I am living a new chapter! After having raised three children as a single mom, building a career, and spending years caring for my elderly parents I am rediscovering myself. I wanted a way to enjoy the beauty of nature, so at 70 years of age I treated myself to a real camera and started taking photos of nature. At the same time, a pair of eagles moved into the neighborhood and decided to make their nest just 200 steps from my home! For the five years they nested here I documented their nest-building, hatching eggs, fledgings and shenanigans. What a joy!
Oh, and I had always wanted to be a librarian. So why not? I started a Little Free Library! Filling it with books, watching little ones stop by pushed by moms in strollers, middle schoolers looking for a summer read, adults wanting a vicarious adventure. I am a librarian!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my generous, big-hearted, tidy, task-oriented, mail getter, garbage manager on-time husband for 17 years. He keeps track of my phone, glasses, and paperwork and the other stuff I neglect while I am involved in more interesting pursuits. I have three amazing adult children and nine delightful grandchildren ages 11-28. My daughters and their families live in the area, but my son lives on the lovely island of Maui with his family.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
We moved to Big Lake in 2012.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I spent my career with large financial institutions in the cities providing marketing and sourcing services.
Q: What is something about you that surprises people?
My first daughter was born in 1974 while I was a student at the U of MN and I was the first woman to deliver a baby using a midwife in a hospital in MN. It was even recorded and used on WCCO radio on Christmas Eve 1974.
Q: What is your go-to comfort food?
Pizza
Q: What is one thing your Dream House would have?
My dream house would be a little cottage with a yard filled with flower gardens that welcome butterflies and bees, and trees that make room for birds nesting and singing. It would be set on a lake with loons calling, gorgeous sunsets, the night stars twinkling, and where the Aurora Borealis decides to dance now and then. I live in my dream house! And I wake up each day with a heart full of gratitude.
Q: What is one thing on your Bucket List?
Seeing and photographing a meadowlark at the Sherburne National Wildflife Refuge
Q: What has been a challenge you’ve had to overcome? (Life, work, school, etc.)
Raising three children as a single mom in the 1980’s. There were no services for kids – no before or after-school care and no family-friendly workplace policies. It was a real stigma being a ‘broken family’. Smiles from cashiers when I was deciding what items to put back to afford my weekly groceries, kind words from utility workers when I was making calls about gas being turned off, saved me! WE made it with grit, God’s grace, and each other.
Q: Who has been a hero, mentor, major influence in your life?
My WWII Navy Veteran Dad! He always showed up for his family, friends, neighbors, community, church and strangers. Until he was 90 years old he volunteered at the VA in Minneapolis. He loved nature and took us on camping trips, canoing in the Boundary Waters and other outside adventures before it was cool! My first lesson learned from him. “Leave any place you visit better and cleaner than you found it.”
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
Raising three children who are amazing parents, generous, kind-hearted, hard-working and treat me with love and gratitude. I am humbled.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Travel! My husband and I spend much of our time on travel adventures! We love road trips and have been all over the US. Last winter we traveled the East coast from Virginia to Florida for two months. I hit every wildlife area along the way and photographed over 30 first-time bird sightings! We have enjoyed European river cruises, and annual trips to Maui to spend with my son and family.
Q: What are some of your favorite Big Lake Establishments? (Restaurants, shops, businesses, etc.)
The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Cafe for their delicious breakfasts, The Farmers Market, Music in the Park, The BL Community Photo Contest, and Old Silo Flower Farm. I visit there at least weekly during the summer!
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
My neighborhood! We have a wonderful, warm, inviting spirit among us. Smiles, hellos, help if needed, even running a couple of houses over for a cup of sugar.
