Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.

It's when I let myself get little that I tumble head over heels into joy.

I try to create paintings that are a window for the imagination. If people look at my work and are reminded of the way things once were, or perhaps, the way they could be, then I've done my job.

The more you give yourself to others, the more joy and peace will flow into your own life.

Quiet time and solitude are vital to helping me keep perspective. I consider myself fortunate to have so much quiet built into my profession. I spend long hours by myself at my easel. And while I work, I think-of the future, of my loved ones, of God's goodness and the many exciting opportunities that surround me. I ponder the challenges I face, the needs of others, the direction my life is going.

We all have romantic nature of one kind or another buried somewhere in our hearts.

Surround yourself with the kinds of input that are uplifting, that expand your mind and settle your spirit.