I was a dreamy child, often lost in daydreams. I read books, lots of books. I discovered “Mary Poppins" and the dog stories of Albert Payson Terhune. I also loved movies. As an elementary school student, living in Denver, I spent many Saturdays going to movie musicals at the local theater. I fell in love with Doris Day and Fred Astaire (Who wouldn’t?). In school, in Boulder, Colorado, I sang in the choir and was a twirler in the marching band. I love music, but books have always been my most cherished companion. I learned about life and love, right and wrong, and all the complexities of my world.

At the age of 30, I went back to school in Corvallis, Oregon, transferring six hours from University of Colorado to Oregon State University. For 13 years I attended classes, while I raised my three children. I loved almost every minute of it. I wrote book reviews for the public library and edited The Benton County Newsletter (now "Lumina").

Before graduating with a BA in English and Writing, I began to teach aerobic dance classes. and soon earned my Personal Trainer Certification. At one time or another I taught every type of class at our fitness club, except Yoga. I also wrote a fitness column in the Corvallis Gazette-Times.