Hi! I've been an extremely creative and crafty artist since childhood! Likewise, an amateur photographer who took tens of 1000s of pictures before smartphones invented! Currently, my main focus on crafting is creating junk journals/memory books. They are meant to be explored, written in, doodled in, a place to log events and/or place pictures of moments in time. It can be a diary, a planner, an art journal, an inspiration
place. It can be a place to explore and tell your personal story! The possibilities are endless and you choose its destiny. There are no rules!

I've battled 4 mental health challenges for 30yrs+! I was first diagnosed in college, where I attended therapy for the first time. My mental health journey to healing has included having case managers, psychiatrists, therapists, group therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, ARMHS workers, peer specialist, personal care assistants, psychiatric medicines, being hospitalized, and being in 1 intensive residential treatment facility. Despite being SMURTED by state of Minnesota several times, my battle for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income is stuck in what seems like an endless battle!

I volunteered at NAMI-Minnesota for approximately 12 years! This included taking part in many NAMIWalks-MN, which I helped to document via tons of pictures and video clips. I also helped to put the walkers' Tree of Hope leaves into binders, to preserve them!

I also volunteered at the Minnesota Poor People's Campaign for approximately 4-5yrs. I served as one of the tri-chairs, as a person with lived experience (then and now) of being forced to live in poverty. On June 18, 2022, I took part in the Mass Poor Peoples and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls in Washington, DC. I shared my personal story (including battling 4 mental health challenges) in front of approximately 90,000-100,000 people, gathered to make massive change in our society! Watch my 2 minute speech via https://www.youtube.com/live/cRdVAwPpA20 - It's at approximately the 3 hour, 29 minute mark!

I've battled 4 mental health challenges for 30yrs+! I was first diagnosed in college, where I attended therapy for the first time. My mental health journey to healing has included having case managers, psychiatrists, therapists, group therapy, ARMHS workers, personal care assistants, psychiatric medicines, and being hospitalized. Despite being SMURTED by state of Minnesota several times, and numerous other documented reasons, my battle for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income continues!


In 2024, I took part in my 1st Artshow and Sale! I had 5 mixed media entries, which included 2 junk journals/memory books, and cookie tin shadow boxes. Grateful to say that 2 of those cookie tin shadow boxes sold! Thanks to the 2 people who bought them! Appreciated! At this year's event, I am honored to have my junk journals/memory books displayed at the tables where guests and fellow artists can sit down and look through them! This year's theme is "Tell your story!" Junk journals/memory books are the perfect way in which to "tell your story" by unleashing your creativity and imagination in numerous ways! Thank you Tessa, Artability, and People Incorporated for this great honor! Also, thank you in advance to those who will purchase any of my junk journals! Thank you!

P.S. For those who battle cat allergies, please be advised my junk journals/memory books were created in a very cat-friendly home--Thanks Charlie!