A Northwest native, I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, accustomed to rain, and have resided in the Seattle area since 1969. Fresh out of college, I was hired to teach vocal music in the Lake Washington School District, and enjoyed a 20-year career directing choirs and introducing music to thousands of young folks. In my spare time I played oboe in two community orchestras. I still enjoy presenting fine, high quality concerts with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, where I play the "A" for everyone to tune.

I took real estate training and became licensed in 1986, expecting a part-time and summer job to provide extra income, but I found I really did enjoy this new way of relating to people and helping them accomplish their goals. After a leave of absence from teaching, Realtor became the way I made a living, and it has been a different kind of rat-race, different kind of joy, and a different kind of lifestyle, being self-employed. I love the independence. A vast amount of the skills needed to be a good teacher are also necessary to be a good Realtor!

I don't have a yellow pencil in my desk. Mine have patterns, iridescent designs, logos from cities I've visited, and some are topped with spinners and birds! I value even very small things that are unique. They are a reminder to not be satisfied with being boring and ordinary. I have a cupboard full of coffee mugs that don't match; each is a handmade original, representing my favorite local potters. Each morning starts by selecting a mug that fits my mood, and affirming that I highly respect creative people! Arts and crafts fairs get scheduled on my calendar well in advance, for I love to give original handmade gifts. On my Christmas tree is the finest collection of one-of-a-kind ornaments you can imagine! Art enriches my life.

Sometimes after a long stressy period with lots going on business-wise, I feel a real need to get out into the woods or find a quiet lake to unwind and get centered. Not a power-hiker or anything, I just enjoy a tramp outdoors, taking a picnic and not the phone. It's not about trekking to the highest ridge, but about looking for fish in the stream, and how many different kinds of mushrooms can be found!

My cat is extraordinary. Most folks think that their cat is extraordinary! Mine likes to play fetch, just like a dog! Her favorite toy is the wire top that holds in the champagne cork! She loves to chase it when I throw it, and will bring it back, dropping it at my feet repeatedly! She sits on a stool in the kitchen watching the cooking processes. She begs for tastes, and especially likes romano cheese, cantaloupe, snickerdoodles, asparagus, all kinds of smoked and spicy items off the barbecue. She was just here, sitting on top of the computer monitor. To look at "Birdie" you would think she is a black cat. But rub her fur the wrong way, and it's all white underneath! Only the very tip of the hair is black. Just goes to show you that things are not always as simple as they seem.

I used to be a stamp collector. When I retire one day I'll get back to it! When not listening to classical music, jazz is my choice. I appreciate the creative energy behind it. I have a grand piano. When I retire I'll have a chance to play it! I have just completed my biggest year yet in real estate, having put more happy folks into new homes than ever before. Retirement is not in the picture any time soon! Thanks for wondering what I'm all about!