June, 2017: Hello. It's time to edit my profile, however I decided to leave the previous one below as a reminder (to me) of where I've been.

I am a former business owner, farmer, writer, blogger, life-long learner, and critical thinker. A couple years ago I realized a lifelong dream of li Read more...

June, 2017: Hello. It's time to edit my profile, however I decided to leave the previous one below as a reminder (to me) of where I've been.

I am a former business owner, farmer, writer, blogger, life-long learner, and critical thinker. A couple years ago I realized a lifelong dream of living on a farm. When I say 'lifelong' I mean that literally. For as long as I can remember it's been a deep driving dream. It's amazing, it's incredible, it's sometimes hard living one's dream. I've learned that just because we realize one dream it's a good idea to keep dreaming as long as we live on this planet. 

I live in rural Michigan with my husband, a Border Collie named Rika, two horses, two cats, and a bunch of hens. As a side-note:  My poor husband is the only male on the farm. 

My blog is called The Other Side of Denial.

Lastly, I started blipping so long ago I am a founding member, didn't miss a day for a number of years, got to know many incredible humans here. Then I stopped. I'm sorry I stopped.

January, 2011: I'm an artisan soapmaker and I run a micro-business called Big Fat Soap. I'd call myself CEO but that makes it sound like I sit at a big desk telling others what to do. Product development, chemist, manufacturing, marketing, sales, inventory, shipping & receiving, accounting, and janitorial - it's all me. I started this business in the midst of the biggest global recession ever, because doggonit, people will always need soap. And there's nothing better than handcrafted soap. Trust me on this, I'm the CEO.

I also keep a small flock of backyard hens and they bring me huge amounts of pleasure every day. I've recently become caregiver of my 85 year old dad and there are many challenges and blessings to behold in my life because of it.

My previous bio said this:

Sometimes I don't know who I am or what I'm about. I think that might be why I want to record a bit of my life in pictures and words. Maybe after 365 or 600 or 700 blips, I will have a record of my life. Perhaps enough to understand. I've already discovered: I know nothing about photography. I take myself way too seriously. I have a lot to be grateful for, and I should mention at least one of those things daily. I need to paint more.

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I left the above because it reminds me how far I've come since I started blipping in January, 2009 and how far I still need to go. Still need to paint more and learn to play piano.

December 16, 2009 Edit:

Eventually I discovered for myself the utterly simple prescription for creativity: be intensely yourself. Don't try to be outstanding; don't try to be a success; don't try to do pictures for others to look at--just please yourself. ~ Ralph Steiner