Are you familiar with the term “Valley Girl”? Well, I’m one of them. Born in 1950 and raised in the San Fernando Valley in southern California, my Italian ancestors were pioneers in the olive industry. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of playing street football with my all male cousins and surf fishing with my dad. Instead of college, I opted for a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Loved that job! Evenings and weekends I would go flying over the valley in a Piper Cherokee. Good times! But my main goal in life was to get married and have kids….we’re talking the early 70’s here. Found the husband and we ended up moving north to Gilroy. Daughter and son came along and I just had to paint murals on their bedroom walls.  That resulted in several side jobs and enabled me to be creative while still a “stay at home mom.” I took almost every art class offered at the community college. Also learned to etch glass along the way, creating various artistic designs on small pieces, residential doors, windows, cabinets, wine cellars, shower doors and many types of commercial jobs. Of course a divorce is part of my story. Worked in real estate for 10 years, went to night school and obtained a paralegal certificate. Acted in community theater for a few years, along with my kids. Brief marriage, second divorce. While working in a law firm in San Jose, I realized that I had a knack for planning themed parties for fellow workers. So after the firm closed in 2000, I started an event planning business. This led to certificates in floral design and balloon art. I even wrote a book, “Flowers Made Simple”. Cut to the present, I’ve been with my partner Brad for over 30 years. We recently moved to Eagle, Idaho and we love it! Now my days are spent walking the Boise River Greenbelt, drawing wildlife, getting acrylic paint all over myself and everything around me, crocheting for charity and watching football from August to February. I’m loving life and for that I’m most grateful!