I was born in a small town in Sunnyside, Washington. My parents migrated from Texas and made their permanent home in Washington state. I grew up in a large family of six and was raised with a strong religious foundation. My parents instilled in us the importance of forgiveness and the power of prayer. We didn't have much growing up; however, we made do with what the Good Lord provided.

Because money was scarce, all the family contributed to the household budget by working in agriculture with local farmers. The seasons started when it was time to harvest asparagus in the early spring and ended in the fall when it was time to harvest locally grown grapes. I still love the fresh smell of concord grapes! Onions were my favorite crop to pick. All the local farmworkers banned together to harvest onions for winter storage.

Although material possessions were minimal and luxury goods were rare, my parents gave us essential spiritual resources to make good life choices and maintain close family ties in Mexican culture and lifestyle. We always had a family Bible for reading and meditation, and we attended church often when not laboring in the fields.

Have you heard the story about the coal miner's daughter? Well, I was the daughter of a poor farmworker. Both stories have happy endings!

I currently live in Washington state where I raised my 2 children and developed a career in the medical field as an authorization specialist for a local hospital network. I retired in 2021 giving me extra time to pursue my passion for painting and creating beautiful pieces of art. I enjoy working with my hands by spending time in my garden. My dog, Oliver, keeps me company in my painting endeavors.

I love living in Washington state because it provides a beautiful backdrop for my artistic masterpieces.