Stories matter. Since I was a small child, I've taken my vivid imagination and turned those ideas into stories. I can recall coming up with new lyrics to melodies at the age of five, and writing short stories before the age of 10.

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One of the main sources of my stories is my mother. Sadly, she's not here to tell them anymore, but I spent years secretly recording her and documenting her vivid memories. I'm a first generation American. She and my father immigrated from Germany in the early 1950s. Before then, my mother grew up in Nazi Germany. All those stories have been crafted into a novel about her life...

Waltraud — A True Story of Growing Up in Nazi Germany

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Before writing my latest book, I wrote A Perennial Life — Finding Purpose in Every Season. It is a memoir of my own life. Like many, my childhood was peppered with painful struggles and, in my young adult life, I battled a life-threatening eating disorder that almost ruined me, my marriage, and my faith.

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After a long journey of healing, I found solace in composing heart-gripping stories, songs, and anecdotal life lessons that offer hope, healing, and a bit of humor to others who are on their own paths toward healing. I like to think I have a knack for finding meaning and significance in the everyday situations of life, especially through nature.

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Perhaps that's because I have an insatiable appetite for gardening. It borders on obsession, really, and I enjoy sharing horticultural wisdom as I stroll through my yard with friends, (but you’ll have a hard time getting me to share my hostas). Seriously, I have a problem... and the only cure is more hostas.

 

The love of nature and gardening stems from my mother's influence. I blame her.

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I'm deeply in love with my husband, Paul, and as we approach 35 years of marriage, we've fallen into a delightful yet unassuming routine of exploring the deep north woods, going for drives along country roads, and taking long Sunday afternoon naps — not necessarily in that order.

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In my former life, I performed original music throughout my home state of Wisconsin, but you'll still find me humming tunes while pulling weeds. Professionally, I've helped others write and tell their own stories through various articles, books, and blogs. Now, it's my turn.

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AVAILABLE TO SPEAK FOR:
Book Signings | Readings | Book Clubs | Conferences | Festivals

Church Events | Women’s Retreats

Garden Parties | Garden Clubs

 

*Nonreligious or faith-based presentations are available to accommodate your needs.