I am the author of the children's books, The Spring Pond Series. The setting for my books is Durward's Glen, a beautiful historical site located 30 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin. The founder of Durward's Glen was Bernard Durward, an immigrant from Scotland who was an artist, poet, and naturalist. Herman the Turtle is the central character of my books. I got the idea for my series while working as an outdoor tour guide there. I also was involved in saving the Glen by raising $360,000 in just a few months in 2011. The Wisconsin State Journal and other newspapers have covered my story several times in the past year. Presently, I am doing speaking engagements and book signings at schools,(mostly pre-school-4th grade,) libraries, and for many organizations. My books focus on the beauty and goodness of nature. They are calming, non-threatening, and deliver special messages for children. For example Book 1, A Sunny Day at Spring Pond is about the adjustment to change. It was picked up by the UW American Family Children's Hospital right away because it has to do with a change in environment. I read Book 2, A Snowy Day at Spring Pond to 500 kids at Random Lake Elementary School in Wisconsin before Christmas. Book 2 was chosen because it has to do with bullying, a very serious topic today. In September, I was invited to be a feature speaker at The Sterling North Book and Film Festival in Edgerton, Wisconsin. I have a power point presentation that is especially good for upper grades and adults as it discusses how the Spring Pond Series came about which is quite a unique story. All of my books have beautiful photography. This month I am releasing Book 6, "A Scorching Day at Spring Pond", and Book 7, "A Scary Day at Spring Pond." I am also the publisher and photographer of my books. My graphic designer is Chris Dreyer, an award winning illustrator from Portage, WI and my printer is Gene Hynek from Richland Center, WI. Before becoming an author, I was a social worker for twenty years working in hospice and human services.
