Whither thou goest........"

I also took years of tap, ballet and jazz lessons. I learned to play the piano in a very mediocre way. I was activities director for my ward beginning at age 16. I wrote and directed many church programs, and road shows, as well as school productions. Over the years I developed a love of classical music, opera, live theater, and classic ballet. Videos of the musicals that they used to produce are my all time favorites, such as: The King and I, The Sound of Music, and Fiddler on the roof, (to name a few). I also love 50s and 60s rock and roll, today's soft rock, and the big band era music.

I attended Inkom Grade school, and later Marsh Valley High School. I attained a 4 year graduation from Marsh Valley's LDS Seminary. I would have graduated from Marsh Valley as well, but 2 weeks before graduation I dropped out of school. I had a 3.75 GPA, but was asked to return the next year for a semester because I had missed 15 days of school, and the limit was 10 days maximum. I said "Go To Hell!", and took the GED tests and passed all required subjects with 97% average test scores. I have a real issue with the school system, and their attendance policies. It is not about educating our youth. It's about receiving federal money. We still turn out graduates who can barely read.

I went to King Lawrence Beauty Academy in 1969. I learned to do all the cosmetology stuff, and still use those skills today. I never became a professional hair stylist. I got married and became a wife and mother instead. For years I had a list of regulars who dropped by for a hair cut, perm, dye job, or style. I wasn't licensed, so it was all a donation kind of thing...grins

I was married for 29 years, and have been divorced since 1998.

I majored in fine arts, and minored in English Literature at Idaho State University. I am a few credits shy of a Bachelor's degree, and plan to return when I am a senior citizen, (based on cut-rate student fees for seniors), just so that I can say I have a degree before I die.

I love to read, and more especially, I love to write. I have been putting words together as stories, poems and plays since I was in the 3rd grade.

I sobered up in 1984, and have been practicing the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous since then. My main attempt today is to be as honest with myself as I know how. I am into self discovery, and try to stay on my side of the street. I learned about being responsible for myself while I attended Alanon. That program gave me some of the greatest living skills I have ever heard of.

I am a product of psychology recovery. I had childhood issues to deal with, and am still dealing with them. I spent many years talking about things, and getting problems resolved. I have found a good source of strength, and recovery. I believe that there is only one source for true recovery. I found God. Since then the journey has been entertaining, rewarding, and eventful.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am not, by any means, a typical Molly Mormon. I don't understand blind obediance. I am rebellious, and always need to try it my way first. I am head strong, and far too independant. On the other hand I am also compassionate, understanding, and love people and a good laugh. My best friend is my Savior, Jesus Christ. I can't begin to put into words what my relationship with Him means to me. All I can say is that I know that My Redeemer Lives, and that He is My Reedeemer.

My favorite color is mauve. My favorite flower is the pansy. I really enjoy reading The Cat Who books. I crochet, do pottery, sew, embroider, quilt, make dolls and stuffed animals. I like to fish, and camp. I get into archery every now and then. I pack a 22 when the occassion arises.

I don't jog, climb, hike, lift weights, or do strenuous aerobics. I work out only because I need to, and I do that in the pool. I like stretching using yoga techniques. I believe in working at looking good. I don't believe that looking one's age deserves congratulations. I don't want to go quietly into that good night. I love jewelry, furs, clothes, makeup, perfume, (all things considered feminine). I don't obsess over these things, but think they are as necessary to being a woman as eating vegetables are to eating healthy. I detest going to the doctor, and adhere to "Physician heal thyself."

Prior to 1997 I ran a day care, waited tables at a truck stop, cleaned motel/hotels as well as private homes and businesses, and was employed by Kraft Foods. I raised sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, and cattle for several years. I owned and operated a floral/gift shop, along with a wholesale pottery, did free-lance graphic design, worked for an ad agency, managed a local tabloid, and marketed a craft line. I was also a distributor for Avon, Lady Venus, Amway, and Tri Chem. I taught painting, pottery and floral design classes as well.

In my church I have taught Primary, Sunday School, Teacher's training, and Family History classes. I was the music conductor for MIA, and Sunday School, Ward and MIA activities director, Stake Liason for activities, Family History Consultant, and Primary secretary,

Since 1997 I have maintained Cyberpathway, and all the other businesses associated with it.

I moved to Coquitlam, BC, Canada for a year in 1998. I rebuilt an old mobile home in 1999, and lived there until this year. I am currently sharing a home with my daughter, and grand daughter.

I have 2 favorite sloguns:

If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.
If you can't say something nice about someone, come and sit by me.