I would never have thought I'd one day call myself an artist. I mean, I've always been intrigued by art, and wished I could draw. And when I'd visit art museums and see the "art," I would think, "I could do that!" Or, "If someone showed me how to do that, I bet I could." Or, sometimes, "How is that art?" But, I didn't really put in the effort to challenge myself to do anything with that intrigue.

However, one day in my early 30's, I was just playing with some watercolors with my boys, and the outcome of our play became our first art sales on eBay. It was just color on paper. I couldn't define a theme or scheme or category or style. Just color. But, it sold. And thus began the challenge to see what else I could do.

My neighbor started asking for custom items for her home. She got my first bra and boxer set (I've painted over 100 since then) and laundry room set. My ex-husband's boss's wife asked for a portrait of 5 grandkids. My first ever! I bought a book to show me the tricks of the trade, and it turned out well. It still surprises me! People who found me on eBay began asking for things I had never painted before. That's where Max and his animals came from, and the airplanes. I also got the privilege of illustrating a book for someone who found me online. And then someone told me about Etsy, and I moved most of my online business here to accommodate a market more eager for handmade art.

So, several years later, with art now all over the world, I still have a hard time calling myself an artist. I don't feel like I really know what I'm doing. And If I hadn't kept a digital image of all my artwork, I'd never believe I had really done it. How can you be over 30 and just discover this talent? I think that may be what makes it even more fun!

My real day job is coaching people through healing from emotionally abusive and narcissistic relationships. With a master's degree in professional counseling, I'm a relationship coach who uses my story to bring hope to the untold stories of abuse and pain in the marriages/relationships God brings across my path. My art is my therapy.