Acknowledgments

First of all, my heartfelt thanks go to my husband, Steve, for believing. You sweetly tolerated my long hours at the computer and studio, faithfully guarded my quiet work time and never wavered in your confidence in me. Thank you to my cherished children, Jordan and Laura, for your constant encouragement. You both inspire me by example to escape the ordinary.

I want to thank my loyal circle of friends who guided me, supported me and cheered me on during the writing of this book. Thanks to each of you for understanding all the times when I couldn’t come out and play! I want to especially acknowledge my friend, Kelley Petkun, whose enthusiasm, creativity and wit helped me launch this project. A big hug and thank you to my dear friend, Andrea Baker, who always made time and always found the diamonds in the rough drafts. Special thanks to Rick Samco, who got me over my photography phobia. Much appreciation to Bob Cantor for answering my phone calls with burning questions, day and night. Lots of love to Bill Baker for nourishing my soul with the world's best barbecued chickens. And many thanks to Karin Harris, studio partner extraordinaire, for your dancing paint brush and spirit.

I want to thank the contributing artists, Jeanne Henry, Gary Hang Lee, Sue Greenbaum, Karin Harris, Ann Smith, Robert Cantor, Monica Wheeler and Laura Kanter for generously sharing your artistry and incredible ideas with me. My gratitude also goes to my CD buddies, Bob Dylan, Sade, the Grateful Dead, Miles Davis, J.S. Bach, Maurice Ravel, Paul Simon, Bob Marley and Josh Groban who provided musical companionship in the studio.

Many thanks, Rachel Rubin Wolf, for seeing the light of a book in my work, and helping me find the right focus and direction. And, finally, boundless gratitude to my wonderful editor, Jamie Markle, who gave me advice when I needed it, always trusted in me, and gently guided me through the process of creating this book. You unfailingly encouraged me to show my true colors and write the book within me. I could always count on your humor, patience, compassion and wise answers to a million questions. Thank you, Jamie!