I am an artist, painting in oil, watercolors, pastels and acrylics...mostly landscapes, seascapes and animal portraits. Playing the piano, painting, photography, cooking and playing with my animals take all the daily stresses away. I have been married for 23 years to a patient, loving husband and we have 2 wonderful teenage children. I love doing charity work for local animal causes. Anything gourmet and involved...love the challenge. The best part is how I place it on a plate for it becomes a compositional painting to eat. I especially love Italian and baking breads. Could move to Italy in a second! Southern Living Cook-Off Finalist 2004. Recipe is called "Tomato Leek Bacon Tart" (Google recipe) Waited till the last day to enter and forgot about it all summer. Total shock when I was picked one of fifteen out of 40,000 entries. Did not win the 100,000.. only 2,000 and a much needed vacation for me and my husband. We were wined and dined by Southern Living for 4 days..a trip I will always cherish. Oh...there were loads! I am a mad scientist in the kitchen. Mistakes make for great learning and fun memories even if the food was not fit for even the dog!