About Me
Who Is This Woman, Anyway?
Well, basically I’m just someone who’s discovered that what lights me up is helping others see what lights them up — I live to see and celebrate the divine light in each of us.
I’ve been fortunate to have my Possibility Portraits featured in the #1 Spirituality bestseller, The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life by Joyce Schwarz, and also on national TV.
I’m also grateful to lead vision board workshops around the country, such as Vision-Powered Planning for Entrepreneurs and Treasure Mapping: Creating an Extraordinary Year — participants call these unique workshops “dynamite,” “wonderful,” and “tremendously beneficial.” (See more.)
My idealistic dream is that this work will help people see not only their own light — their own inner beauty and greatness and shared humanity — but also the light in others, at home, in our communities, and all over the world. If we all saw this consistently there would truly be peace on earth.
Before I began this work in 2004, I was a Cornell Ph.D. and an ethics textbook author, as well as a homeschooling mom and recognized authority on “unschooling.” I never imagined being either an artist or a workshop leader — much less one who helps people remember who they really are.
So what happened?
I had a transformative experience. During a powerful self-discovery course in New York, I went to see an exhibit of Byzantine art.
As I was marveling at an ancient icon, an idea struck me with the force of a revelation:
wouldn’t it be incredible to paint portraits of ordinary people in their holy aspects, icons for the 21st century that show who we truly have the capacity to be?
But — I hadn’t touched a paint brush in over 20 years…
(Like many people, I loved to draw and paint as a child, but decided as a teen that I couldn’t be an artist.
That’s me, age 7, drawing at school in Florence, Italy…)
I was on fire with my idea, however, so I rushed home, bought paints and supplies, and turned our bedroom into an art studio. (Fortunately my husband is a very supportive and flexible guy!)
And as I interviewed my first subject (thanks Sue!) and began painting the first “possibility portrait,” I discovered a delight and purposefulness I’d last remembered as young teen, counseling friends and drawing all over my schoolwork. So this is what I was meant to do! And Inner Vision Portraits was born.
I am so grateful to have found work that is both utterly fun and fulfilling for me, and also makes a unique contribution and lasting difference for others. Who could ask for more?
When I’m not working/playing, I enjoy my teenage daughters and husband (the novelist Brian Hall); teach “dance for the soul” as part of the Academy of Muses expressive dance collective; and savor the enriching community and beautiful landscapes of Ithaca, NY.
And there’s all the other good stuff, too: friends and family, writing, meditating, gardening, Landmark courses, reading, singing, biking, Kundalini yoga, cooking, hiking, playing the cello, Deep Talks, being silly…
I love to hear from people who share any of my interests.
Please click here to drop me a line.
