Welcome to My Journey with Nature, Stories, and Family
My parents gave me two gifts for which I am deeply grateful. They provided me ample access to good books. Second, my mother sent the whole “kit and caboodle,” as she called us, outdoors for long periods of time. I and my siblings were allowed to roam the woods and fields at will, often only checking back for dinner.
A Life Shaped by Nature and Stories
As I grew older, my love for nature and books only deepened. I spent countless hours wandering through the woods, often with a book tucked under my arm, dreaming of one day sharing these passions with the world. That dream led me down a path filled with adventures, from becoming a professional storyteller to founding educational programs and nonprofits focused on story-based learning.
My Journey as a Storyteller and Educator
With two master’s degrees—one in literature and the other in leadership—and certification in Natural Health, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge and experience. My early career saw me as a professional storyteller, captivating audiences across the country. Later, I channeled my love for stories and learning into creating Living Books Curriculum, a story-based educational program for homeschooling families, and co-founding Worldwide Educational Resources, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing education to children in West Africa.
Family and the Great Outdoors
My husband, Jim, and I spent many wonderful years tending to twenty wooded acres in Michigan, where we cared for horses, alpacas, hiked through the woods, and kayaked the streams that surrounded our home. These experiences deepened my connection to the natural world and fueled my passion for organic gardening, which I now share through my writing.
Family is at the heart of everything I do. I’m blessed with a wonderful daughter, Bridget, and two amazing stepdaughters, Lynnly and Alicia. Spending time with them and my grandchildren is one of life’s greatest joys. There’s nothing like hearing “It’s Nana!” echoing through the house to warm my heart.
A Lifelong Love of Learning
I’ve always been curious about what others are reading, often asking new acquaintances, “What do you like to read?” It’s a question that reveals so much about a person and leads to rich conversations. My own reading has been shaped by great thinkers like Epictetus, Jean Houston, Michael Hague, Buckminster Fuller, Charlotte Mason, Russell Kirk, George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis. Their wisdom has guided my journey and continues to inspire my work.
A Passion for Writing and Sharing
Today, in what I like to call my “third act,” I’ve embraced the roles of writer and publisher. I’m thrilled to share my love for organic gardening, storytelling, and education through my books, including:
- Organic Raised Bed Gardening: Seven Easy Steps to a Sustainable, Low-Stress, and Chemical-Free Backyard Harvest of Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers (Living Books Press)
- Alpaca Therapy: Help for Anxiety, Autism, PTSD, Depression, and Isolation (Living Books Press)
- Aesop Fables with Scripture References (Living Books Press, editor)
- Storytelling: A Creative Teaching Strategy (Living Books Press)
- Putting the World In A Nutshell: The Art of the Formula Tale (H.W. Wilson)
- The Extraordinary Cat and Other Stories (Audio)
- Stories of the Long Christmas (Audio)
Let’s Connect and Grow Together
It’s been quite the journey, and I’m excited to continue it with you. Whether you’re here for gardening tips, educational insights, or just to share a love of stories, I’m glad you’ve found your way to my little corner of the web. Let’s explore, learn, and grow together!