Auburn Connection:
I've lived in Auburn for 30 years and consider it my hometown. My family came to Auburn in the summer of 1984 when my dad received military orders to work at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Opelika. Auburn was my first experience of the deep south. I remember it was a hot July, and everywhere we went everyone would smile and say 'Hey.' We were amazed by the super friendliness of this town. My parents decided to build a house and raise their three girls in Auburn. When my dad got his next military orders, he decided to retire so that our family could stay together and live here. My sisters and I went through Auburn City Schools and graduated from Auburn University.

I met my husband, Terry, an alumnus of Auburn University and a 'hometown boy' as well. We got married at the University Chapel. We have two children, JT and Grace, and two beagles, Jack and Rose.

Inspiration:
The Zentangle method of pattern drawing inspires my creativity. I love creating these black and white abstract art tiles called Zentangles, which are composed of different patterns or 'tangles' drawn with a fine-nib black pen within a free form, lightly penciled border. I enjoy learning the different tangles. Each tangle has 'step outs' that explain how to draw them. Intricate patterns and interesting shapes appear and the pencil marks disappear. The final outcome of the abstract art can look complicated, but the original tangle(s) can be found within. The Zentangle method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. I definitely recommend checking out this cool meditative art form at zentangle.com. I also find listening to classical music and pretending I'm at the beach helps my creative thought process.

Philosophy on Life:
'Keep a positive attitude no matter what life throws at you,' is my philosophy on life. Staying positive through difficult times builds character and makes one stronger. I love the quote spoken by Olympia Dukakis' character Clairee Belcher in the movie Steel Magnolias (1989) when she says, 'That which does not kill us makes us stronger.'

I also find the endless array of 'life is too short' quotes to be humorous and good reminders to make the most of each day. One should enjoy life, especially with the ones that matter most, our family and friends.