Who is your soul mate?
My wonderful husband, Paul. We met 10 years before we started dating “for real.” The first time, we went out on a few dates that didn’t go anywhere and went our separate ways. Our paths crossed ten years later, which led to a renewed friendship. After a year of hanging out at church and on hiking trails, we realized we were more than just friends. Paul and I were married in the summer of 2015 in Fulton, Missouri, in his family’s ancestral church.
Paul is my biggest cheerleader and greatest support. He makes me laugh, has a heart of gold, and always believes in me, even when I don’t.
What are your favorite memories?
I grew up in the country in Michigan, surrounded by lakes and dirt roads and willow trees. I remember riding my bike down dusty lanes and swimming under the summer sun. The sounds of June bugs and the smell of a wood burning fire always brings me back to those pure, childhood days. I live in the city now, but escaping to the country feels like coming home.
Favorite sports team?
The St. Louis Cardinals.
Favorite places to visit?
My grandparent’s farm (read more about The Place I Call Home), and any place with old architecture or trees, lakes, and mountains!
Hobbies?
Hiking and camping. Reading biographies, history, and classic novels (Jane Austen is my girl). Road trips and traveling. Eating good food, especially if I don’t have to cook it!
Favorite travel destination?
Paris is my happy place. The art, architecture, history, food, parks, and lifestyle speak to me in a way no other city has.
Introvert or extrovert?
Introvert, although you would never know it when you first meet me. I am outgoing, but I definitely re-charge when I am alone. I prefer deep conversations over small talk and time in the woods or at home over going out.
Morning person or night owl?
Former night owl, now a converted morning person. As it turns out, my grandparents knew what they were doing when they woke before everyone else, drank coffee on the porch, listened to the early morning bird songs, and enjoyed the peaceful calm of the dawning day.
Do you have pets?
Yes, we adopted our lovable lab mix Ronan when he was a 4 month old puppy, and our playful kitten Mia when she was 2 months old.
What would you save in the event of a fire?
My husband and pets, of course. Photos of my family. My medium format film camera. And my favorite pair of jeans (when you are 5 ft, 1 in tall, it’s REALLY hard to find the perfect pair of jeans!)
Lessons learned?
Don’t waste time in a career that doesn’t fulfill you. Don’t doubt yourself – you can do more than you think. Don’t give up without first giving it all you have. The fear of taking risks is not as bad as the regret that you didn’t.
