I'm a married mother of two teenaged daughters, and an artist and amateur photographer. I also garden, though I don't love pulling weeds! I show my art online and in gallery shows, and hope to start showing photography soon. I'm also a Walt Disney World freak. Although my passion is baking, I love making soups more than anything else. There's something about adding ingredients one by one, stirring, stopping to inhale the aroma and taste the progress, that makes it a peaceful and highly enjoyable process. I've come to appreciate my mom's cooking, after visiting the last few times and watching her. As good as I think I am, I think she's a lot better. She may not be into 'gourmet' as I am, but she's got it all down pat. So, the tradition would be "watch and learn". Winning "Best in Show" in 2001 for my decorated cake at the state fair; winning First Place in the "Wow Pork Now" contest in 2005; winning First Place in the Pillsbury Pie Crust Championship in 2006 (after three tries!); all my baking ribbons, whether first, second or third place; cooking on live local t.v. and not losing my mind. Making foods that my daughters truly love. Oh, my God, I don't have enough space. For every triumph, there are three disasters!!!