IT’S NEW YEAR!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
it’s 2024 and
A new year is upon us!
many of us set goals for the year, choose a word that inspires us and make promises to improve our health and lifestyle. I have to admit, I have done all of these in the past and I have failed miserably at all of them. This year I will not be committing to any of these but instead, I am choosing to commit my time to growing closer in my walk with the Lord. I plan on spending more time in HIs word and praying. I have come to realize that keeping this as my “goal” this coming year is one that will fill in all the gaps of my life and keep me on track for His goals, not mine!
I’m not one to share a lot of personal information on social media. It’s just me - I know a lot of people who do and i enjoy learning more about them. For me, I am more comfortable sharing with those who share an interest in me or want to engage with me on a creative level. So today I am going to give you a closer glimpse into my world - my family, my art and my journey as a believer.
So here goes…
I was born in Concord, a suburb of Charlotte, NC. I had two older siblings. My oldest brother died early in life and Kent, my only brother now, is one of my biggest cheerleaders! He has always encouraged me, fought for me and to this day, cheers me on in all my endeavors. We share a lot of memories of family and cousins and ofter remember those times when we talk. He’s always been a great older brother!
During my high school years I came to know the Lord. This decision set the course for the rest of my life. I met my three best friends in high school and to this day, they remain my three closest friends. We all live in different places but keep in touch and are there for each other whenever needed. God truly gave me these sisters.
From the time I can remember I loved art. My mom had me in art lessons from 5 years on and I continued my love in art by completing my major in art with a BFA degree in commercial art from East CArolina Universtity. I also attended one of the art institutes after graduation to further hone my technical skills. Since graduation I worked for three major consumer product companies as a designer, art director and finally as a creative director. My focus was mainly in packaging desgin but I love all forms of artwork. In 2015 I retired and created my own art studio.
IN 1981 I MET THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, GREG AND AFTER DATING FOR JUST SIX WEEKS, WE BECAME ENGAGED AND SHORTLY AFTER MARRIED. WE JUST CELEBRATED OUR 41ST ANNIVERSARY IN OCTOBER OF 2023. WE WERE BLESSED WITH TWO SONS - BOTH WHO HAVE GROWN INTO WONDERFULLY YOUNG MEN. IN OCTOBER OF 2018, WE LOST OUR YOUNGEST SON CAMERON. HE WAS ONLY 31 YEARS OLD WHEN GOD CALLED HIM HOME. HE LEFT BEHIND THE ONLY WOMEN HE EVER DATED AND THE TRUE LOVE OF HIS LIFE, STEPHANIE AND THEIR 31/2 YEAR OLD SON, JAMESON. ONCE YOU LOOSE A CHILD, LIFE IS NEVER THE SAME. In the blink of an eye we went from a core family of four to three, our son went from being an older brother to an only child. YOUR PRIORITIES CHANGE AND THE WAY YOU APPROACH LIFE IS DAY BY DAY BECAUSE YOU KNOW HOW PRECIOUS IT IS AND how quickly it CAN BE LOST .
OUR OLDEST SON, ROB, IS A CPA AND A PASTOR IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. He too MARRIED the love of his life, a BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL lady named ERIN. THEY SHARE FOUR CHILDREN - a beautiful girl, NORA (8) IDENTICAL TWIN boys COHEN AND ETHAN (6) AND A VERY VIVACIOUS LITTLE GIRL, EVANGELENE (4). WE HAVE 5 GRANDCHILDREN in TOTAL AND LOVE EVERY MINUTE WE get TO SPEND TIME WITH THEM.
I am sure you have more things to do so I will end this part my story here! chapter two will be posted next week. Don’t worry, I’m not writing my life story - just a few more paragraphs and we will be on to more exciting content!
I wish you all a happy new year and blessings for whatever 2024 holds!
and Remember - stay teachable!