On paper I am... A published author of creative non-fiction and poetry, owner-operator of WanderlustArtStuff, corporate event planner, and food blogger.
But I really am... I am a 36-year-old native Chicagoan transplanted into the Rocky Mountains. In between purging my demons through my writing or at the corner bar, I live a very productive life as an event planner, dog mom to Gertie, partner to Paul (my better half), tribe coordinator, and creative. I like blueberry muffins but not blueberry pancakes. I drive fast but walk slowly. I love ridiculously sappy song lyrics, but am averse to reading romantic novels. I drink Coors Light in heels and Moet White Star in flip flops. I think too much and talk too little. I don't ever really say what is on my mind, but my hand can write it faster than I can think it. I choose hope over despair, always. I believe in true love, but not in other things intangible. I paint reproductions of the masters, but won't lay my brush down for a single, original stroke. I am moody, messy and seamlessly emotional, but I keep a militarily clean kitchen. My heart is cluttered with words that I'll never say, but I wear them silently on my sleeve. I believe in past lives, but not in life after death. I want you to pick me instead of her, even though I would pick him instead of you. I laugh louder than the rest of the room. Short stories over books and poetry over short stories. I crave the immediate gratification of a good, short sentence, but am myself long winded. I am pro-choice but anti-decision. I like rock over roll. Kindness over fear. Passion over plaintive. I still believe in love at first sight, even though I have never experienced it. I am overconfident in crowds, but reticent in private moments. I feel that you should choose honest moments to bare your soul, but never soul baring moments to finally be honest. And consequently, that life is yours to reel in, one hand over another, heels in the dirt, but will always, always win the tug of war.
Why did I create this site? I just returned from a month in Bali to write the first draft of my book and wanted to create a platform in which to share the wisdom I received on that trip. As a part of that discovery process, I decided to take control of my health& wellness, along with so many other areas of my life: my relationships, my career, my "brand", my financial success and happiness. As such, I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease and have recommitted to living a healthy, mindful and purposeful life.
How ? Through writing, painting, and cooking I have found I am able to heal myself - mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Writing is my soul work. Through words I connect all the dots of the universe.
Painting just feels good. Expressing the love in my heart through my art has become meditation for me.
Cooking allows me to be my best self. Food is nourishment for the body and brain and it is the fuel to do great things!