Art, writing, nature, and animals are really my influences. I was drawing and writing from a really early age. I was told my dad used to read to me from the time I was born, the whole book...yeah, even the title, publishing info, copyright, etc! My mom and dad were both creative people. I see words and books as mini worlds. A place to visit for a short vacation. I used to go through sometimes 2-3 books a day! As a kid, books were my drugs, books, art and writing. I also got lucky in the best friend department. I found my best friend (and we are still best friends) in the 7th grade. She was also geeky, loved cats, reading, writing and drawing. I would also say that my Aunt Oral was a huge positive influence in my life. There was never a more loving big hearted person who gave without expecting anything in return. Although I did not get how special she was when I was younger I certainly do now. She was a teacher as well as a Sunday School teacher so I had even more influence regarding books and reading through her. So here I am, the (almost) crazy cat lady and I finally am doing what I have always wanted to do. Write books and create illustrations and designs. I only have 4 cats. I also have a saint of a husband who put up with me and loved me till I figured out what I truly wanted to do with my life!