From a young age,
I always knew I was different; good different. I knew it was my destiny to make a meaningful impact in the world. I am still creating what that is each and every day, but my photography is one expression of that drive.
I grew up in rural upstate New York, in the Finger Lakes Region,
attended college at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. NY and PA can be very beautiful 3 months out of the year, but since I hate the cold and lack of sunshine, I now split my time between Arizona and Mexico. My folks raised me as the typical rural upstate NY kid: naked, grounded and listening to sixties folk and rock music: Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Beatles and Jethro Tull are still among my favorites. The place I grew up, the people I knew and the music I absorbed helped shape me into the person I am today, and continue to influence my art and life.
What else is there to tell? Well, I like long walks on the beach, relaxing dinners and some good Barry White (kidding sicko, plus I’m taken!)
I play acoustic rhythm guitar and consider myself a better songwriter and singer than guitarist. My music is a source of strength, healing, celebration and laughter. I love photography, particularly of people, seeing their essence and spirit through the lens. I am an active individual, spending my time practicing Bikram Yoga, hiking and bicycling. Basically, I have trouble sitting still and am constantly immersed in one project or another. Mostly, I enjoy hanging out on my own, listening to tunes, creating things and thinking of my next big idea.
I spend a lot of time with my dogs (a.k.a. "my girls"). They are great companions. I like to just sit and observe them, cuddle with them and make up languages based on their barks (bork, rarf, snarf, etc.). You'd be surprised how much you can learn from a dog (give me a break; I have no kids yet.) If you want to know more than that, I guess you'll just have to move to Arizona and start hanging out with me (no stalkers welcome, my boyfriend owns a Smith & Wesson .357 magnum, though I hate guns).
My proudest achievements include:} Writing my first book in 4 days:
www.youcantgethere.com} Graduating second in my high school class while being a punk-ass
} Graduating with honors from Carnegie Melon University
} Kicking through a 2x4 in Tae Kwon Do
} Completing a 100-Mile charity bike ride on a torn knee
} Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim alone in one day
} The look of appreciation and love on people’s faces every time I give them a homemade gift or photo of their children
} Having the courage to follow my dreams and just jump with my own business:
www.shiftingthedrift.comStill to be accomplished:} Bicycle across the United States
} Give my parents back more than they have given me
} Hike the Appalachian Trail with my brother
} Visit a country other than the US, Canada or Mexico
} Drive the entire Mexican coast and boat the Sea of Cortez
} More books: I originally had over 20 chapters for my first book, and come up with more exciting topics on a near daily basis in conversations with colleagues. My vision is to release at least two more versions in the series, one of which I hope to include featured guest writers; contributions from other experts within the Internet industry. Plus, then I can cover new topics that come up since the industry changes like the seasons.
To learn more about me, or request that I speak at an event, reach me online at
shiftingthedrift.com.
