In 2006, when chronic illness reared its ugly head in our lives, I had two choices: embrace the new reality and recreate a new way of life, or wallow in self pity, isolation, and depression. While it’s true that I lost a lot after getting sick, I actually realized I’d gained something as well. The artistic side of me, once lost amidst the busyness of life, was resurrected. The creative energy I thrived on as a child resurfaced. The storyteller in me started to spill words over blank pages of journals once again, ultimately leading to the book you hold in your hands. Because suffering slowed me down it gave me a chance to take notice of and embrace the smaller, simpler things in life that I’d lost sight of with age and a packed schedule.

Art and writing are how I unleash my emotions and thanks to my amazing father-in-law and husband, who turned an in-law suite in our home into my very own at home “wonderland”, I have a happy place to surrender my imagination and emotions. Beauty can still be created in the midst of hard things. Joy is possible right where you are. Make your space a happy place, whatever that means for you and remember this- “There’s one thing [pain] can’t do. [It] can’t order [you] to stop dreaming.” -Cinderella