About me...

Born in Hertfordshire, I have lived in various towns and cities in the UK, eventually moving to Sheffield in 1990.  I love the city - it's very cosmopolitan and lively, but also has some wonderful parks and is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including the Peak District and the Pennines. It's the longest time that I've lived in one place, having moved around the country as a child and later with my 'ex'. This had some advantages as I got to know quite a few places in England and was able to visit numerous tourist attractions as a 'local'. The downside was that, although I made friends everywhere I lived, keeping in touch was always a problem and eventually most long-distance friendships became impossible to sustain.

Forever moving has also kindled something of a nomad spirit within me, a blessing and a problem combined as, although I became quite adaptable and not worried about having to up and leave, I often got restless when 'stuck' in one place for long! This, however, has mellowed in the last few years and I'm now happy to remain where I am. Perhaps a sign that Sheffield is my true heart-home. Although it's probably also due to the fact that I met my husband in the city - we went out with each other for over 13 years before getting married on August 15th, 2005 (see some of our wedding photos here).

Soon after moving to the city I began work at Sheffield Hallam University as a clerical assistant. I enjoyed the job and the contact with students, but I was forced to retire due to ill health in March, 1997 with what was later diagnosed as fibromyalgia .

Writing has always been my love - even as a child, I used to write reams. I've had a handful of poems published in the small press as well as articles on computing, Play-by-Mail and local history in various magazines & fanzines. I also used to run my own hand moderated PBM game, " Arcania " under the auspices of Marlin Games . Unfortunately, I didn't earn enough to make a living from it.

In June 2000 I completed a part-time creative writing course at the University of Sheffield. I also studied (again part-time, but mostly at home) for a degree in social sciences and history with the Open University graduating at the end of 1999.  I found that the Open University materials/ tutorials/ day&summer schools were excellent, and highly recommend them to anyone considering studying for a degree or postgraduate qualification in their 'spare time'.

Another love is art. Again I used to sketch and paint frequently as a child, and whilst living in Hampstead (ages 10 - 14) I often used to go to local art museums, Kenwood House and, in the summer, the open air art market (a small mention is made here - I don't know the owner of the site, but he obviously lived there at a similar time to me, when Hampstead was still a relatively ordinary community). Over the years I've learned various techniques, painted oils and watercolours for pleasure and small local exhibitions, produced pen and ink drawings that I've sold at craft fairs and generally 'dabbled'.  Sadly, the fibromyalgia has had an effect on my hands, and I was finding it more difficult to produce art that I was happy with. However, in January 2005 I discovered Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) - small works of art measuring only 2.5" by 3.5". I was soon hooked, and have since explored collage and other forms of altered art (see my art page to see some of my work).

The gift of a digital camera from my husband for Xmas 2004 allowed me to explore my love of photography without having to pay a fortune on prints! With the help of Paint Shop Pro, I often use my photographs in my art, and enjoy manipulating the images, often combining several to produce a final picture. To see some of my photographs of Sheffield, please visit my page on Webshots.  But don't forget to return to my site so that you can see the rest! Thanks.

• writing
• art
• photography
  
• reading (especially fantasy)
• history, anthropology & archaeology
• maps
• watching films, pool and snooker
• dragons and teddy bears