“I have just returned from the longest and hardest trip I have ever made in the mountains, having been gone over five weeks. I am weary, but resting fast; sleepy, but sleeping deep and fast; hungry, but eating much. For two weeks I explored the glaciers of the summits east of here, sleeping among the snowy mountains without blankets and with but little to eat on account of its being so inaccessible. After my icy experiences it seems strange to be down here in so warm and flowery a climate.“ - John Muir

I love to go to the family cabin my grandparents built, in the New Mexico Rocky Mountains. And climbing mountains is such a metaphor for my work life too.

Although my music skills are a bit rusty, the “dueling pianos” at home remind me not only of my love of playing, but also of family that helped give me a passion for music. One piano was inherited from my grandmother on my husband’s side. The other was what I grew up playing music on. My mom would constantly bring me and my sisters to the piano to play and sing. And there was a plethora of other musical instruments. Growing up my cat would purr and sit on my lap as I practiced piano, but attack my feet when I played flute. And yet I persisted with band anyway - ha! Being a twirler in the marching band also helped.

"The garden reconciles human art and wild nature, hard work and deep pleasure, spiritual practice and the material world. It is a magical place because it is not divided." —Thomas Moore

You’ll find my windowsill full of plants and flowers. Friends and family have given them to me, and I’ve managed to keep them nurtured and alive through my busy schedule. They are a cheerful and joyful reminder of the great outdoors. My husband has taken over the garden at home for now. And he frequently reminds me to “stop and smell the roses”.

The last few years have had me sitting sedentary at a desk for long stretches. So I really shouldn’t call these hobbies quite yet. But I installed a yoga trapeze at home with the goal of getting back into rock climbing shape, since it was a favorite hobby of mine many years ago. It is important to have personal goals like this outside of work. And I’m still a work in progress.

I am a voracious reader. Although many times when work keeps busy, I end up reading smaller articles and newsletters. I do find time to read books on varying subjects to feed my business knowledge, scientific inquiry, dreams, vision, and spirit.

Check out my “bookshelf” for recommendations.

My husband gave me a love of movies, and can beat the best of them at movie trivia. And my parents, sister in law, and maternal grandmother gave me a love of games. Yahtzee anyone? Dominoes? Scrabble? Or let’s find a new game - especially those that do not involve a screen or computer. Game night - here we come!