I took up painting during a time in my life when I needed a friend close by. We had moved out west and I had 4 kids under 10 years old. Painting became a trusted friend; I could turn to my paints and brushes at any hour of the day and they’d be there faithfully waiting for me to take a little road trip and see where the journey would take me. With paint and brushes I managed to brighten my spirit and uplift those of  people I gave my paintings to. I still paint now and then. Now, I’m busier with teaching and writing but I’ll never turn my back on painting-my still trusted friend.