I have the great good fortune to work creatively on both large and small objects.  The large object is a trail that is 1-1/2 miles long; the jewelry pieces are their own tiny worlds.
 

Click on any of the photos to enlarge.

     For the past twenty-two years I have led a group of volunteers that develops trails and points of interest along the rivers in our county.  This year we started managing our prairie areas with fire.  Also this year we were  awarded two new grants totaling $1,150,000.00 for extending the project.  To learn more about Little Turtle Waterway's "Best New Park" award, click here.    For our newsletter, click here and look under "news". 

     The photo on the left is at the Plaza, the beautiful trailhead park for the trail system.  That's Jim by the stroller.  The photo on the right is our new trail as it looks now after many hours of volunteer work.  It adds almost a mile to the system.  Later this summer we will put down stone.

       Building Little Turtle Waterway is a public endeavor, involving  public speaking, keeping stakeholders up to date, communicating with contractors and coordinating volunteers.  It is a wonderful experience, and the relationships that have come out of this work are very dear to me.

     Jewelry-making is the other side of the coin.  It's a job for a person who enjoys being alone.  It is long trial and error, meticulous record-keeping, and quiet thought.  That's where the "composed" part of the name of my business comes from; not only is the finished piece a composition, but I have to have a quiet heart in order to do this work.
     But in the end it still comes down to relationships between people.  After all, if something I have made does not communicate, it is not successful.  It is  an honor when another person connects with the work so much that they want to wear it or give it to someone who is important to them.

      Jim and I live in the old part of Logansport, an Indiana town that grew up at the confluence of the Eel and Wabash Rivers.  If you come to visit my studio, this is the house you will be looking for.  Come in the back way and park by the stop sign in the alley and twist the bell on the back door.  Just phone ahead to make sure I haven't gone for a walk.

     Our three generous, talented children are grown.  We are working fools, but we do enjoy visiting with friends and family.  We also enjoy hiking, and consider alpine meadows to be heaven.  The picture Jim took of me, below, is on a favorite hike in  the Rocky Mountains.

     The last three photos are from Zion and Bryce National Parks.  Jim and I got to do some walking there after exhibiting at the American Craft Retailers Exposition last year. 

     Click on any photo to enlarge. 

     Thanks for exploring my website.  Have a beautiful day.