Let me tell you about myself. I was born in Chicago and received my B.A. in American Studies there at Roosevelt University in 1977. I have lived in Southern California since 1984. I have a husband, two married children, and five grandchildren. After retiring from years of teaching in the Los Angeles Public Schools, I found the time to pursue my interest in art and fashion, exploring various media until I developed a special fascination with the arts of lampworking (hot glass bead making) and jewelry design. I then perfected my skill by studying with experts in lampworking and jewelry design at various art studios in Southern California.