Before I was affected by this condition, I was under the misguided impression that having artistic ability meant solely having the ability to draw or paint. However, I now realize that artistic talent encompasses so much more - which is evidenced by the beautiful and varied creations featured by Etsy's artisans. My condition has also come with the silver lining of having more time to spend with family and friends and for new endeavors, like this one.

Unable to work outside the home anymore, Etsy has allowed me to feel productive and create and sell when I'm feeling my best and to rest when I'm feeling my worst. Etsy teams also help me stay in the loop and make new friends.

I also have a great love of flowers and plants. While I have recently had to cut down quite a bit on my backyard gardening, I still enjoy it on a smaller scale - the small garden in the front of the house, potted plants on the back deck, and houseplants. African violets in a variety of colors grace my jewelry work room. Many of my jewelry pieces tend to be floral themed or at least floral colors. I am enthralled by the way different flower colors blend with green leaves.

A very meaningful quote for me is: "Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you do not have the strength."