About Me -- Under Construction

Hi there - it's so nice to meet you! Here are some fun facts about me:

• I grew up in the US and in Europe. My exposure to a medley of cultures, languages and locations left me cosmopolitan and open-minded - ready for new opportunities and experiences.
• Books have been a constant in my life. I taught myself to read before the age of four and I haven't stopped since.
• Words, and language have always been important in my life. Currently I'm learning Spanish, but have studied French for many years, know a little German and Dutch. I hope to renew my study of the latter three this year.
• I learned to drive on a stickshift in the great city of New Orleans. The resultant decision-making skills I picked up used to make my father nervous, but I have a perpetually clean driving record with no tickets or accidents.
• I have no formal art training unless you count elementary school or the summer cartooning class I took once. However, I'm passionate about art, especially the modern art world. Leonardo Drew, Theaster Gates, Yayoi Kusama, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Doris Salcedo, Nick Cave, Richard Long, Amy Sherald, Vincent VanGogh, Henri Matisse and René Magritte are some of the artists I love.
• I have always loved writing. I am working on building a collection of short stories and finally finishing up a long-term novel project. I have taken writers' workshops but have not published recently. Working on that, now that I can...
• I worked in an independent bookstore for almost decade. I've met many well-known (and lesser known) authors, publishers and artists. I have scheduled events for all sorts of people, from local writers to nationally recognized politicians, to children's book artists. I'm well-versed at organizing events and their resultant media and ordering needs. I've even rented professional-grade costumes - Pete the Cat was my favorite!!
• I'm a Survivor. I'm stronger for all that I've experienced and overcome. I've not met a challenge I couldn't meet and defeat.