Growing up on a Kansas farm and being the youngest of 4 children was the adventure of a lifetime. My Mom allowed me to be creative and was always pushing me forward even in my mid 40s. I did not realize that she was even doing this until I sat down last year (2007)to write about leadership, my life and how I became the person I am today. She subtly nudged me to speak in front of over 100 people when I was four years old, among other confidence-building opportunities. The rest is history. I recently retired from a 21 nationally known not for profit organization and have 4 grown children of my own. They have made wise choices in their spouses and each have 2 amazing children of their own...yes my 8 grandchildren. My husband is my biggest supporter and I love him dearly. I am a positive and cheerful individual who is often misunderstood and who is easily distracted, perhaps a little ADHD?? I am a curious and zestful geographer by academic training, receiving my BS and MS in my 40s. I am a child of God and teach a Women of Faith Community Class at my church. I enjoy and thrive and am at my best when I can offer a word of encouragement to other women.