About

A decade ago, I could be found wearing the usual "outfit of the day" (black yoga pants and a messy ponytail) totally exhausted from giving massages for hours on end. Every day was a long day for me helping others feel better while I myself felt depleted. After work, I had to fight LA traffic to pick up my kids from preschool and elementary school. Once home, I hauled oily sheets, dirty towels, and grungy baseball uniforms down to the apartment laundry room, made dinner, and... rinse and repeat the next day. 

We lived in a cramped two-bedroom apartment. As a single mother with three children, my "bedroom" was the living room, so my kids could have their own bedrooms. I complained. A LOT. Especially about how tired and broke I was. And what did I manifest back then? A mailbox full of overdue bills with another exhausting work day ahead.

This was the story of my life circa 2012. I was running fast on a hamster wheel of survival mode, dealing with an early onset of menopause, a custody battle with my ex-husband, and high living expenses. This caused stress, insomnia, depression, and hopelessness.

Top: A bouquet from my local farmers' market. Left: me & my kids on vacation in Ojai, CA. Right: Me (center) with my Mama (right) & sister-in-law (left) celebrating my 52nd birthday in Carmel-by-the-Sea. 

So I decided to manifest my dream life instead of complaining about my current situation. I practiced affirmations, feeling grateful, and journaling as part of my morning routine. 

Many life-changing blessings followed. I developed a stronger sense of self, felt happier, and gained a greater sense of confidence. Our family moved out of the small apartment into a house with a rent-to-own agreement, courtesy of a client and friend who cared about us. What a wonderful change and blessing!

Years later, I acquired and sold the house, paid off my debts, and bought a bigger house in a beautiful area. Our new neighborhood is quiet with friendly neighbors, surrounded by trees and hiking trails, and crime is low to non-existent. Kids play in the street. Neighbors wave and say hello. I’m able to relax and be present, slow down and take self-care days. I have time for my kids and time to be creative and write or paint. I'm creating the life I’ve dreamed of. Joy and creativity is a priority in my life.

During the time we moved out of the apartment, I took a DNA test in order to be more proactive about my health. Unexpectedly, I learned I had been adopted as a baby back in 1970. I had no idea how my life would unfold in amazing ways from that point forward.

I met my biological dad and stepmom, and my sister and brother from my dad’s first marriage. On my 49th birthday, I met my biological mom. I also met my step dad and two brothers. Then I met my nieces and nephews, and got to know cousins, aunts, and uncles. 

Now my life has so much joy and flow. I’m living in my dream house! I enjoy cooking in my dream kitchen with my teenage daughters or eating lunch at one of my favorite vegan cafes with my grown-up son.

I go walking and hiking with friends, I’m writing my memoir in a plant-filled home office overlooking my garden.