My sister Barbara had the idea of doing a piece that would embody the word serenity. I like the idea of creating a form that is quiet and centered. She’s in a balletic pose. As a visual artist, I'm inspired to create by watching dance — in particular, contemporary dance and ballet. It’s a wonderful way to study the human form. Dance is sculpture in motion, the ultimate in expressive human gesture.


We moved to Germany, with the Army in 2009 when I was 7 months pregnant. I delivered my son on December 16, 2009. Four days after he was born he was in the hospital fighting, and he recovered. He came home and was with us for a month before passing unexpectedly in his sleep. I got so many gifts, flowers, and cards--but the most meaningful gifts I received were my Willow Trees. I received a Remembrance Keepsake Box, the Serenity Angel, and the Miss You figurine. I have collected these for a very long time, and I feel like they tell the story of my journey.