Acknowledgments Pausing to consider and recognize all inspiration through time, tribulation, and triumph, and startled to find myself in a position to honor those influences, I knew this would be a tome of indebtedness. From those that encouraged and gave me belief to those that dismissed my art, inversely blessing me with determination, I must apologize for not saluting you all individually, as my publisher has promised to play me off the stage in an Oscar-type manner before the end of the book. But you know who you are and I know you’re out there. I can hear you reading. Thank you. Thank you.

Then there are those who I must pay printed homage to, out of a pure appreciation for allowing my creativity to escape, and those who I will continue to be dependant on for birthday gifts and holiday cards.

To my soulmate, and best friend, Rob. Your love, creative vision, gentle support, laughter, and wisdom will always give me just what I need, at just the right time. It’s really true . . . you do make things magically appear. Isn’t this fun!

My beautiful children, Carly and David . . . while there is no way to express what it meant to me, bringing the two of you into this experience, you both know how very much I love you. I wanted to thank you for the joy and amazement that you have always brought into my life. It was really fun growing up with you. Are we there yet?

Special thanks to my mom Beetsie for always going crazy over my artwork.

Miss Alice, words can’t describe what a blessing it is to have you call me your friend.

Arcata or Bust!

My lovely friend Mindy, thank you for always being the one really true friend and the other half of the “Dumpster Diving Diva Duo.”

My heartfelt thanks to Jenna Eileen Barsness, for her enthusiasm, information, suggestions, and wry humor in the editing of this project.

To my girl Karen, for riding the colorfully wild side of life with me. Arms up, everybody!

And finally, to the little blessings in my life . . . kisses to Tyler, Jason, Raquelle, Luke, Tyler, and Jacob . . . for their creative, funny, pure unbridled imagination that will continue timelessly to be the very core my own discovery and the ability to live it each and every day.