Well, it’s kind of difficult to write only a few words about Helen, because there is just too much to say about this exotic bird. She is an artist, although it has taken some time to convince her of her talents, a mother, wife and a friend to many.

It seems that the thermometer in any space that Helen steps into goes up at least a few degrees. The men stumble all over themselves trying to get a bit closer to get a good gander at this almost six foot tall, ethereal creature. She is a beauty, no doubt, but it is the air of fun and energy that seems to blow into any room when she arrives, and believe me, she arrives, with masses of curly blonde hair, smiling blue eyes, and nonstop chatter, that can turn an otherwise bland evening into a party.

                                                   
Helen was one of the first people whom I met when I moved to San Antonio. We had both been in town for a month or so, neither of us knew anyone, so when we met at a get-together that turned out to be made up of mostly angry, anti-establishment new agers, you know, the type who think you need to shun all things fun and light in order to live a meaningful and spiritual life. The group didn’t know what to make of either of us…we were entirely too happy and soulful, so we spent the evening laughing our heads off at one end of the room while the others just watched in dismay. Needless to say, neither of us met up with this group again, but a fast sisterhood was forged between us. 

                                     
While being challenged over the past year, as many people have, to see adversity as part of the journey and a chance to test ourselves and grow, we had some interesting adventures, from producing a celebrity laden event in Los Angeles to smiling through blistering south Texas summer heat as we tested the waters in the farmers’ market and arts and crafts worlds (Helen being all about art and me, the foodie) and now we find ourselves and our families integrated into our lives in San Antonio.