I was born in Independence at The Sanitarium June 29, 1947. I was raised in Kansas City, KS. I graduated from Washington High School in 1965 and attended Graceland College 1965-66, and Wichita State University, 1966-67. I have been a resident of Independence since 1967. I enjoyed a 31 year art career with Hallmark Cards. I retired early to stay home with my children, Jenna and Winn, who we adopted from China in 1998 and 2001.