My Journey 

Seeing the world firsthand, I discovered that embracing the essence of culture, nature and people through imagery is something I never experienced as a child.  My father’s ministry and my mother’s vocal talent absorbed my life beyond my schoolwork.  From the young age of six I expressed myself through playing the piano, pipe organ, and eventually conducting choirs. Later, serving through vocal soloist performances at prestigious ceremonies was my focus until I discovered the world outside of the United States during my naval career.  Seeing windswept beaches, majestic forests, and cityscapes bustling with life around the world, enlivened my desire to capture those locations which were not a part of my life growing up. 

 

Using disposable cameras, I sought to capture memories to share with others in the future.  Then twenty-five years ago, I was given a family gift of a photo tour for my Navy retirement to the Loire Valley in France using my first SLR camera. I will never forget this unique and inspirational experience. However, I have since lost the images during a computer upgrade (Ouch!).

 

Once I retired from professional life, as fate would have it, I was wrapped into medical disability.  I struggled to express my thoughts and dreams with words due to intractable hiccups and could no longer sing professionally, which has been heartbreaking since singing had been so significant in my life up until my illness.  After searching different medical options, I rediscovered my camera to express my dreams, pain, joy and love to others. Photography has become my means of expression since prolonged talking and singing exacerbated my health condition.