I am a self taught mixed media "message" artist who loves words, quotes, affirmations, statements and messages for women. Sometimes women forget just how phenomenal they really are and it gives me great pleasure to have someone pick up one of my word collages, read what's there and then nod their head and smile. My purpose has been met when that happens. They got it! My "notes to self" are four to five word gentle reminders that are small enough to be tucked in a wallet or hang from the rear view mirror. Again, these messages are straightforward and to the point as in "get a life…now!"I love to play with paper, paint, cardboard, raw canvas, ribbon, muslin, ink, crayons, and everything in between. I especially like hearts and re-purposing stuff that's headed for the recycle bin. I rarely stay in the lines and absolutely believe in "embracing imperfection." Many of my pieces have a vintagey feel with distressed edges, old type styles, torn paper, vintage buttons, lace and more. Whatever happens is always a good thing and all my pieces are signed with my trademark, "it's all good."Growing up on Winifred Street in Southwestern Minnesota, I watched my mom be very creative from sewing clothes for ten kids and four Barbie dolls to feeding a family of 12 with a pound of hamburger and whatever was in the garden. Luckily for me I don't have to do that, but many of the good things I saw her do I remembered and that's a good thing.