ABOUT ME

(About Us)

It still feels all too surreal. I've always wanted to write a book—always. Realistically, though, the odds were not in my favor. Let's just say I'm great at starting things but not so great at finishing—partly due to my ADHD and definitely due to my dyslexia. That day in the hospital ICU, when I first decided I needed to tell this story, something clicked inside me, and not finishing this book was never an option. 

I grew up in a Swiss Chalet A-Frame nestled in the woods of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where I spent my childhood wandering through fields and forests and wading through streams with my German Shepherd. My mom was an artist and participated in art shows many weekends, where I gained my lifelong love of creating, whether it was painting, sketching photography, or hand-lettering. Journaling was a mixture of art and creative writing and quickly became my favorite pastime. Not to mention, it was highly therapeutic! Little did I know it would come in handy for guiding me through this process of writing a memoir. 

Ted and I have been married for 21 years, which is hard to believe. It's been one crazy whirlwind of a life together. We now have two teenagers: Nick is in high school, and Riley is in middle school. There was a period when I was sure I'd never be a mom, which almost broke me. Fortunately, we decided to adopt early on, but apparently that was the easy part. Adoption is not for the faint of heart—or the impatient. But it was all completely worth the wait, and I can wholeheartedly say I was meant to be their mom. 

We moved to State College, Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University (We Are…!) when the kids were six and three. We love the outdoors, camping, and campfires under the stars. Put me in a hammock with a good book, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine, and I'm in heaven–or fast asleep. Riley and I love to take our paddle boards to one of the local lakes and drift around. Our family also includes two fur babies, a 10-year-old Havanese and our new addition, a scrappy and energetic Havapoo. 

I am a sucker for pens and Post-its, and I own one too many lamps. Lighting is everything! Psychology and sociology fascinate me, and I'm embarrassed to admit how many self-help books I've read. I could cut out anything except coffee. If I had to pick out my favorite tree, it would be any pine tree. I need alone time like I need air, and I'd rather text than make a phone call. Sorry. 

Our life is full, and our faith, along with our connection to our congregation and volunteer work, is a big part of it. I know I'm not perfect, and I probably frustrate God more often than not, but when I shut up and listen, I know he always has my best interest. I'll never regret following his guidance.